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DeutschPeriodontics is a highly specialized field addressing gum needs and it is concerned with the treatment of structures surrounding and supporting the teeth like gums and jawbones.
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection that causes deterioration of the gums and underlying bone that supports the teeth and it is also very insidious. The most significant symptom of periodontal disease is bleeding of the gums.
Healthy gums have a light pink colour, they are firm to touch and they do not move around with finger, they fit tightly around the teeth.
The symptoms of periodontal disease;
- Bleeding of gums
- Bad breath
- Red and swollen gums
- Taste disturbances
- Gingival recession
- Loose and wobbly teeth
- Teeth becoming crooked or spaced with time
The first step of periodontal disease is called ‘gingivitis’ and the most important cause is ‘bacterial plaque’ which is a sticky colorless biofilm of microorganisms that is not being removed from the surface of teeth with brushing and oral hygiene methods.
When the infection of the gums progress to the solid tissues such as jawbones and the roots of teeth it causes an advanced disease called as ‘periodontitis’. Early diagnosis is a very important step to prevent teeth lost in periodontitis.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease;
Gingivitis can be cured with proper oral hygiene and scaling the calculus around the teeth.
Periodontitis treatments should be performed by a specialist periodontist. First step is having instructions on how to reduce the number of bacteria in you mouth, which involves your teeth and gums clean, by brushing, flossing techniques and using other oral hygiene products.
Second step is a professional cleaning by the specialist. The specialist will remove plaque build up and calculus from your teeth and their roots, and then polish your teeth. A deep cleaning method called scaling and root planning will help scrape off tartar and also remove any rough spots on the root where bacteria tend to gather. This procedure usually takes about 4 sessions. After treatment if you have a good oral hygiene and perform all care techniques meticuluously and regularly, healing will start, bleedings, redness and swellings of the gums will reduce and the teeth will stop wobbling as they will fit tightly in your jaw bones.
Gingival Recession
Gingival recession, also known as receding gums, is the exposure in the roots of the teeth caused by a loss of gum tissue and/or retraction of the gingival margin from the crown of the teeth. Gingival recession causes not only aesthetical problems but also they cause other problems such as sensitivity and root caries.
Periodontal disease, incorrect techniques of dental care, insufficient oral hygiene or grinding and clenching the teeth may cause gingival recession. Treatment starts with elimination of these causes. After eliminating the cause of gingival recession, in some cases gums may be restored with aesthetic gum operations and flap techniques.
Gummy Smile
A gummy smile is one that shows more of your gumline than you’d prefer when you smile. It’s also known as excessive gingival display.
Treatment options are determined according to display amount of the gums and the amount of bone support.
If only the gums are removed under local anesthesia this procedure is called ‘gingivectomy’.
If both the gums and some of the bones will be removed, again under local anesthesia, this procedure called as ‘lenghtening the crowns height’.
You may also have a Botox treatment for gummy smile. If moving your lips too far up over your gumline when you smile causes your gummy smile, you may have success with injections of botulinum toxin, also known as Botox.
Your denstist and periodontist will determine the appropriate treatment option for you together.
