Periodontology

It is a more severe form of the gum disease, called gingivitis. Gingivitis occurs because a film of plaque, or bacteria accumulates on the teeth. It causes redness and swelling of the gingiva. When gingivitis is not treated, it develops into periodontitis. The main cause of periodontitis is the plaque. When plaque builds up around teeth, it begins to infect the gums. Bleeding gums, swollen gums, bad breath, shifting teeth, and a formation of pockets between teeth and gums are the symptoms that indicate the presence of the disease.

There are several stages of gum disease from mild to severe. These conditions can be avoided by regular brushing with the proper technique, flossing and dental check-ups (recommended frequency: twice a year)

4. Severe periodontitis

Thorough cleaning of the teeth is as important for the teeth as for the gums. Let’s look together at what can happen if we neglect it:

• The dental plaque remains between the tooth neck and the root by the gumline.
• This can easily harden into tartar.
• Tartar and plaque can descend deeper between the root and the gum creating periodontal pockets.
• The bacteria induce constant inflammation.
• This can lead to hidden cavities or even bone loss.

There is even more risk when the following factors are present:

First of all, it is important to know that periodontitis does not only concern patients who have their natural teeth. The tooth neck by the tooth replacements, such as dental implants can be affected by this problem as well. Insufficient cleaning can also lead to inflammation. For this reason, we strongly recommend you to follow the instructions of our cosmetic dentists and dental surgeons: regular toothbrushing, flossing, using mouthwash and oral irrigator (dental water jet).

On the other hand, it is important to mention that periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. In this case, our specialists advise you to replace the tooth as soon as possible to avoid further bone loss. If we do not replace the missing tooth in time, we risk to have the same problems of the neighboring teeth, also because by the receding gums we have the tendency to avoid the brushing of the sensitive environment. On the other hand, lack of tooth may lead to loss of teeth which also makes cleaning more difficult, so neighboring teeth may soon suffer from the same problem.

If the previous step does not seem to solve the problem, the periodontist cleans the inflamed periodontal pocket using a specific instrument that allows to “lift” the gum in order to reach the bottom of periodontal pockets contaminated by bacteria, and also removes the accumulated tartar, before disinfecting the area.

In more advanced cases, the periodontist cuts the inflamed tissue for cleaning. Bone grafting and/or gingival grafting might be necessary in some cases.

The periodontal pocket measuring less than 5 mm is treated under local anesthesia. Plaque, tartar and diseased tissue are cleaned under the gum. Then we apply an irrigation of the pockets with antiseptics. In most cases, the gingiva reapplies on the roots within 3-4 weeks after treatment. If not, we must redo the treatment to reach the finalize the process.

If the periodontal pocket is deeper than 5 mm, the gingiva is opened and spread in order to apply a thorough cleaning to the area, then the gingiva is closed with sutures. This is also done under local anesthesia. Follow your dentist’s recommended schedule for regular checkups to ensure the good condition of the tissue. The eventual gingival recession is normal, it is a sign of healing. A gingival graft may be applied if necessary.