Periodontics

What is Periodontics?

Periodontics is a dental specialty dedicated to the supporting structures of the teeth, including:

• Gingiva (Gums): Soft tissue surrounding and protecting teeth
• Cementum: Covers the tooth root, anchoring it to the jaw
• Periodontal Ligament: Connects the tooth root to the jawbone
• Alveolar Bone: Supports teeth within the jaw

Common Periodontal Diseases

1. Gingivitis:

• Early Stage of Gum Disease
• Causes: Plaque buildup, poor oral hygiene
• Symptoms: Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

2. Periodontitis:

• Advanced Gum Disease
• Causes: Untreated gingivitis, bacterial infection
• Symptoms: Receding gums, loose teeth, bone loss

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal infections are primarily caused by bacteria in plaque due to poor oral hygiene. Other contributing factors include:

• • Oral Habits: Thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, improper brushing
• • Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, unhealthy diets
• • Medical Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, hormonal changes, blood disorders
• • Other Factors: Age, genetics, and malnutrition

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease often progresses slowly, with symptoms that can be easily overlooked in the early stages:

• • Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
• • Red, swollen, or tender gums
• • Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• • Loose or shifting teeth
• • Gum recession and exposed tooth roots
• • Pain in advanced stages

Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent severe damage!

Stages & Treatments of Periodontal Disease

1. Early Stage (Gingivitis)

Treatment:

• • Scaling and Polishing (Professional Cleaning)
• • Improved Oral Hygiene Practices

2. Moderate Stage (Mild Periodontitis)

Treatment:

• • Deep Scaling (Gingival Curettage): Removes plaque and bacteria from below the gumline
• • Promotes healing of surrounding tissues

3. Advanced Stage (Severe Periodontitis)

Treatment:

• • Surgical Interventions: Remove infected tissue and restore gum health
• • Scaling and Polishing

4. Terminal Stage

Treatment:

• • Tooth Extraction
• • Replacement Options: Dental Implants or Dentures

Specialized Periodontal Surgical Procedures

Our clinic offers a range of advanced periodontal surgeries to restore and enhance gum health:

• • Gingivectomy: Removes overgrown or infected gum tissue (Local Anesthesia)
• • Flap Surgery: Accesses deep pockets for thorough cleaning and root planing (Local Anesthesia)
• • Bone Grafting: Rebuilds bone tissue lost due to periodontal disease
• • Guided Tissue Regeneration: Encourages bone growth with barrier materials
• • Mucogingival Surgery: Enhances gum aesthetics and addresses recession