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Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is caused by PLAQUE. Plaque is a collection of germs (bacteria), which grows around teeth. This collection of germs release toxins that lead to inflammation of the gums. Plaque then burrows underneath the gums and creates a space between the teeth and gums. This space is called a POCKET. Once the plaque is inside the pocket it causes further inflammation. This inflammation leads to gradual bone loss around the teeth. The bone loss is IRREVERSIBLE and can lead to eventual tooth loss. This process is known as PERIODONTITIS.
 

What other factors might contribute to periodontal disease?
Although PLAQUE is the primary cause of periodontal disease, other factors affect the health of your gums including:

Tobacco smoking: smoking plays a very important
part in the progression of periodontitis. Also, healing following treatment may take more time.
Family history/genetic susceptibility: certain periodontal diseases can be aggressive and there is sometimes a family history.
Diabetes: periodontal disease is often more severe
in uncontrolled diabetics.
Stress: stress influences the rate at which periodontitis progresses.
Others: pregnancy, puberty and some medications

What are the signs of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease usually progresses with few obvious signs and symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms of periodontal diseases:

Bleeding gums during brushing
Red, swollen or tender gums
Loose and mobile teeth (Pockets)
Persistent bad breath
Bad taste
Sensitivity
Recession (gums skrinkage)
A change in the way teeth fit together when you bite
Teeth drifting apart
Poor aesthetics
Food traps
Pain and abscess
Early loss of teeth.
 

What can be done?

The goal of periodontal treatment is to control any infection that exists and to halt progression of the disease. Treatment options involve home care that includes healthy eating and proper brushing and flossing, non-surgical therapy that controls the growth of harmful bacteria and, in more advanced cases of disease, surgery to restore supportive tissues.
Although brushing and flossing are equally important, brushing eliminates only the plaque from the surfaces of the teeth that the brush can reach. Flossing, on the other hand, removes plaque from in between the teeth and under the gumline. Both should be used as part of a regular at-home, self-care treatment plan.
During treatment your dentist will remove the plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline of all your teeth.

Your dentist may also recommend that you use a special toothpaste, gels and mouth rinse that is FDA-approved for fighting gingivitis.
In addition to containing fluoride to fight cavities these also contains triclosan, a mild antimicrobial that has been clinically proven to reduce plaque and gingivitis if used regularly.
If your dentist determines that you have some bone loss or that the gums have receded from the teeth, the standard treatment is an intensive deep-cleaning, non-surgical method called scaling and root planing. Scaling scrapes the plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. Root planing smoothes rough spots on the tooth root where germs collect and helps remove bacteria that can contribute to the disease. This smooth, clean surface helps allow the gums to reattach to the teeth.

With Periodontal procedures the time spent, the degree of discomfort, and healing times vary. All depend on the type and extent of the procedure and the person's overall health. Local anesthesia to numb the treatment area usually is given before some treatments.
 

Periodontal membranes, along with bone-filling material, are other types of technology used in treatment of the condition to help repair damage resulting from periodontal disease. A lot will depend on you.

 

 

Why is a referral necessary?
Your general dentist may give you advice and simple periodontal treatment. If your periodontal disease is advanced or complicated your dentist can refer you to a periodontist.
A periodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants.
During the periodontal examination your periodontist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums and take radiographs(x-rays) and photographs of your teeth to check the status of your gums and teeth. A report will be forwarded to your dentist and you will receive a copy of the report.