Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth and the diseases and conditions that affect them.
Please note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. We always discuss these with you before conducting any procedures.
Healthy Gums
At Vincentia Dental Care we understand the importance of healthy gums. Along with white teeth, pink and healthy gums are an integral part of a beautiful smile.
What is a periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is the inflammation and infection of the gums.
It is caused by plaque - a thick sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth. Plaque can harden to become calculus.
Plaque and calculus are formed because of poor oral hygiene on teeth that haven’t been cleaned thoroughly or often enough.
Gingivitis is the first sign of gum inflammation. It is a common and mild form of gum disease and causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of your gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. Gingivitis is successfully treated when the plaque is removed, followed by thorough daily brushing and flossing.
Untreated gingivitis can progress to gum disease that spreads to underlying tissue and bone. This is called Periodontitis and is a much more serious condition that can lead to tooth loss.
Signs of periodontal disease
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Red, swollen, tender, painful or bleeding gums
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Receding gums
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Persistent bad breathe
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A bad taste in the mouth
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Abscesses between teeth and the gums
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Loose teeth, drifting apart from each other
It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important.
Treatment
The treatment of periodontitis starts with scaling and root planing. This is the removal of plaque and calculus above and under the gums and smoothing the surface of the root to minimise the adherence of plaque to its surface. This is done after a local anaesthetic is applied.
Treating an inflamed gum sometimes requires more than a deep scale and a clean. There may be a need for open flap surgery to clean the root surfaces and to properly shape the alveolar bone margins. This eliminates deep unhealthy periodontal pockets and makes it possible to efficiently apply oral hygiene to the affected sites.
Links to Other Health Conditions
While a link is not conclusive, some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other systemic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or stroke.
Gum Aesthetics
Periodontics also deals with gum aesthetics, which complements the beautiful teeth alignment of a perfect smile. It can involve:
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gum and bone grafts to restore receded gums and to recover the resorbed bone around the affected teeth
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crown lengthening surgeries to maintain the right tooth/gum proportion of a gummy smile
image courtesy Dr K Kourshounian
Precautions
To keep periodontal disease under control ensure:
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Excellent oral hygiene. Along with brushing, use dental floss, toothpicks, interdental brushes or Waterpik to clean in between the teeth
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Plaque and calculus on the teeth roots are routinely removed initially every 3 months
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Enlarged gum pockets around the teeth are regularly treated
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