Periodontics is the speciality that focuses on the treatment of disease of the gum and bone. Gum and bone is the support structure of the teeth.
The most common first signs of gum disease is bleeding during tooth brushing. Other symptoms are bad breath, receding gums and sore gums. Depending on the stage of the gum disease, it may be reversible or irreversible. Bone loss is irreversible.
During your dental examination, you will be screened for gum disease. Your dentist will take a measurement of your gum health and check your bone levels with x-rays. The level of loss of attachment of the gum and bone is measured in mm, called pocket depths.
Simple cases may involve coordinated sessions with our hygiene therapist to deep clean the tooth surface. Pocket depths above 5mm in multiple sites indicate irreversible gum disease and bone loss. A referral to the Periodontal Specialist is advised. Treating gum disease early is highly beneficial because bone loss is irreversible and cannot easily be replaced. After a consultation with the periodontal specialist, non-surgical and surgical treatment may be advised, depending on your needs.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Gum disease is mostly preventable, the best way to remove plaque build up is to use proper brushing techniques and floss daily. Regular visits to the hygienist help prevent gum disease.
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Frequently asked questions
IS GUM DISEASE PREVENTABLE?
Gum disease is caused by bacteria present in plaque. There are genetic factors where you can be more at risk of gum disease depending on how your body’s immune response responds to the bacteria in plaque. The risk of gum disease can be reduced by better plaque/ tartar control with excellent tooth brushing, floss and the use of Tepe brushes. Regular hygiene appointments are recommended.
WHAT EXACERBATES GUM DISEASE?
Poor oral hygiene, smoking, medical conditions such as diabetes, some medications such as anti-hypertensives, anti- epilepsy medication and immunosuppressants, heavily restored teeth with poor margins, severely crowded teeth and poor diet low in vitamin C, D and K can worsen gum disease.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAVING NON- SURGICAL WITH THE PERIODONTAL SPECIALIST OR HYGIENIST?
Treatment with the Periodontal Specialist is recommended for stabilisation of severe pockets and teeth with unusual anatomy. The hygienist team are ready to support you with the maintenance programme. It is not the same thing.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SEE THE HYGIENIST?
6 monthly hygiene is recommended or regular maintenance in the absence of gum disease. For treatment or stabilisation of gum disease, 3 or 4 monthly hygiene recalls are recommended.
I HAVE GUM RECESSION, WHAT SHALL I DO?
Gum recession can be caused by heavy handed horizontal brushing with a manual toothbrush, gum disease, a zone of heavy bite pressure or after Orthodontic treatment as a side effect of alignment. Your periodontal specialist can give you advice on whether further treatment such as gum grafting is suitable.