|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
PERIODONTAL
(GUM) TREATMENT
|
|
|
The
early detection and prevention of gum disease is important not only to the
health and retention of your teeth, but overall health as well. Gum
disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the
teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. In fact, after age 35,
about three out of four adults are affected by some form of gum disease.
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly
forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums.
In the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums can become
red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still
reversible and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
Because gum disease is usually painless, however, you may not know you
have it. In the more advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis,
the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged. The
teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.
While there are many forms of gingival and periodontal diseases, the most
common types are gingivitis and adult periodontitis:
Gingivitis is the earliest stage, and affects only the gum tissue.
At this stage, the disease is still reversible.
Periodontitis is the more advanced stage of periodontal diseases.
The gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged.
Teeth can become loose and fall out - or may have to be removed. At this
stage, the disease may require more complex treatment to prevent tooth
loss. Usually, however, there are no painful symptoms of periodontal
disease until it is at a severe stage, so often it goes untreated.
Here is a step-by-step illustration of the progress of gingivitis and
periodontitis:
|
|
|
|
Healthy
Gums:
Healthy gingiva (gum tissue) and bone anchor the teeth firmly
in place
|
|
Gingivitis:
Gingivitis develops as toxins in plaque irritate the gums,
making them red, tender, swollen and likely to bleed easily.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peroidontitis:
Periodontitis
occurs when toxins destroy the tissues that anchor the teeth in the bone.
Gums become detached from the teeth and the bone resorbs, forming pockets
that fill with more plaque. Tooth roots are exposed to plaque and become
susceptible to decay and sensitive to cold and touch.
|
|
Advanced
Periodontitis :
Advanced
periodontitis is present when the teeth lose more attachment because the
supporting bone is destroyed. Unless treated, the affected teeth
frequently becomes loose, may fall out or require removal by a dentist.
|
|
|
|
Diagnosing
Periodontal Diseases
|
|
|
With
regular visits, the dentists can detect developing periodontal diseases
early, before the gums and the bone around your teeth are irreversibly
damaged. So don't wait till it hurts! During checkups, one of our dentists
will examine your gums for periodontal problems. An instrument called a
periodontal probe will be used to determine if there is any breakdown in the
gum tissue attachment or development of pockets between your gums and teeth.
|
Periodontal
Probe
|
|
|
Treating
Forms of Periodontitis
|
|
|
The
method and cost of treatment of periodontal diseases depends upon the type
of disease and how far the condition has progressed.
|
|
|
Subgingival Scaling
|
Root Planing
|
|
|
The
first step in periodontal therapy is usually a thorough cleaning which may
include scaling and root planing to remove plaque and calculus deposits
beneath the gumline. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) also may require
adjustment. This is followed by regular intervals of periodontal
maintenance.
|
|
|
|
|
