Bad Breath / Swollen Gums (Periodontitis)
Periodontitis treatment: Oral health is not just healthy teeth but also healthy gums and bones. Periodontics is a specialty dealing with gum and jaw bone health. Periodontitis – gum disease or periodontal disease is a severe gum infection (disease). This bacterial gum infection causes severe damage to the soft tissues (gums) and underlying jawbone. Untreated periodontitis can seriously damage the gums, and soft tissues and destroys the jawbone that supports teeth. Periodontitis causes progressive damage to the teeth – and therefore, infected teeth and gums become loose, cause bad breath and eventually result in teeth loss.
Bleeding Gums
Periodontitis symptoms: Bleeding gums is the first sign of gum infection. Swollen and painful gums, severe tooth pain, and inflammation are the other symptoms. Gum infection is due to poor oral hygiene. Deep scaling and polishing (oral prophylaxis). Scaling removes the accumulated plaque and calculus while polishing smoothens the tooth thus reducing the chances of plaque accumulation.
Spaces Between Teeth and Food Lodgement
The development of new spaces between teeth due to gum infection can lead to food lodgement. It is due to bone resorption (weakening and decreasing bone density). Untreated or neglected gum infection can lead to bone loss around teeth – initially creating gaps and then food lodgement. If the dental infection is not treated at this stage, there will be aggressive bone loss causing loosening of teeth and eventually tooth loss. Treatments ranging from gingival curettage to flap surgery; conventional or laser-assisted flap surgeries should be initiated to treat bone loss. These procedures are safe and yield good results. Our periodontists are well trained and skilled in performing these surgeries with great precision.
Dental Flap Surgery Laser flap surgery or laser-assisted flap surgery: A periodontist at Gnathos Clinic makes small incisions in the infected gums and lifts gums tissues for deep scaling and root planing. The infected underlying bone is cut cleaned and recontoured. The gum tissue is then sutured back in place. Once the healing process completes, it becomes easier for the treated person to clean the treated areas and maintain healthy gums.
Laser flap surgery: It is the best periodontitis treatment. The advantage of laser flap surgery is less pain, less tissue damage, and less bleeding and it is a safe procedure for the treatment of periodontal gum disease.
FAQs
Does scaling destroy tooth structure?
No, scaling does not damage teeth. The scaler produces ultrasonic vibrations that help in dislodging calculus from the tooth surface and the high-pressure water jet removes plaque, debris, and calculus.
Does polishing alone help improve gum health?
No, polishing only smoothens the tooth surface. It does not remove hard calculus.
How frequently should scaling be done?
Scaling should be done once in a year.
Is scaling painful?
No, scaling is not painful. There will be slight discomfort during the procedure.
What is the appropriate age for flap surgery?
There is no particular age. Evidence of bone loss in the X-ray and deep gingival pockets warrants further evaluation and treatment.
How many days will I take to recover?
After periodontitis treatment, the recovery is complication-free and quick. you can get back to your routine in no time.
Can patients with diabetes undergo flap surgery?
Periodontitis treatment – Yes, patients with diabetes can undergo flap surgery. Diabetics are more prone to gums and bone infection that causes aggressive bone loss and also sometimes elevates sugar levels. So, treating gum infections can help them strengthen their teeth and maintain oral, general, and overall health.