Periodontal Treatment
The periodontium is the complex of structures that support the teeth (gums, ligaments, bone, and cementum). According to medical professionals, periodontal disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss.
A pain-free life with a natural smile—everyone’s dream. Unfortunately, we sometimes forget that it’s important to take care not only of our teeth but also of the tissues surrounding them. The periodontium is the collective term for the structures that support the teeth (gums, ligaments, bone, and cementum). According to doctors, periodontal disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss.
When should you be concerned?
Healthy gums are pink in color, pain-free, and firmly cover the neck of the tooth. Meanwhile, swollen, sensitive, bleeding, or receding gums are signs of periodontal disease. Patients often suffer from bad breath and loose teeth. Do not ignore these symptoms, as these unpleasant sensations can lead to tooth loss in the long term.
Periodontal diseases
According to research data, one in two young adults shows signs of periodontal disease. Meanwhile, once people reach the age of 35, as many as 75 percent of patients already have periodontal disease. The most significant factor contributing to these diseases is the bacteria found in dental plaque.
The most common periodontal diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the initial stage of inflammation, characterized by bleeding gums. It may not seem serious at first, but don’t be fooled. If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, which is characterized by the destruction of the gums and other tissues. The inflammation spreads into the jawbone. A more severe form develops—periodontitis. The bone surrounding the teeth deteriorates, abscesses may form, and the teeth become loose. If left untreated for too long, they will need to be extracted.
Another dangerous condition is gum recession. This involves the gums pulling back and exposing the tooth root. Patients most often complain about the poor aesthetic appearance, as the gum line changes and the teeth appear longer. Tooth sensitivity increases. However, unlike the periodontal diseases mentioned earlier, recession usually affects individual teeth or a few teeth at a time, rather than all of them at once.
The Course of Periodontal Disease Treatment
The success of treatment depends on early diagnosis, the commitment of both the patient and the dentist, and regular monitoring of dental plaque. Various methods are used to treat periodontal diseases:
- Professional oral hygiene. Professional oral hygiene can halt periodontal disease that is in its early stages and prevent its onset.
- Conservative treatment. Scaling is performed: under local anesthesia, the root surface beneath the gums is cleaned.
- Surgical treatment. Surgical intervention is used in complex cases: after anesthesia, the patient’s gums are lifted, and tartar accumulated beneath them is removed. If necessary, damaged tissues are regenerated using various bone substitutes and regenerative materials.
- Maintenance treatment. To prevent recurrence of the disease, the patient should visit a dental hygienist every 3–6 months and a periodontist every 3–6 months.
The treatment process for gum recession:
- Surgical treatment. During the procedure, the position of the gums is adjusted by repositioning them. If gum tissue has already been lost, substitutes are placed in its place.
- Prevention. Treatment results will be effective only if the patient actively participates in the treatment process: carefully maintains oral hygiene and eliminates habits that damage the gums.
Here are a few tips to help you prevent periodontal disease:
- Thorough and careful brushing of teeth, between teeth, and the tongue twice a day.
- Checking for plaque. You can do this right at home. You’ll need a special plaque-disclosing liquid or tablets. The areas of your teeth that you haven’t cleaned thoroughly will turn blue or red. You’ll need to clean those areas thoroughly again.
