Periodontics
What is periodontal / gum disease?
Periodontal disease is characterized by red, inflamed, bleeding, or receding gums, as well as bad breath, painful chewing, and motile teeth.
The main etiological factor is the accumulation of bacterial plaque, usually due to improper brushing that causes gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. If this is maintained over time, or the patient has a genetic predisposition to develop periodontitis, the loss of the bone that supports the teeth begins.
Conditions that facilitate the emergence of periodontal disease:
- Diabetes, pregnancy, tobacco, poor dental hygiene, stress, malnutrition, some medications
- Poorly fitted dentures and fillings, dental crowding, deep grooves, or anatomical defects.
Important: Gum problems DO NOT HURT in the vast majority of cases.
Periodontal disease can be CURED! With periodontal disease treatment, we are able to stop the loss of bone, but it is also necessary to maintain for life, both at home and in the office (to access areas where the patient does not arrive and prevent recurrences).
Periodontal Disease Treatments
Periodontal therapy begins with a consultation and examination to determine the stage of the disease and develop a treatment plan. Depending on the stage of the disease, several treatments can be applied:
Periodontal Maintenance or Prophylaxis
As differentiation from other dental clinics in Dental Home Albania, we have the ultimate airflow system. Compared to other methods of dental prophylaxis, treatment with our system is especially characterized by its safety, effectiveness, and sustainability.
This method is also indicated for the subgingival removal of biofilm as part of a periodontal preservation treatment, as well as for implant cleaning. The use of the glycine powder with the air polisher has proven to be a more effective procedure than treatment with manual instruments. Glycine-based powders work without altering titanium surfaces. The subgingival application of the air polisher not only saves time compared to treatment with manual instruments but also in patients’ safety and comfort. In addition, a randomized trial in periodontal pockets of moderate depth shows that the application of our airflow system is more effective than conventional ultrasonic cleaning and scaling.
In short, we can have a more comfortable, less painful, and more effective treatment, both for natural teeth and for implants.
Scaling and Root Planing Session
Normally, several sessions of scaling and root planing must be done to decontaminate the root of the tooth. Previously, x-rays and a detailed study of each tooth must be carried out with an electronic probe (Florida Probe) that informs us of the degree of inflammation, recession, mobility and other important data to assess the response to treatment and based on that, we can establish guidelines for determined actions and an individualized forecast. Likewise, it is essential to instruct the patient in brushing techniques and interdental hygiene.
Once the scalings are finished, a microbiological analysis is done to determine if there are any more aggressive bacteria that has caused inflammation and bone loss. This will help us to know whether to use antibiotics or not and what specific antibiotic is necessary.
Once this 1st phase is finished, a periodontal evaluation will have to be carried out again and thus be able to assess the response to treatment and the need or not to perform surgery.
We can also carry out genetic analysis to assess the predisposition to suffer from the disease. This will help us foresee possible complications and make certain decisions for the future.
Sometimes symptoms of gum disease are camouflaged by tobacco, which produces vasoconstriction and camouflages the signs of inflammation. If you smoke, we recommend you to do a periodontal study to rule out any gum problems before it’s too late.
Periodontal Surgery
They are very detailed microsurgery techniques, but with spectacular results in many cases. For the success of the treatment, it is essential that the patient does not smoke, since tobacco compromises the vascularity of the graft.
The grafts can be performed on teeth, on implants, or in areas where parts are missing to recover the volume lost after one extraction.
Periodontal regeneration
To regenerate, it is essential that the patient does not smoke, and if the teeth are mobile, they must be splinted first.
FAQs
Gum surgery becomes necessary when the gum tissue around the teeth is too unhealthy to be repaired with nonsurgical treatments.
Routine professional dental cleanings and regular at-home oral hygiene practices that include brushing and rinsing at least twice a day and flossing regularly will help prevent both gingivitis and periodontal disease.
During a gum graft, tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and attached to the affected gum line, allowing more tissue to grow and cover the exposed root surface
A gum or periodontal abscess occurs when a pocket of pus collects within the gum. It happens when tissue disintegrates as a result of a bacterial infection in the gums or tooth roots and supporting bone.
