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Home / Periodontics

Periodontics

Gum treatment or periodontics is the management and treatment of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Gum disease may be the result of a number of factors such as heredity, diet, lack of oral hygiene, smoking, environmental factors, or other habits. It may affect one tooth or a number of teeth or the whole mouth. Gum disease may be the result of a gradual loss of support around the teeth and may take place over a long period, or it may occur suddenly. Everyone is susceptible to gum disease, and if not treated, the condition is progressive and may also affect the general health.

Initially the condition shows up as an inflammation of the gums called gingivitis. This is the inflammation of the edges of the gums, which may be red and swollen and may bleed on brushing. The depth of the space between the gum and the tooth is known as the pocket.

This condition can progress to the bone surrounding the tooth and result in an increase of pocket depth or the gums may recede. There may be spontaneous bleeding of the gums or the gums may bleed a lot when the teeth are brushed. This is now termed periodontitis.

Periodontitis may progress further with more loss of bone and support for the teeth so that they become mobile and loose and may even fall out. There is bad breath (halitosis) and active infection present in the gums and this might also affect the general health.The treatment of these conditions depends on when it is diagnosed, on patient cooperation and on how aggressive the condition is. The first step in treatment is to improve oral hygiene as well as changes in diet, smoking cessation, and stopping detrimental habits. Referral to a specialist periodontist may be necessary in complex or difficult cases.

Gingivitis and early periodontitis are reversible, but the effects of periodontal disease are not.

Advantages: Treatment of gingivitis and early periodontitis will stop the progress of the disease and restore the mouth to good oral health. Treatment of periodontal disease will stop the disease, save some or all of the teeth, and eliminate bad breath. It will also promote improved general health.

Disadvantages:Periodontal treatment can be expensive and may take a long time to get results. The aesthetic results at completion of treatment may not be as good as before the onset of the disease due to the destruction of tissues by the infection. Treatment is dependent on patient cooperation to maintain their oral hygiene, diet, habits and not smoking. The condition may recur if any of these factors become active again.