Periodontics (treatment of gum disease)
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontitis is inflammation of the periodontium, i.e. the
tissue holding the tooth. If left untreated it can lead to tooth
loss and bad breath. It is a major cause of tooth loss in
adults.
Bacteria contained in the plaque on the surface of the tooth
causes an inflammation of the gums and if left untreated affects
the gums, bones and other supporting tissues of the teeth. It leads
to a pocket forming between the root of the tooth and the gum where
bacteria can easily proliferate and calculus develop. Although most
individuals suffer gum inflammation from time to time, 10% of the
population appear to suffer from more severe forms of gum
disease.
What causes Periodontitis?
Three major factors are thought to be responsible for
periodontal disease, and inadequate oral hygiene is a contributing
factor. Family history, stress and smoking are all important risk
factors. Certain general diseases such as diabetes may also
increase susceptibility.
How do I know if I have the disease?
The signs and symptoms of periodontal disease are extremely
variable but can include reddening and swelling of the gums, gums
that bleed on brushing together with signs of loose teeth, a bad
taste in the mouth and bad breath. However, because pain is rarely
a symptom until the disease is at an advanced stage, it is possible
to be unaware of the signs.
Treatment of Periodontal disease:
How is Periodontal Disease Treated?
Periodontitis can only be treated by your dentist and hygienist.
Because of differences in the severity of the disease only he/she
can decide what treatment is needed. Since dental plaque is the
principal cause of gum disease treatment is focused on plaque
control. This is achieved through improved oral hygiene and the
cleaning of the teeth and their roots to remove plaque and tartar
from under the gums. The final objective of any treatment is to
clean the gum pocket. Sometimes, to reduce sensitivity and
discomfort during treatment, a local anaesthetic may be
required.
If you are a smoker please ask for help and advice as smoking
cessation is also an important part of successful treatment.
Treatment of periodontitis is usually divided into three phases
as follows:-
Treatment to Stabilise Your Gum Condition:
At your Initial Consultation we will help you develop the skills
required to routinely clean plaque from above the gum level and
around all the teeth. Calculus, or tartar, must be professionally
removed by a dentists or hygienist. During this treatment phase we
record how well you are removing plaque from your teeth. The
benefits will include fresher breath, with firmer gums and less
mobile teeth.
After an interval of several weeks of healing we assess the
response of your gums. This Reassessment Appointment is extremely
important as it is then that we can determine how successful our
therapy has been and whether further treatment will be required. If
this proves to be the case we will explain to you, at this
appointment, what is involved and why. We can follow this with a
full written treatment plan and an estimate of cost.
Treatment to Correct the Effects of Gum Disease:
Where gum pockets are deep, above 5-6 mm, periodontal (or gum)
surgery may be required . This is often the case around the molar
(back) teeth, but is not limited to these areas. We always
endeavour to avoid the need for surgery, but whether or not we
achieve this is dependant upon the success of the Initial Phase -
and especially your own personal success with your oral hygiene. It
is in your own interest to maintain a good level of oral hygiene so
that we can be sure to give any necessary surgery all possible
chances of success.
Sometimes it is possible to to regenerate some of the lost gum
and bone around the teeth through a small surgical procedure. If
this would be of value to you is determined at the Reassessment
Appointment. Understandably, many patients are apprehensive about
surgery in the mouth. However, gum surgery is a straightforward
procedure and is not as drastic as it can at first appear.
After periodontal surgery initial healing is quite rapid (within
a week). However, if you require further treatment - from your own
dentist for example - it is important to wait about three months in
order to allow the treated gums sufficient opportunity to
mature.
Prevention and Maintenance Phase:
After your active treatment has been successfully completed it
will be necessary for you to see the dental hygienist regularly
(either at 33 Beaumont Street, or if you prefer, at you own surgery
if you were referred by them). Research has shown that the ideal
interval is one appointment every three months for the first year.
Provided you maintain good oral hygiene this interval can then be
extended to every six months. Sometimes re-treatment of a resistant
area is required. Your hygienist will keep the progress of your gum
disease under close review.
What we have provided here is by no means a complete explanation
of all aspects of treatment. Our periodontal team will keep you
up-to-date at all stages of your treatment and explore all
treatment options available to you.
Cosmetic Periodontal Treatments
Patients do sometimes have cosmetic concerns relating to their
gums. For example, gums may be too thick or too short. These can be
corrected by a number of specialised surgical techniques.
Successful treatments include silicone gum mask or veneer to hide
any unsightly gum recession or gaps between teeth. For more
information about this treatment please e-mail our specialist
Dr Clifford Nissen.
Useful links: