Treatment of periodontal diseases
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease (gingivitis), refers to inflammation and infection of the tissues that support the teeth. Poor oral hygiene can result in gum disease. But some people are more prone to this condition than others, even with proper brushing and flossing.
Two of the most common types of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.
GINGIVITIS
The mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis, an inflammatory condition where the gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily. Gingivitis is a reversible condition. However, if left untreated, it can lead to a gum disease called periodontitis.
PERIODONTOPATHY
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that leads to mild, moderate, or severe destruction of the supporting tissues around the teeth. The main feature of periodontitis is the loss of bone around the teeth. Periodontitis cannot be reversed, but it can be slowed and controlled with professional treatment. Periodontitis and tooth decay (tooth decay) are the two leading causes of tooth loss.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
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Symptoms of periodontal disease may include:
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Red, swollen or sensitive gums.
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Bleeding gums.
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Gums that have receded or fallen away from the teeth.
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Loose or sensitive teeth.
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Painful chewing.
Causes of the disease
Our mouths are home to a large number of bacteria. Bacteria in the mouth constantly create and live in a sticky, removable film on the surfaces of teeth called plaque .
If plaque is allowed to build up on the teeth, which is most often caused by improper brushing, it can lead to inflammation around the teeth and result in gingivitis. Plaque can be removed regularly by brushing and flossing. If it is not removed, it will usually harden into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing. It requires professional treatment by a dentist to remove it.
Bacteria in the plaque can spread below the gum line and lead to the formation of a periodontal “ pocket .” This pocket is an abnormal deepening of the space between the tooth surfaces and gum tissue. The bacteria can release toxins into the pocket that worsen the inflammation.
As this process continues, it contributes to the destruction of gum tissue and loss of bone around the teeth, which is the main feature of periodontitis.
Prevention
Gingivitis can be largely prevented and treated with a combination of self-care and professional cleaning.
To help prevent or manage gum disease, it is important to:
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Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and debris.
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Regular visits to the dentist and professional cleaning to remove tartar.
Go for a dental check-up at least once a year, or if you have frequent bleeding gums, twice a year.
What is the treatment for periodontal disease?
Teeth cleaning and improved oral hygiene
People who have very early periodontal disease (gingivitis) can improve their condition with routine dental cleanings and improved oral hygiene. Because there is no bone loss yet, this conservative approach removes harmful bacteria in the mouth before the disease has a chance to progress. Proper oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth two to three times a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Professional teeth cleaning and root canal treatment
Using the modern equipment available in our office, the dentist cleans deeper below the gums, removing plaque and bacteria where your toothbrush and floss cannot reach. During this procedure, the dentist cleans (removes) plaque from the teeth, then smoothes (levels) the root surfaces to prevent bacteria from reattaching.
Processing and cleaning of periodontal pockets
Most often, patients who already have deep periodontal pockets are unable to remove the plaque that remains in them, which causes them to become inflamed and painful. Therefore, it is necessary for the dentist to treat the inflamed palate and clean the subgingival calculi that have accumulated.
Antibiotic therapy
It is recommended for patients with advanced stage of periodontitis, where bacteria are found in the bone, so systemic removal of the bacteria is necessary.