Most people ignore gum health thinking it is an unnecessary expense until it leads to serious gum problems. We don’t understand the importance of teeth until we lose them, almost 90% of gum and teeth-related problems come from neglecting proper oral care. The food that we consume today, is overcooked and filled with substances that have negative effects on your oral health. Various gum diseases include gingivitis, periodontitis, etc. In this blog, let us focus on periodontitis, its treatment, and preventative measures.
Understanding periodontitis
Periodontitis is an advanced gum disease that results in gums pulling away from teeth, creating dents in the gum. Major symptoms include loose teeth, reduced gums, and bad breath. Some o the major factors that contribute to periodontitis are untreated gingivitis, poor oral hygiene, smoking, and other systemic diseases.
Based on the progression of the gum diseases, periodontitis is classified into three types:
- Aggressive periodontitis
- Chronic periodontitis
- Necrotizing periodontitis
Let us discuss each of these gum diseases in detail and the relevant treatment options. If the periodontitis is not in an advanced stage, it can be cured with general non-invasive treatments. However, as the disease progresses, the need for invasive surgical treatments arises.
When one should consider periodontal treatment?
It is recommended to schedule regular oral care appointments to identify the issues in initial stages. Regular oral screenings allow doctors to analyse your oral health at different intervals and offer relevant treatment options whenever required.
When do you need periodontal treatment?
- If you are suffering from frequent and persistent gum bleeding.
- Consistent bad breath even with regular cleaning and flossing.
- When the roots are visible or gums start receding.
- Loose teeth or pain while chewing the food.
- Formation of hole-like structures near the teeth.
Non-Invasive Treatments
Scaling
- What It Is: A professional cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.
- How It Is Done: Performed using hand instruments, ultrasonic scalers, or both.
- When It Is Done: During routine dental cleanings or as the first step in treating gingivitis or mild periodontitis.
- Why It Is Done: To remove plaque and tartar buildup, which harbor bacteria that cause gum inflammation.
- Pain Perception: Usually painless, though sensitivity might occur if gums are already inflamed.
Root Planing
- What It Is: A deep cleaning procedure to smooth the roots of teeth and remove bacterial toxins.
- How It Is Done: After scaling, the dentist uses special tools to clean and smooth the root surfaces.
- When It Is Done: For moderate to severe periodontitis where gums have begun pulling away from teeth, forming pockets.
- Why It Is Done: To help gums reattach to teeth and reduce pocket depth, preventing further bacterial infection.
- Pain Perception: Mild discomfort during the procedure; local anesthesia is typically applied.
Antibiotics
- What It Is: Medications used to control bacterial infection in the gums.
- How It Is Done: Delivered either systemically (oral tablets like amoxicillin or metronidazole) or locally (antibiotic gels or chips placed in gum pockets).
- When It Is Done: To manage acute or chronic bacterial infections, often alongside scaling and root planing.
- Why It Is Done: To reduce bacterial load and inflammation, aiding healing.
- Pain Perception: Pain-free as it’s a medicinal approach; potential mild side effects like nausea or diarrhea.
Invasive Treatments
Flap Surgery
- What It Is: A surgical procedure to lift the gums for cleaning deeper areas and reposition them for better attachment.
- How It Is Done: The dentist makes small incisions in the gum to expose the roots and bone, cleans the area, and repositions the gum.
- When It Is Done: For severe periodontitis with deep pockets that cannot be cleaned non-surgically.
- Why It Is Done: To reduce pocket depth and improve access for both the dentist and patient to maintain oral hygiene.
- Pain Perception: Performed under local anesthesia; post-operative discomfort may last a few days, managed with painkillers.
Bone Grafting
- What It Is: A procedure to rebuild lost bone around teeth or implant sites.
- How It Is Done: Bone graft material (natural or synthetic) is placed into the defected area, and a barrier may be used to guide regeneration.
- When It Is Done: When bone loss has occurred due to periodontitis, or in preparation for dental implants.
- Why It Is Done: To restore bone structure, prevent tooth loss, and prepare for implants.
- Pain Perception: Local anesthesia ensures a pain-free procedure; mild swelling or discomfort post-surgery is common.
Laser Surgery
- What It Is: A minimally invasive surgical approach using a laser to remove diseased gum tissue and bacteria.
- How It Is Done: A laser beam is directed to infected tissue to sterilize and seal the area while stimulating healing.
- When It Is Done: For treating moderate to severe periodontitis or gum reshaping.
- Why It Is Done: To reduce infection, minimize bleeding, and accelerate healing with reduced discomfort.
- Pain Perception: Virtually painless due to the precision of the laser; typically no need for stitches or significant recovery time.
Dental Implants
- What It Is: A procedure to replace missing teeth with artificial tooth roots and crowns.
- How It Is Done: A titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone, allowed to heal, and then topped with a custom crown.
- When It Is Done: After tooth loss or extractions, especially if adjacent teeth and gums are healthy.
- Why It Is Done: To restore function, and aesthetics, and prevent bone loss caused by missing teeth.
- Pain Perception: Performed under local or general anesthesia; mild to moderate discomfort during healing is managed with painkillers.
Conclusion
All in all, gum problems require immediate attention and it is recommended to consult an expert doctor immediately noticing the initial symptoms. Keep in mind that, non-invasive treatments are mainly preventive and restorative. When the condition progresses, invasive treatments address advanced stages the condition and restore oral functionality and aesthetics. However, pain perception varies by procedure and condition, but modern techniques and anesthesia are allowing doctors to treat many conditions swiftly. If you are looking for complete periodontal care, visit Dr. Sirajudeen Medical Centre or schedule an appointment. We offer reliable and effective treatment options to help patients deal with multiple periodontal issues.
