Periodontal disease (periodontitis) is the process of damaging inflammation in the gums whereby bone and ligament tissue are lost.
This is caused by a disjointed response from your body to harmful germs found in plaque when a person has not taken good care of their dental hygiene. If left untreated, the problem can be greatly worsened and lead to the loss of teeth in adults. Aside from poor oral hygiene, things like smoking, obesity, medication, pregnancy, diabetes and poor diet choices can lead to a build-up of bacteria and plaque on the teeth and gums. With proper upkeep of your dental hygiene, you should be able to avoid the unpleasantness of gum disease and gingivitis.
However, there are signs to look out for to know if your gums are experiencing the start of the disease. The first place to observe is the gums themselves; if your gums are bleeding, inflamed, swollen or seem like they are receding then you may well be dealing with gum disease. Furthermore, your teeth may undergo changes in colouration as well as positioning. If your teeth feel loose or seem separated, then these should indicate to you to see your dentist.
Lastly, changes in your bite, bad breath and just general pain in the teeth and gums are indications of the onset of gum disease.
Gum disease treatment from Pacific Periodontics & Implant
Before we can begin the process of our patients’ periodontal treatment, we need to perform a full scale and clean of the gums. This entails the removal of excess plaque and tartar from around and below the gum line. On occasion, we plane the tooth root so that the surface is smooth which allows for the tissue to heal and begin attaching itself to the tooth once more. To combat the formation of new or existing bacteria causing affliction to the gums, we suggest using antibiotics or an anti-microbial.
This will help in rinsing out the bacteria. Once plaque and tartar have settled into deep pockets between the gums and teeth it becomes increasingly more difficult to remove properly. In most cases, people find it difficult to avoid this build up plaque and tartar to some degree. If the plaque is deeply rooted we may have to perform a surgical procedure to remove the invasive tartar which will improve the dental health of your gums. Surgery provides your periodontist with more observational information to better access the afflicted areas of the gums. Sculpting or modifying the gum tissue can facilitate better home care.
Periodontal treatment from Pacific Periodontics & Implants
Here at Pacific Periodontics & Implants, we make absolutely sure that surgery is necessary before we continue with any procedures on our patients. We err on the side of caution when it comes to surgeries for our patients, always making the decision that best serves the interest of the patient. The reason we proceed with caution with regards to surgery is because gum tissue is limited and so it must be preserved during the course of treating the disease so as to avoid any further stress on the gums.
Even in the worst of cases, we tend not to go straight for the surgical option because we believe wholeheartedly that improving the gum tissue first is more important. This approach aids us in limiting the afflicted area that may require surgery. After you have had a periodontal treatment you may begin to notice some changes to your gums. They may begin to feel firmer which is completely normal as they are becoming healthier and less swollen. Aside from that, you may feel some sensitivity when having cold drinks or some foods after your treatment. This will only continue for a few weeks provided you maintain good oral hygiene throughout.
Should the sensitivity of your teeth reach a point of discomfort then using Sensodyne or sensitive toothpastes will aid you in insulating the nerves of your sensitive teeth.
To find out more about how we can cure or manage your gum disease, or to make an appointment with us, please click here.
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