How is periodontal disease treated?

Periodontal disease is a disease that is created by teeths plaque. It contains bacteria that contaminate the gums and the bone around the teeth. The disease can advance into more complex forms with the passing of time. If it is diagnosed in an early stage it has hope of becoming curable. At the early stage you will notice the symptoms of reddening and swelling of the gums, and in some cases even bleeding. 

It can usually be removed with the help of a dental cleaning by a professional dentist, and usually followed by the daily routine of flossing and brushing. The later stages of the disease need more advanced cleanings that go deeper in the gumline. The factors that indicate the best treatment for the periodontal disease are the phase of the disease and the patient’s health condition. The way a patient may have responded to previous treatment methods is also an indicator.

Causes and consequences of periodontal disease

The disease is formed when bacteria grows in between the teeth and beside the gumline. With the gathering of the bacteria,germs cause the gums to draw back from the teeth. Because of the tooth exposure the bacteria is more at risk of plaque and tartar. With the passing of time the bacteria contaminates the lowest part of the gumline and goes to the root of the tooth,making it impossible to be removed by flossing and brushing.  At this stage of the periodontal disease can end up in tooth bone loss and eventually in the loosing of the tooth. This may lower self esteem but also interfere in general health conditions.

A periodontist is the person who can treat periodontal disease. Anyway, the more complex the disease gets the more complex and pricey the treatment gets. However , people seem to be ignoring the early symptoms and let the disease advance into a situation harder to deal with. There are some important factors of the disease that you should consider, and if you seem to be experiencing any of these situations it is advised to see the periodontist.

Age 

People over the age of 30 seem to be having some sort of gum related problems and gum disease in  a way or another. People of this age group who have never been checked or have not been checked recently ,should maybe start doing it because there is a high probability they may be at risk.

Family Genetics 

Studies have shown that people who have a history of a parent or sibling or some other relative with a periodontal disease the chances are high that this person will be having the same disease later on. Genetics work wonders and in this case it can be an inherited disease. 

Tobacco consumption 

Due to the reduction of the blood circulation smoking causes, it also lowers the amount of oxygen that goes to the gums. In this way it makes gums incapable of fighting against bacteria and infections. With the advance of the disease it becomes a necessity to see a periodontist. Smoking remains a risk for periodontal even if the smoker quits eventually.

Diabetes 

People who suffer from diabetes, are likely to suffer from gum disease as well. It interferes in the quality of blood circulation like smoking does , and this way it makes it harder for the body to show its fighting abilities. This is why diabetics are prone to develop periodontal disease as well.

Early symptoms of the disease

Ache and sensitivity

The disease causes discomfort while eating. When the infection touches the root of the teeth, it can be painful to chew or eat around the area of the gum. It can also cause temperature changes once the root area or the tooth is more exposed.

Noticeable signs

Red and swollen gums are probably the first unusual thing you will notice at the early stages of the disease. It is common that patients see these signs during brushing or flossing , and it does indeed mean that you have a bacterial problem. Normal gums are not known to bleed so if it happens it is because the gums are infected and probably developing a disease. The bacteria causes the patient to also have a bad breath and an acidic taste that may be present even after everyday dental routine.

Tactile signs 

Periodontal disease makes your mouth feel different or weird while biting. It might seem like your teeth are moving or changing their original position and they actually are because the disease causes them to loosen. Being aware of the early tactile signs of the disease can maximise the outcome and minimise the amount of effort.

Treatment of the disease

The dentist or periodontists can help with the treating of the periodontal disease. A dental hygienist can als be an addition to your treatment. The aim of the treatment is to successfully clear the area around teeth and and help avoid harm from gum tissue and bone. Your dental care plays a huge role in maintaining good healthy oral conditions. For this it is important to be aware of the symptoms mentioned above and seek professional help in order to see results. 

Nonsurgical treatment

In case the disease isn’t that developed it is possible to use simpler procedures like: 

• Scaling. This method gets rid of bacteria from your teeth surface and under the gumline. It is performed with lasers, ultrasonic devices and other specific instruments.
• Antibiotics. Antibiotics can help regulate the infection. Antibiotics can be in the form of mouth rinses or gel that contains an antibiotic into gum pockets. Sometimes it is advised to take the oral antibiotics.
• Root planing. This method helps smoothing the surface of the root. It also aims to avoid the further buildup of bacteria into the teeth surfaces.

Surgical treatments

In case the disease is advanced, you should have dental surgery, such as:

Flap surgery

During a flap surgery or otherwise known as gum correction surgery your periodontist makes small cuts into your gum. This is in order for your tissue to fold back and so your tooth root is exposed. In this way the scaling is more effective. The bone’s shape can also be remodeled after the tissue is stitched back. After the healing process it will be easier for you to maintain your gum health.

Tissue grafting

In case the tissue is lost ,the gum line gets automatically lower making your tooth root show. That needs to be corrected, and the procedure for this is done by extracting some tissue from the roof of the mouth or by using a donor’s tissue and putting it to the needed area. This method is used for aesthetic and health purposes.

Bone grafting

This method is used in case the disease manages to destroy the tooth bone or tooth root. For recovering the bone, the periodontist is recreated from small pieces of your remaining bone, or with an artificial material or even from a donor site. This procedure helps to stop the tooth from falling and keeps it in place. It also serves as a habitat for your own bone to regrow.

Tissue regeneration

This method helps with the regrowth of the bone that was previously consumed by the bacteria. The dentist will place a type of material between the bone and the tooth. This material will help to give space for the bone to grow back and stop unnecessary tissue from invading the curing area.

Tips for good oral care

People tend to understand the importance of dental care after experiencing the worst scenarios. Anyway that doesn’t mean that by having healthy teeth you are not at risk of developing a periodontal disease. In order to prevent that from happening you can easily follow some simple routine steps: 

1. Brush your teeth daily
2. Use fluoride toothpaste
3. Floss frequently
4. Minimise smoking
5. Use mouthwash
6. Make regular dental appointments                                                                                                                              

When to see the dentist

     1. If you have awful breath or acidic taste in your mouth

     2. If it hurts when you chew

     3. If you have bleeding gums 

     4. If your teeth are loosening

     5. If your gums have a reddish colour

     6. If your gums are swollen

     7. If your teeth feel tense 

     8. If you see or feel changes in the way your teeth fit together