PerioCare Dental Practice
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease affects the gums, bone and other supporting tissues of the teeth. Although up to 90% of individuals suffer from occasional gum inflammation, around 10% of the population appear to experience more severe forms of the disease which lead to the loss of supporting bone.
This group appears to have the highest risk of losing teeth due to regular bacterial accumulation on the teeth.
Risks Factors and Symptoms
Around 10% of the population is susceptible to developing severe forms of periodontal conditions. There are three major factors thought to be responsible, namely genetic predisposition, stress and smoking. Ceasing smoking significantly reduces the risk of developing the disease. Certain general diseases such as diabetes may also make an individual more susceptible.
The signs and symptoms of periodontal disease vary widely but may include gums that bleed upon brushing, as well as signs of more advanced disease such as mobility or drifting of teeth. Patients may also suffer from halitosis (bad breath). However, it is possible to have the disease and not be aware of these signs. It is essential to regularly attend a general dental practitioner so that special assessment techniques, sometimes including X-rays, can be carried out as part of your routine dental examinations.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Regular dental examinations by a general dental practitioner will ensure that a correct diagnosis is made. Based on this, the dentist will be able to advise you and recommend the necessary treatment. This will often include oral hygiene methods that help manage bacterial build-up. Professional cleaning of your teeth might also be recommended.
Most cases of periodontal disease can be successfully treated by your dentist through these methods. Occasionally, more complex treatments are required and your dentist will advise you accordingly.
PerioCare Dental Practice
Periodontal Treatment Strategies
The main cause of periodontal disease is bacteria in the form of a sticky colourless plaque that constantly forms on your teeth; however, many other factors can cause periodontal disease or influence its progression.
Non-Surgical Approaches
Periodontal health should be achieved in the least invasive and most cost-effective manner. This is often accomplished through non-surgical periodontal treatment which includes meticulous oral hygiene measures, debridement and root planing (a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins). Additional treatments might include local delivery of antimicrobials or the use of the Waterlase MD.
In a majority of cases, patients having undergone a course of initial non-surgical periodontal treatment do not require further active treatment. However, patients typically necessitate ongoing maintenance therapy to preserve their periodontal health effectively.
Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical therapy plays a crucial role in managing periodontal health but has its limitations. When periodontal health is not restored through non-surgical means, periodontal surgery may be recommended. This surgical approach aims to repair periodontal anatomy that has been damaged by periodontal diseases, thereby enhancing oral hygiene practices.
If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, the periodontist may recommend periodontal surgery. Periodontal surgery is necessary when the periodontist determines that the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment alone.
The main four types of periodontal surgical treatments prescribed are:
⦿ Pocket reduction surgery
⦿ Regenerative procedures
⦿ Crown lengthening
⦿ Soft tissue grafts