Gum disease is quite prevalent. It is presently recognised as the sixth most prevalent human illness. Gingivitis, characterised by mild inflammation and irritation of the gums, and periodontitis, the primary cause of tooth loss, are the two most common phases of gum disease.
WHAT EXACTLY IS PERIODONTITIS?
Periodontitis is a severe form of gum infection that begins with gingivitis and is typically caused by tartar that has penetrated beneath the gumline. Tartar cannot be removed with regular brushing and requires professional dental cleansing once it has formed.
WHAT OCCURS DURING PERIODONTITIS?
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress. The gums begin to recede away from the teeth, resulting in the formation of pockets. These pockets become filled with plaque, tartar, and bacteria, which progressively erode the bone surrounding the teeth, resulting in a severe infection and loss of gum tissue. As the pockets deepen, the teeth become lax, and tooth loss is inevitable absent the intervention of a specialist.
WHO IS ESPECIALLY AT RISK OF PERIODONTITIS?
Certain populations are at an increased risk for developing periodontitis. These consist of:
Those who disregard their oral health.
Those who have periodontitis already
People who chew or consume tobacco
Older persons
Individuals with a genetic susceptibility to develop periodontitis.
People with specific diseases, particularly those that induce immunodeficiency.
OTHER RISKS
There are additional hazards associated with gum inflammation and irritation. Studies have discovered associations between periodontal disease and an increased risk of significant health conditions such as heart disease and strokes. This is believed to be caused by the spread of bacteria from the oral cavity into the circulation via the gums' damaged tissue.
WHAT ELSE DOES A PECIALIST PERIODONTIST DO?
In addition to treating periodontal disease, specialist periodontists can also offer a variety of advanced procedures to reshape and sculpt the gums, including:
Crown lengthening is a procedure in which gum tissue is sculpted to create more space for a tooth to receive a crown.
Gum recession is treated with root debridement, scaling, and in some cases antibiotics. You may want to contemplate a soft tissue graft to improve the aesthetics of your gumline if your gums have receded.
Peri-implantitis treatment: peri-implantitis is a complex disease that gradually destroys the soft tissues and bone surrounding a dental implant. There are two primary approaches to treatment: mechanical/surgical and antiseptic/antibiotic. Typically, a combination of the two methods would be used to control the inflammation and, if possible, save the implant.
Using bone transfers to stimulate the growth of new bone.
Soft tissue/connective tissue grafting: tissue from the palate is grafted onto the gums to produce a broader appearance.
Biopsies are the removal of tissue samples for laboratory analysis.
Gum reshaping/electrosurgery: removing superfluous tissue from 'gummy' smiles to enhance their aesthetic appeal.
Electrosurgery effectively removes soft tissues (gums) while promoting coagulation, thereby minimising haemorrhage.
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