Periodontal treatment
If you suffer from Periodontitis, otherwise known as gum disease you will require some type of Periodontal treatment from your dentist. If left untreated Periodontitis can cause tooth loss or teeth to loosen. Preventative measures can be simple; brushing regularly, flossing, and having regular check-ups with your dentist. The main treatments usually are preventative in the first instance, such as deep cleaning, scaling, root planing, and sometimes anti-biotics to prevent gum infection. If your Periodontal problem is more serious surgical treatment may be required.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is commonly known as gum disease. It is a widespread health problem estimated to affect up to half of the adult population. The disease destroys the healthy gum attachment to the roots of the teeth, leading to gum infection, gum recession, bone loss around the teeth, and halitosis (bad breath). If untreated it will lead to tooth loosening, drifting, and tooth loss. Discover our full guide to Periodontal Disease.
The patient in the top image has advanced Periodontal disease. You can see the gum recession and open ‘holes’ between the teeth as well as the huge amount of bone loss around the roots of the teeth. Whereas the image below it is of a healthy patient.
Advanced periodontal disease
Advanced periodontal disease often leads to the loss of many teeth and leaves sufferers with severely compromised function and aesthetics, as well as affecting their general health and quality of life. With all dental patients, it is a matter of assessing the problem and providing the right treatment plan.
V&A Dental Practice carefully plan Periodontal treatments often using an interdisciplinary approach involving periodontal treatment, orthodontic treatment, and restorative treatment. Often dental implants and crowns are used to rebuild and regenerate the gum and bone.
Gum disease symptoms
If you are experiencing gum disease symptoms it is important that you contact your dentist as soon as possible to prevent the problem from becoming worse.
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Symptoms include:
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Swollen or puffy gums
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Unusually red or purple gums
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Feeling tender or sore on the gum line
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Bleeding gums easily
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Brushing or flossing causing unnecessary bleeding
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Bad breath
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Puss on the gum line or in between teeth
Interested in Periodontal treatment?