Periodontic Dentistry
Periodontics is a dental specialty that involves the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues.
Gum Disease & Periodontics
WHAT IS GUM DISEASE?
Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums and tissues that support your teeth. It is caused most often by the build-up of plaque (a sticky form of bacteria that forms on the teeth) and tartar. If the plaque is not removed (by flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups), it will continue to build up and create toxins that can damage the gums. Other contributors to this disease include medical issues such as diabetes and consuming too much sugary food or drinks.
Gum disease is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults, and because it is virtually pain free, many patients do not know they have the disease. During each regular checkup, your dentist will check for signs of periodontal disease by measuring the space between your teeth and gums.
There are two major stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis affects only the gums. It is a mild form of periodontal disease, and if properly treated may be reversed. Left untreated, gingivitis turns into periodontitis. During this more destructive disease stage, bacteria penetrate into the deeper pockets of tissue where bone and membrane support your teeth. periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and serious health problems.
It is possible to have periodontal disease and not know it because its symptoms are often painless. The best way to avoid or manage periodontal disease is by having good oral hygiene, and seeing your dentist for your routine dental checkups.
People At-Risk
- Smoking or using chewing tobacco
- Diabetes
- Certain types of medication such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives
- Bridges that no longer fit properly
- Crooked teeth
- Old fillings
- Pregnancy
- Have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis
- Have a family member diagnosed with periodontal disease
Warning Signs
Periodontal disease is considered "silent" because pain does not always accompany its warning signs. See your Dentist if you experience:
While it is possible to have periodontal disease and not know it, some symptoms can include:
- Gums that bleed easily while brushing teeth, using dental floss, or biting into hard food (like an apple)
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
Periodontal Treatments
There are many patient-specific variables involved with treating periodontal disease. Much depends upon the stage of infection and the amount of deterioration involving your gums, teeth, supporting tissues, and bone.
After reviewing your x-rays and performing a thorough periodontal exam, your Periodontist will discuss non-surgical or surgical treatment options to you, answer your questions, and explain what to expect:
- During and after the procedure(s)
- The number of office visits required for treatment
- What to do at home as your gums heal
- How to keep periodontal disease under control after treatment is complete
Non-Surgical
The most well known type of non-surgical treatment is scaling and root planing. This under-the-gum procedure involves a careful removal of plaque and tarter from the tooth roots. During this procedure your roots are smoothed to expose and remove harmful bacteria. Root smoothing along with the practice of good oral hygiene can help prevent plaque from accumulating again.
Surgical
Periodontal surgery may be needed to eliminate bone infections or to regenerate lost bone. The most common surgical treatments include:
Pocket Reduction
During this procedure, a local anesthetic is applied The gum tissue is folded back to expose deeper tissues. Then, harmful bacteria are removed. Irregular surfaces of the damaged bone may need to be smoothed to expose otherwise hidden areas of bacteria before it is removed. Gum tissue is then closed and sutured in place.
Bone regeneration
During this procedure, a local anesthetic is applied. gum tissue is folded back to expose deeper tissues. Then disease-causing bacteria are removed. Membranes, bone grafts, or tissue-stimulating proteins are used to encourage your body's natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue and reverse some of the damage of periodontal disease.
Excess gum and bone tissues are then reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to one tooth to even out the gumline, or to several teeth to expose a natural, broad smile. Gum tissue is then closed and sutured in place.
Preventing Gum Disease
Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are important for maintaining your health and the health of your smile. You don't have to lose teeth to periodontal disease, and by practicing good oral hygiene at home, you can significantly reduce your chances of ever getting gum disease. Remember to brush regularly, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, change your brush every 3 months and schedule regular dental visits to help keep your smile healthy.