How Periodontal Disease Progresses

How Periodontal Disease Progresses

To prevent the progression of periodontal disease, oral bacteria need to be removed daily with good brushing and flossing techniques. But for some, these important steps are still not enough to keep bacteria under control. Plaque is the white sticky substance that is always forming in the mouth and harbors the bacteria that cause gum disease. If plaque is not removed, it turns to tartar and causes even more damage. Gum recession, tooth loss, and bone deterioration are some of the consequences of untreated gum disease.

Gingivitis. The initial stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. This occurs when patients are experiencing red, inflamed gums, and bleeding when brushing and flossing their teeth. These are signs that the condition is starting to develop, at this point; patients should visit their dentist for an examination, proper diagnosis, and treatment. Some patients are simply more prone to developing gingivitis, treatment of which in this stage can avoid the need for more invasive periodontal therapies. For these patients, getting early gingivitis treatment is critical.

Periodontitis. When left untreated, gingivitis can worsen into periodontitis, in which the gums recede and the bones begin to disintegrate. This can result in lost teeth, and the only way to restore a smile after periodontal disease is through treatments such as dentures or dental implants. Patients must address their oral health issues before being able to enjoy the benefits of restorative treatments. If periodontal disease developed and treatment was rendered, a periodontal maintenance is critical to preventing further progression of the disease. Beyond 90 days or so, the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease grow very rapidly. Periodontal maintenance appointments at three to four month intervals will help mitigate this growth and further protect your teeth, bone, and gums.

Keeping a close eye on gum pocket depth is also important. Periodontal pockets are caused by bacteria and the deeper they are the more damaging they can be to the oral structures that protect teeth from falling out.

Bone Grafting Procedure

Bone Grafting Procedure

Bone grafting is where the jawbone is built up to accommodate a dental implant or other restorative device. Bone grafting is a common procedure that is used frequently for dental implants and other periodontal procedures. Jaw Bone Grafting is the replacement of missing jaw bone with similar material from the patients body in order to preserve that part of the jaw for an implant.  Generally this is done when a tooth has been extracted, or is missing from the mouth.  A missing tooth will often cause the jaw bone in that area to atrophy or be reabsorbed into the mouth.  This leaves the jawbone unsuitable for implants.  The bone used to graft is taken from a sample from the patient. Many times, the bone is taken from another area of the mouth when drilling takes place. The bone fragments are suctioned from the mouth and used for the graft. Cadaver bone fragments are also used. They are harvested by bone banks and are a very safe source for bone donation. Bone grafting fixes this problem by replacing that jawbone with bone from other parts of the body.  This bone helps your jaw regenerate, meaning that the jaw bone will grow over the graft, making the jaw suitable for implants.

Local anesthesia is used to numb the area where the bone will be removed as well as the location where the bone will be augmented. An incision is made in the gums around where the bone will be augmented. This is done so that the doctor can see exactly how much bone will be needed before harvesting it from the patient if an autogenous graft is being performed.

Next, the doctor will make a cut in the gums below the lower front teeth in order to expose the chin bone. Your doctor will then remove a part of the bone along with any bone marrow. This incision is then closed with stitches.

The bone removed from the chin will then be anchored in place to the jaw bone with small titanium screws. The doctor may place a mixture of your bone marrow and some bone grafting material around the bone graft to help speed healing. The incision is then closed with stitches. Your dental implant procedure will not take place until your mouth has healed completely.

After the procedure you will likely be given antibiotics as well as pain medication. You will be asked to follow a restricted diet of soft foods such as pastas, mashed potatoes, and applesauce for a short time following your bone grafting procedure. It will often be about six to nine months following the bone graft before your doctor will be able to perform your dental implant procedure. 

Periodontal Disease Symptoms

Periodontal Disease Symptoms

It's important to understand that you can have periodontal disease with no obvious symptoms, especially if you are a smoker, nicotine reduces blood supply preventing bleeding and swelling of the gum tissues. Still, there are some important things to look for:

Bleeding gums. Some people think that when their gums bleed, it simply means they're brushing too hard. While brushing too hard is bad for the gums, it should not cause bleeding. Any bleeding of the gums should be considered a warning sign of gum disease.

Bad breath. It's very easy for plaque to collect in the spaces between the teeth, creating the perfect living conditions for bacteria that produce odorous, sulfur-containing compounds, resulting in bad breath.

Redness or swelling of the gums. Inflammation of the gums is usually the first visible sign of periodontal disease.

Receding gums. If you notice that your teeth look longer than they used to, it may be that your gum tissue has receded away from the enamel, exposing some of your tooth roots.

Sensitivity. If there is gum recession, the exposed roots may become sensitive to hot or cold.

Periodontal abscess. Bacteria can become enclosed in a periodontal pocket and the area will fill with pus, becoming swollen and painful.

Loose teeth. When periodontal disease results in bone loss, teeth can become loose or migrate. Tooth loss can result and may be accelerated if you are applying excessive biting forces from clenching or grinding your teeth.

Frenectomy

Frenectomy

A frenulum is a piece of tissue that prevents an organ from moving. There is a frenulum that attaches your upper lip to the gums, while another connects the lower lip to the gums. A frenulum that is too short or thick, will cause problems in speech patterns and tooth misalignment. In infants, a shortened frenulum underneath the tongue will inhibit breastfeeding. When the frenulum disrupts movement, growth, or development, corrective action is necessary to resolve the situation.

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that is performed in your dentist’s office. It can be performed with either a scalpel or laser and takes less than 15 minutes. Using a laser causes very little bleeding and does not require stitches. A laser also results in less postoperative discomfort and a shorter healing time. Young children and infants are put under general anesthesia for the procedure and adults have the procedure performed using local anesthesia. If your child needs a frenectomy, there is nothing to worry about. The procedure is very successful and causes minimal discomfort.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

Gum Disease Treatment Options

While gum disease might not seem that threatening, especially during the early phases, this oral health issue can eventually contribute to the development of heart disease, exacerbate symptoms of diabetes, and cause tooth loss. The sooner you anf your dentist can discover and treat your gum disease using periodontal therapy, the less likely periodontal complications will occur.

Oral health. Good oral health habits are key to preventing the condition. This includes brushing and flossing after every meal, and maintaining regular visits to the dentist. Thorough cleaning of the teeth to remove plaque and tartar.  Some patients are at a higher risk for developing periodontal disease, including those with medical conditions such as diabetes.

Antibiotics. When patients are dealing with gum disease, they need to seek effective treatment as soon as possible. In some instances, antibiotics may be needed to eliminate infection.

Scaling and root planing. Deep cleanings remove tartar and plaque from all areas of the teeth and gums, including the roots. This ensures all areas are addressed and patients can recover from their condition. Patients must follow a strict regimen to maintain their oral health and continue to enjoy the benefits of a healthy smile.

Prevention is always the best medicine. If you do discover gum disease, early treatment will lead to better results and prevent the need for surgical periodontal therapy.

Compass Clinic

Compass Clinic

Address
Mill Road, Wells-Next-The-Sea
Norfolk, NR23 1RF
United Kingdom

Website
http://www.compassclinic.co.uk

Contact Number
01328 710999

Contact Person
None

Why do people choose Compass Clinic?

For many people, it's because they've overcome their fear of the dentist by coming here. For others, they love the time they get to discuss everything properly before deciding what treatment to have.

To experience pain-free dentistry because they are treated with dignity and respect, sensitivity and caring so that they don't have to suffer the embarrassment and discomfort of loose dentures - we can make them feel right.

Because of our friendly service Because they are so confident in our procedures and attention to detail because they like the comfortable, relaxing atmosphere.

Because our preventive approach means they can keep their own teeth for a lifetime, losing teeth is not inevitable.

Because they aren't happy with their smiles and want the cosmetic dentistry we provide tooth whitening, veneers and “smile makeovers. Because they like the convenience of our ample free parking.

Dental Services
Gum Treatments
Cosmetic Dentistry
Pain-Free Dentistry

Advanced Dental

Advanced Dental

Location
1423 S Don Roser Drive, Las Cruces
New Mexico 88011
United States

Tel No/s
575-680-1037

Email Address
None

Website
http://www.advanceddentaloflascruces.com

Official Representative
None

Welcome! Advanced Dental of Las Cruces has been working with patients to provide the best cosmetic dentistry care for patients in the Las Cruces area. Dr. Reiter cares about your teeth and your health, and because of this, he wants to help you learn more about gum disease and keep an eye on your gums to prevent the disease from forming.

Dental Services
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Gum Disease Treatment
Full Mouth Reconstruction