Gum Treatments
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a progressive condition that affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth. It begins as gingivitis, a mild form characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing. If left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, a severe form that attacks the ligaments and bone structures that anchor your teeth to the jaw.
Periodontitis is often referred to as a “silent” disease because it can progress without causing noticeable pain until the damage is severe.
Key symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Bleeding Gums: Frequent bleeding, especially during brushing or flossing, is often an early warning sign.
- Gum Recession: The gums start to pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots and making them appear longer
- Pocketing: The formation of deep spaces between the teeth and gums where bacteria can accumulate.
- Tooth Mobility: Teeth may become loose or shift position.
- Pus and Swelling: In more advanced cases, pus or abscesses may form around the teeth.
- Bone Loss: This can only be detected through dental X-rays and indicates a significant progression of the disease.
Who is at Risk for Periodontitis?
While periodontitis does not affect everyone in the same way, approximately 10% of the adult population will experience severe gum disease. It can even begin in the teenage years, especially in the case of aggressive periodontitis, which affects a small percentage of young individuals (0.1% in Caucasians and up to 2% in Afro-Caribbean populations). Certain factors increase the risk of developing periodontitis:- Genetics: Studies indicate that up to 50% of periodontal disease cases are related to genetic predisposition. Individuals with a family history of gum disease may need to take extra care with their oral hygiene.
- Smoking: One of the most significant and modifiable risk factors. Smoking reduces the blood flow to the gums, making it harder for them to heal after injury or infection.
- Stress: Stress impairs the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off gum infections.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including gum disease, which can make controlling blood sugar levels more difficult.
- Certain Medications: Some drugs, like those used to manage blood pressure or seizures, can lead to gum overgrowth, making it harder to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause gum inflammation and sensitivity, increasing the risk of periodontitis if not managed properly.
Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is not curable, but it can be controlled and managed to prevent further damage. Effective treatment starts with good oral hygiene, but depending on the severity of the condition, additional interventions may be necessary.
- Improved Oral Hygiene: Proper daily brushing and flossing are the foundation of periodontal disease management. Plaque control is crucial to prevent the disease from worsening.
- Professional mechanical plaque removal: This is a deep-cleaning procedure performed by a dentist or hygienist. It removes plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline and smooths the tooth root to help gums reattach to the tooth.
Periodontal Surgery: In more advanced cases, surgery may be necessary:
- Bone Grafting: Regenerative surgery used to replace lost bone tissue. A graft (which could be your bone, donor bone, or synthetic material) is placed in the area of bone loss to encourage new bone growth.
- Gum Grafting: A procedure to cover exposed roots or increase the thickness of gum tissue to prevent further recession.
- Ridge Preservation: After tooth extraction, bone graft material can be placed in the empty socket to preserve the natural shape of the gums and jaw, especially when planning for dental implants.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Once the active disease is managed, regular professional cleanings and examinations are essential to keep it under control.
