Advanced Gum Procedures
GINGIVITIS AND PERIODONTITIS
Gum disease is a serious condition that could lead to a plethora of problems in your mouth. It's known as periodontal disease in medical circles, and is a common affliction that affects roughly a third of the population.
At the most basic level it is an infection of the gum tissue between the teeth. That small v-shaped portion of gums between the teeth is called a sulcus, and it can be a breeding ground for tartar and bacteria. An infection of this tissue can cause the gums to recede. As a result, the attachment of the gums to the teeth is broken and a pocket is formed. The severity of gum disease is proportional to the size of the pocket created.
Diseases of the gum are loosely classified into two categories. The first category is called gingivitis , and it is the more prevalent of the two gum diseases. Gingivitis is the initial form of gum disease that is milder and reversible. When gingivitis progresses beyond repair, it becomes what is known as periodontitis . This is a more serious form of gum disease that is destructive to both tissue and bone within the mouth.
Gingivitis
To understand gingivitis, it is important to have an idea of the anatomy of the tooth and its supporting structure.
When a tooth is clean, the gums around it are usually pink and healthy. |
If the tooth is not properly cleaned, plaque forms and accumulates on its surface.
Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria (very small germs) that grows on any tooth surface, even between the teeth. |
Plaque causes irritation of the gums. The gums usually become red and slightly swollen.
This condition is called gingivitis. |
When gingivitis is present:
Pocket depth may increase due to swelling.
The gums may bleed more easily when touched.
The bone level does not change around the tooth. |
Periodontitis
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In almost all cases, periodontitis starts with gingivitis |
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In susceptible patients, plaque and tartar will cause irritation of the gums and bone loss .
This condition is called periodontitis . |
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Bone loss, means that the support of the tooth is reduced .
Uncontrolled continuation of bone loss leads to tooth loss . |
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When periodontitis is present:
- Pocket depth increases due to swelling and bone loss.
- The gums may bleed more easily when touched.
The supporting bone level is reduced around the tooth. |
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Common symptoms of gum disease are as follows :
Bleeding gums
Swollen and tender gums
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
Bad breath that won't go away
Loose teeth
Not all of these symptoms may appear in your mouth if you have a gum disease. In fact, some victims don't develop any symptoms at all. That's why it's important to keep up with regular visits to the dentist for cleaning and inspection . A good regime of oral hygiene is also a preventative procedure. There's no excuse for developing gum disease, as it is easily preventable with proper care and checkups. However, should you develop gum disease, it's best to have it treated right away. By checking the progress of the disease early on it's possible to reverse the damage caused by gum decay.
If you are diagnosed with gingivitis only scaling or polishing may be required, if you are diagnosed with periodontitis flap surgery to correct the problem is a nece ssity.
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