Periodontology
Symptoms such as gum swelling, bleeding provoked during tooth brushing, bad breath, and teeth shifting positions leading to food retention are some signs of periodontal disease. The close association of this disease with other systemic conditions makes the clinical situation sensitive and complex. Special care is required for patients with cardiovascular, anemic, diabetic conditions, as well as those suffering from dyslipidemia, hormonal changes, and vitamin deficiencies. These factors emphasize the need for specialized treatment. If you have been treated for this disease before, regular check-ups and professional dental hygiene are advisable.
Periodontal Treatment
The treatment approach for periodontal disease depends on its stage of progression.
Early Stage (Gingivitis): If the disease is caught early with no further damage, we recommend cleaning in one or two sessions as needed. We will also provide appropriate advice on oral hygiene and discuss the type of toothpaste and brush that suits you best. The goal at this stage is to prevent progression to advanced stages like periodontitis.
Advanced Stage (Periodontitis): If the condition has progressed, we recommend periodontal cleaning or scaling and root planning. This procedure involves removing dental plaque and calculus above and below the gum line (scaling) and smoothing out rough root surfaces (planning). This helps in gum healing and reduces gingival pocket depth. We will also guide you on good oral care practices, including brushing, flossing, and the use of necessary medications.
Surgical Intervention: If the pocket depth does not heal after deep cleaning, surgical periodontal treatment may be necessary to reduce pocket depth, making it easier to clean. In severe cases, the disease can affect the entire length of the root, potentially necessitating the extraction of a tooth that may have minimal or no visible decay.
Diagnosis
Approximately 60% of patients have experienced at least one periodontal disease in their medical history, ranging from mild to advanced stages that may result in tooth loss. Accurate diagnosis of these diseases is made by the dentist, although there is often an overlooked neglect by focusing only on dental problems rather than oral health in general. During your initial visit to our clinic, your current health condition will be assessed to establish a baseline for future check-ups. Based on this assessment, we can determine the progression of periodontal diseases and the appropriate therapy to follow. These check-ups, when necessary, are accompanied by intra-session X-rays to observe the extent of bone damage. Visual aids on monitors will provide clear insights into your condition.
Based on the depth of gum pockets, amount of bleeding, inflammation of gums, teeth mobility, or tooth shifting, a diagnosis may be made for one of these three stages:
- Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
- Periodontitis (gingival inflammation with slight bone involvement)
- Advanced Periodontitis (tooth mobility, deep inflammation of gums and bone that may lead to tooth loss)
As part of the periodontal disease treatment, the specialist may also request a series of blood tests for further analysis.