Periodontal Disease Treatment (Gum Disease) In Epsom

Periodontal disease, gum disease, and periodontitis are all phrases that we use to describe an infection in the gingiva (gums) and bone around your teeth. Because our teeth rely on healthy gum and root structures it’s essential that signs of periodontitis are identified as early as possible.

Gingivitis is the earliest sign that there’s a problem. Minor redness, swelling, or mild bleeding may can occur at this phase. But if not treated with daily home care and professional cleanings, that infection can spread down into your connective tissues, creating serious and permanent structural damage.

The earliest sign of periodontitis is an irritated gum line that might cause discomfort or bleeding when you brush, floss, or have your teeth cleaned professionally. If not treated, the gums will start to retract and pull away from the teeth. This creates spaces between the teeth and gums called periodontal pockets that can fill with harmful bacteria. Your dentist will measure the depths of these pockets to determine how far the condition has spread and what treatment is necessary. If gum disease makes its way to the jawbone and the connective tissues of teeth, the jawbone can deteriorate, and teeth can be lost.

There are three common causes of gum disease. The first and most common is chronic periodontitis. This occurs when oral hygiene is neglected and bacteria accumulate beneath the gum line, eventually turning into a hard substance called tartar. Tartar is not easily removed by brushing and flossing and requires professional cleaning. If left untreated the gums become inflamed and damaged and bone loss occurs.

The second cause is aggressive periodontitis, this is believed to be a genetic condition as it shows up in a small number of families. It moves quickly and can even be seen in children.

The last and the rarest cause is necrotizing periodontal disease. This can occur in people with immune issues and or chronic diseases. The soft tissue and bone are compromised because of a lack of blood flow.

Periodontal disease or gum disease is treated in two ways. Which treatment you receive depends on the severity of your condition.

Scaling and root planning are recognized as the standard treatment for periodontitis. The procedure is highly effective in managing the condition in its early to moderate stages. It also does an excellent job of reversing its harmful effects. When providing scaling and root planing treatment, your dentist will access the areas below the gum line and between the teeth and remove harmful accumulations of plaque, tartar, and oral bacteria. Then the root surfaces will be smoothed out to prevent future accumulations. Your gums should then begin the healing process and eventually reattach themselves to the teeth.

The second treatment is called bone grafting and is often required when bacteria and plaque have reached the jawbone and caused deterioration and decay. Your dentist will need to surgically access the damaged jawbone at this stage. Your dentist will attempt to regenerate the bone by applying proteins and artificial bone-like material to the areas of decay. This will help encourage new bone growth. Bone grafting is often a necessary step for strengthening the jawbone so that it can support dental implants to replace missing teeth.

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Alpers Dental’s primary mission has been to facilitate the provision of comprehensive preventative dental treatment to the residents of Auckland.

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