Periodontal Gum Disease
Periodontal health is crucial for maintaining not just a beautiful smile but also overall well-being. Gum disease, a common yet often silent condition, can have serious consequences if left untreated, leading to tooth loss and even impacting general health. At Align Dentistry & Medical Centre, we prioritize early detection and prevention, offering comprehensive care to manage and treat gum disease effectively. Through regular check-ups, patient education, and personalized treatment plans, we aim to help you maintain healthy gums and a strong foundation for your teeth.
Signs and Symptoms
Bad breath
Loose teeth
Bleeding gums
Receding gums
Teeth that are drifting
Swollen and puffy gums
Gaps appearing between your teeth
If you experience these signs, it is highly likely that you have gum disease. This condition is often “silent” (painless) and can progress unnoticed for many years. It typically begins with swollen and bleeding gums that come and go without pain. However, if left untreated, the persistent inflammation will eventually lead to the destruction of the bone that supports your teeth, causing them to become loose and, ultimately, leading to tooth loss.
Signs and Symptoms
Bad breath
Bleeding gums
Receding gums
Loose teeth
Swollen and puffy gums
Teeth that are drifting
Gaps appearing between your teeth
If you experience these signs, it is highly likely that you have gum disease. This condition is often “silent” (painless) and can progress unnoticed for many years. It typically begins with swollen and bleeding gums that come and go without pain. However, if left untreated, the persistent inflammation will eventually lead to the destruction of the bone that supports your teeth, causing them to become loose and, ultimately, leading to tooth loss.
Cause and Progression
Gum disease starts with dental plaque—a clear, sticky film on the surface of your teeth and gums. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing alone. This tartar, or “scale,” can build up below the gum line, creating a habitat for bacteria associated with gum disease. These bacteria produce toxins that irritate the gums, triggering the body’s inflammatory response. Over time, this prolonged inflammation leads to bone loss.
Link Between Oral and General Health
Recent studies have shown a connection between poor oral health and poor general health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pre-term low birth weight babies.
Management of Periodontal Disease:
Periodontal Charting and Diagnosis
- The dentist measures the depth of the gum pockets to assess bone loss.
- Six measurements are taken per tooth and charted in a computer program.
- A diagnosis is made, and the severity of the disease is documented.
- A treatment strategy is then formulated and explained to the patient.
Patient Education
- The first stage of treatment involves educating the patient about the cause of the disease and the home care regimen necessary for a successful outcome.
Initial Treatment
- Scaling and root planing are performed, usually with local anesthetics.
- Treatment is often divided into four sections corresponding to the four quadrants of the patient’s upper and lower jaw, depending on the severity of the disease.
- Root planing involves using specialized instruments to remove tartar and smooth the root surface, allowing the gum tissue to reattach and form a seal.
- In cases of pus, antibiotics may be prescribed alongside the treatment.
Review and Follow-Up
- A review appointment is scheduled 3-4 months after initial therapy to assess healing.
- If oral hygiene is maintained meticulously, successful results are anticipated.
- Areas that do not respond well to conventional treatment may require a surgical approach.
Patient Commitment
- The success of periodontal treatment heavily depends on the patient’s motivation to maintain a high standard of oral hygiene.
- Smoking can hinder the healing process and contribute to further deterioration of periodontal health.
Regular Maintenance
- Regular maintenance visits are essential for long-term success.
- Your dentist will advise on the frequency of visits based on individual risk factors.
Gum Health
At Align Dentistry & Medical Centre, we focus on preventative dentistry, recognizing the connection between oral health and systemic diseases such as Heart Disease, Arthritis, and Dementia. We help maintain your oral health through regular cleanings, examinations, and proper brushing and flossing techniques. If left untreated, gum inflammation can lead to receding gums, bone loss, loose teeth, abscesses, and ultimately tooth loss. Regular care is essential for preserving your smile and overall well-being.
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Ready to prioritize your health? Call us today at (02) 9723 5757 to book your appointment or speak with our friendly team for more information.