Can bone loss be stopped after Periodontal disease has started.?

Question

I read up on Periodontitis w/ Wikipedia. Once significant bone loss has already happened, can a dentist save a person teeth. I mean some bone loss over decades is normal right? If the person already lost a large amount due to disease, then is it not inevitable the teeth be lost after many yrs because not enough bone will be left to support the teeth?

I mean if some bone loss is natural over long periods of time, then somone who already has bone loss to begin w/ because of other factors destined to loose their teeth.

Answer 1

Hi,
I have been in the dental field for about 18 years. 6 of those years I have been a periodontal surgical assistant/head assistant/back office manager. Yes, bone loss can be slowed down, almost to the point of stopping it. Of course with age, there is some bone loss. With modern medicine today, NO ONE HAS TO LOSE THEIR TEETH ANYMORE!!! If you were just told you had periodontal disease, you will need to have four quads of deep cleaning. (with shots) Then possibly put on oral medicine, then maybe surgery. The best way to try to save your teeth is to do everything your Periodontist tells you to do and have your teeth cleaned every 3-4 months and brush 2-3 times a day and floss every day!!!! Floss everyday!!!! Make sure whenever you go in for your cleanings....your hygienist does a full mouth, I mean a full mouth probing. (take gum readings on every tooth, six readings per tooth) l would also suggest to always have your cleanings in your periodontist office, no matter what anyone else says. I hope this helps you and good luck.
PS. SEARCH AND READ UP ON PERIODONTAL DISEASE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.
gumhelper

Answer 2

It is not uncommon to be in your 30's and have the type of gum disease that you have, which is more advanced than gingivitis. With pockets of 5 -m 6 mm you have a moderate case of periodontitis. If you have been seeing your dentist for deep cleanings for a while and there has been no improvement, then perhaps you need a different treatment than "deep cleanings". Perhaps you should see a periodontitist for a second opinion so that your pockets become 2-3 mm and you just need regular cleanings every 6 months. Good luck.

Answer 3

I totally agree with gumhelper.
I had gum disease and had bone loss.
I had a regular cleaning, then the deep cleaning, was on meds, and prescription moutwash too. I still had three deep pockets after months of this treatment.
I was sent to a periodontist who did a series of xrays that showed my bone loss.
He recommended bone grafts, which I had the next week.
I had that in early Feb. and the stitches out two weeks later. A follow-up exam 3 months later showed all my pockets were healed and reading were 2-3 in all areas of my gums.
He recommended I have my teeth cleaned every 3 months and I am more than willing to do, so they can catch any new problems that might occur.
My regular hygienist suggested I purchase a Sonicare toothbrush and I feel that has helped. I floss a couple or three times per day.
I did everything my dentist, hygienist and periodontist told me to do and now I will be able to keep my teeth.
I think with proper treatment you can save your teeth!