Periodontics
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Periodontics is a field of dentistry offered at Modbury Dental Practice concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, known as gum disease.
Gum disease is usually slow progressing, and a very common condition. The gums become swollen, sore or infected and most people are not aware that they have it.
If you have gum disease, your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and you may notice you have bad breath. This early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis.
Gingivitis only affects the gums and it is completely reversible. it occurs when tooth cleaning is not thorough enough, the bacterial deposits build up next to the gums, forming a plaque, and the conditions become suitable for more dangerous bacteria to flourish. The natural defences of the body are also compromised and the gum surrounding the tooth becomes red, swollen and inflamed. Left untreated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, often without any obvious signs to alert you.
Periodontitis is a more serious and advanced form of the disease. It can cause inflammation of the gums, but it also causes the breakdown and loss of bone and gum around the tooth. Bone loss due to gum disease is irreversible. If periodontitis is left untreated, the teeth may become loose which could eventually lead to their loss.
The most obvious signs of gum disease are:
The development of gingivitis and periodontitis can be prevented by adopting thorough oral hygiene habits, alongside regular professional examinations and support.
Periodontitis can be inherited from one’s parents so the condition can run in families. Many studies have shown that gum disease is far more common and destructive in smokers. Similarly, diabetes will exaggerate the destructive response to plaque. Other conditions that exacerbate the symptoms of periodontal disease include pregnancy hormones, stress and some medications.
The type of treatment you’ll have will depend on how severe your gum disease is. Your dentist may refer you for treatment with a dental hygienist or a specialist periodontist.
The aim of periodontal treatment is to stop the inflammation of your gums and ensure the thorough removal of plaque and calculus deposits from all your tooth and root surfaces.
Once these deposits are removed, and are maintained, the cause of the gum reaction can be eliminated, and the destructive inflammation controlled. Providing the tooth surface is kept clean and free of plaque, the gums will return to a healthy, non-swollen, non-inflamed state.
The most important aspect of treatment for gum disease is an improvement in oral hygiene. Your dentist or hygienist will advise you on methods and techniques that are suitable for you.
If you or your family have a history of gum disease it is important that you mention this to your dentist on your first consultation and seek a thorough assessment of your gum health.
At Modbury Dental Practice, our dentists, and dental hygienist will be able to assess your susceptibility to gum disease and provide the appropriate treatment, tailored for your specific treatment needs and the best course of action for you.
Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, has long been recognized as a significant risk factor for periodontal disease.
Gum disease describes the swelling, soreness or infection around the tissues supporting the teeth. The main forms of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.
