PERIODONTAL TREATMENT
Periodontal Treatment is offered in the event of continued swelling, soreness or infection of the gums and tissues supporting your teeth. The two main types of gum disease are Gingivitis and Periodontitis.
Gingivitis means inflamation of the gums, meaning the gums around certain teeth are very red and swollen. Often these areas then bleed when being brushed, as well as when eating. This can cause a bad taste in your mouth, and potentially bad breath too. If left untreated, Gingivitis can develop in to periodontitis.
Periodontal diseases lead to bacterial growth below the visible ‘edge’ of the gum, down into the root surfaces. Here, the gums detach from the from the tooth, forming ‘pockets’. Naturally, the body’s immune system then fights this bacteria. This reaction between the two can then lead to a breakdown of the bone and connective tissues that hold teeth in place. If left untreated, this can lead to the destruction of the surrounding bone, gums, tissue and eventually teeth.
Untreated periodontal diseases can lead to the loss of teeth. Whilst it is the major cause of tooth loss, and most people have periodontal diseases in some form, this usually develops very slowly in most people. With support, it can be slowed to the point of allowing you to keep the majority of your teeth in place for life.
Recent research has also linked periodontal diseases with more general health conditions, particularly cardiovascular issues such as heart disease. Whilst research is ongoing, the evidence continues to mount that a high level of oral health can also improve general health.
TREATMENT OF GUM DISEASE
Unfortunately, gum disease usually develops painlessly in the beginning, meaning the ongoing damage goes unnoticed. However, as it progresses, you may start to experience gum soreness, or even potentially gum abscesses. If you suspect an issue with your gums, your first port of call should be to arrange to see your dentist, to allow them to examine further as to whether periodontal disease has started to cause an impact. If this does seem to be the case, it may also be necessary to take new x-rays, to judge the amount of potential bone loss. This is an important step, as it helps guide the correct treatment moving forwards.
Following this, your dentist will then usually clean your teeth thoroughly to remove any scale. This may be recommended to be completed by a Dental Hygienist however, if more appropriate. For a deeper seated disease, the clinician may need to clean the roots of the teeth. This is a treatment known as ‘root planing’ or ‘non-surgical debridement’. This usually requires some level of local anaesthesia prior to being carried out, and can cause some discomfort afterwards for a short time. More significant treatments can take a number of sessions.
A good oral-care routine at home, with brushing and interdental cleaning, is the most important thing you can do to help prevent gum disease getting worse.
Successful treatment can help control periodontal disease, coupled with improved home care of your oral health. However, this successful treatment can also lead to gum recession, as the inflamed and swollen gums do so through healing. This can have a negative aesthetic impact on your smile, and can sometimes lead to increased sensitivity in the newly exposed areas. If this occurs, your dentist may be able to assist through desensitising treatments, or through the attention of a periodontal specialist.
Periodontal disease is never cured, but with successful treatment and improved oral health care at home, it can be controlled and slowed.
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