Periodontal Disease
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal treatment is necessary when various conditions affect the health of your gums and the regions of your jaw bone that hold your teeth in place. Retaining your teeth is directly dependent on proper periodontal care and maintenance. Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth, like a frame around a beautiful painting. When your gums become unhealthy, they can either recede or become swollen and red. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth will shift, loosen, or fall out. These changes not only affect your ability to chew and speak. They also spoil your smile.
Periodontal diseases are ongoing infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Periodontal disease affects one or more of the periodontal tissues: alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum, or gingiva. While there are many diseases which affect the tooth-supporting structures, plaque-induced inflammatory lesions make up the majority of periodontal issues, and are divided into two categories: gingivitis and periodontitis. While gingivitis, the less serious of the diseases, may never progress into periodontitis, it always precedes periodontitis.
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Periodontal disease can ruin your gums and smile. Contact us today to schedule an exam and professional teeth cleaning!
Gingivitis
Dental plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis in genetically-susceptible individuals. Plaque is a sticky colorless film, composed primarily of food particles and various types of bacteria, which adhere to your teeth at and below the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth, even minutes after cleaning. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. Gums may become inflamed, red, swollen, and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth causing pockets (spaces) to form. If daily brushing and flossing is neglected, plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This can occur both above and below the gum line.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorates. The progressive loss of this bone, the alveolar, can lead to loosening and subsequent loss of teeth. Periodontitis is affected by bacteria that adhere to the tooth’s surface, along with an overly aggressive immune response to these bacteria.
Periodontal disease is dangerous in that it is often painless and symptomless. Eighty percent 80% of Americans will be afflicted with periodontal disease by age 45, and 4 out of 5 patients with the disease are unaware they have it. It is important to maintain proper home oral care and regular dentist visits to reduce the risk of obtaining this disease.
The Woodlands Prosthodontics
Patient Review by Karen H
I had teeth straightening, cleaning, whitening and I am very pleased with the results. Thank you Dr Latteh!
- Karen H
Patient Review by Richard H
I have had several procedures, an implant, extraction and dentures. I am very pleased with the care, attention, and excellent dental care from Dr Latteh.
- Richard H
Patient Review by Gorden G
I had lost a filling and contacted the office. Dottie was so nice and understanding and was able to get me an appointment in the same week!!
- Gorden G
Patient Review by Marjory B
I had bad experiences with Dentists in the past. When I called and spoke with Dottie, I knew that I had found the perfect Dentist because she really cared and assured me that Dr. Latthe was awesome. Upon meeting Dr. Latthe and seeing the amazing work he did gave me my smile back. He truly cares about his patients and does beautiful work!
- Marjory B
Patient Review by Dena R
I have had a great ongoing experience with Dr Latthe, Dottie and the rest of the team. I moved from out of state and arrived at their office with complications. I was carefully walked through my options and answered all of my questions, so I was confident in the treatment plan. As I shared, I had a complication and Dr Latthe referred me to another dentist that could handle a different issue. But they didn’t stop there, they not only called the new office, helped me set the appt and sent my insurance paperwork so it was a seamless and easy thing for me. I have been working with this team the last couple of months, and every appointment is the same, everyone in the office is kind, I feel good about what we are doing and I am confident in the services provided. And perhaps you will be lucky enough to meet the cutest puppers, Chloe, who I would suggest be the office mascot Don’t hesitate, you will be in good hands.
- Dena R
Patient Review by Christina F
I can honestly say that this has been the best dental experience of my life and there have been many. Dr. Latthe and Dottie made a very traumatic experience for me more comfortable and easy. The patience and care exhibited during the procedure and after was simply amazing and the results were remarkable. I literally cried when I looked in the mirror for the first time, tears of joy. I want to personally thank both of these wonderful people for changing my life.
- Christina F
Patient Review by Julia P
Going to the dentist is never fun but coming here, I actually look forward to my appointments! Dr. Latthe is an amazing and kind dentist, Alma & Dottie are downright fabulous! I appreciate Dr. Latthe and his staff, as they have not only shown outstanding professionalism but more empathy and compassion than I’ve ever experienced anywhere else. I highly recommend coming here!
- Julia P
Patient Review by sheila 0
Wish we had found this group sooner
- sheila 0
Patient Review by Melanie B
Of course i was afraid of the dentist. Dr.V talk me through the whole process.He asked me questions to made sure that I was comfortable with step that he tooth while extracting a tooth that was barely there. Needless to say,but I am no longer afraid to go to the dentist. Thank you so very much Dr. Vaibhav Latthe for taking my pain away and making me so very comfortable. Your bed side manner is truly reassuring for scary cats like me.I would recommend you again and again,You're the BEST!Great Job. Sincerely Melanie Bell
- Melanie B
Patient Review by David R
It has been a long process. Everyone always had their smile on. Very easy to work with.
- David R
Patient Review by Debra N
Couldn't be happier with the customer service and care this office provides to me and my family!
- Debra N
Patient Review by Jen R
Jennifer R. Jennifer R. The Woodlands, TX 9 friends 9 reviews 2 photos Share review Embed review Compliment Send message Follow Jennifer R. 5.0 star rating 4/5/2019 First to Review I can't say enough great things about Doc, Alma and Dottie! Always personable, caring and they make going to the dentist a fun trip! I look forward to seeing all 3 of them honestly! Moving here from the MW I was worried about finding a dentist. I have been able to not only find a dentist, I have gotten Invisalign, teeth whitening and fixing my front teeth from grinding them.
- Jen R
Patient Review by Rebecca G
I can not explain the exceptional care and outcome that I experienced. Dr. Lathe and his staff are above and beyond wonderful.
- Rebecca G
Patient Review by Joy J
Dr. Lathe is the best! I would highly recommend him. Staff is wonderful too!!
- Joy J
Patient Review by Jennifer R
I can’t say enough great things about Doc, Alma and Dottie! Always personable, caring and they make going to the dentist a fun trip! I look forward to seeing all 3 of them honestly 🙂
- Jennifer R
Patient Review by Joy J
Love Dr. Latthe! Professional, caring and attentive staff. I would highly recommend Dr. Latthe! I had my dentures done and have had so many compliments on how real they look! They were done so well, I haven't had any adjustments done yet and it has been over a year!
- Joy J
Patient Review by Gopal M
I got a night guard also sometime back for my snoring problem and it is the best ever. I have had a very good experience always and am glad we have such a young and excellent doctor with good staff to serve the woodlands community
- Gopal M
Patient Review by Dianna L
Excellent
- Dianna L
Patient Review by Edna S
Everyone was so nice & friendly. Best of care ever
- Edna S
Patient Review by Ray R
We are moving out of the area. But we will gladly make the almost 2 hour drive back to this office for our family's continued care. Dr. Latthe will be our doctor for as long as he's in business.
- Ray R