Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease or periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease which affects tissues surrounding the teeth. When plaque accumulates on the teeth it causes this type of bacterial infection. The word periodontal means around the tooth which makes sense as this disease affects the gums and the supporting structures or bones of the teeth.

If there is no proper cleaning being done on the teeth than the plaque will accumulate more and the gums will be infected causing gum recession and bone levels to reduce. These factors will lead to the root becoming exposed which causes sensitivity, pus can be produced and pockets can form between the tooth and gum. Most people will not notice these problems as they are not visible to the naked and untrained eye. This can lead to the disease nit being treated and eventually lead to tooth loss.

The first symptoms of periodontal disease are not very obvious so the disease can progress significantly before a patient decides to get treatment. The symptoms of gum disease or periodontitis can include:

• Redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth, using dental floss or biting into hard food
• Gum swelling that keeps coming back
• Spitting blood after brushing the teeth
• Bad breath
•  A constant metallic taste in the mouth
• Gingival recession, making the teeth appear longer
• Deep pockets between the teeth and the gums
• Loose teeth

Prevention

Here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic, we believe that prevention is key in any factor of dentistry. Prevention of gum disease involves exceptional oral hygiene, use of antimicrobial mouthwashes when possible and regular visits to your Smile Hub dentist and/ or hygienist. Patients who are diabetic are urged to look after their oral health and see their dentists regularly as they are at a higher risk of developing gum infections or gum disease. Other risk factors include puberty, pregnancy and teeth grinding as stress can be put on the structures around the teeth causing them to become loose. Smoking is one of the most significant factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

Factors that help with the prevention of periodontal disease include:

• Brushing for 2 minutes twice every day with the patient trying to direct the toothbrush bristles underneath the gum line. This helps disturb the bacterial growth and formation of plaque.
• Flossing using interdental brushes daily.
• Visit your dental hygienist for cleanings every 4 to 6 months.

Treatment

There are four types of periodontal treatment:

Pocket reduction – Pocket reduction is where the gum line and gum tissue are folded back to show the bacteria that is below the gum line. This bacteria will be removed and gum tissue is put back into place. In some treatments, uneven surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to reduce areas where bacteria are hidden and can grow. This permits the gum tissue to reattach to healthy bone.

Regenerative procedures – This procedure involves the gum line and gum tissues being folded back to expose the bacteria below the gum. The bacteria is then removed and membranes or tissue-stimulating proteins are used to boost regrowth of the bone and tissue.

Crown lengthening – This is a procedure to remove excess gum and bone tissue to reshape and create a more natural looking tooth appearance. This can be done to a tooth, to create a more even gum line, or to multiple teeth to create a natural, broad smile. This procedure is classed as both cosmetic and restorative. If the tooth is decayed or broken under the gum line, or has not got enough tooth structure for a restoration, it can be extracted and a bridge can be used as a replacement.

Soft tissue grafts – This treatment stop additional dental problems and gum recession to recover the aesthetics of the gum line. Soft tissue grafts are used to cover exposed roots or to develop gum tissue where it is absent due to extreme gingival recession. Gum tissue is taken from the palate or another donor source and s used to cover the exposed root. A soft tissue graft can reduce further recession and bone loss. In some cases, it can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay or reduce tooth sensitivity and improve the aesthetics of the smile.