Dental Research: Periodontic Dentistry

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Periodontal disease is a disease of the gums around the teeth. Plaque grows on the surface of a tooth causing inflammation in the gums and periodontal tissues. This causes opening between the tooth and the tissue.¹ The openings continue to grow as more bacteria fill the pockets. As the pockets get worse, the bone starts to become damaged. If the damage gets too bad the tooth can detach from the bone and can be lost.¹

Examination of Periodontal Disease
A periodontist checks the color and condition of the gums and measures the deepness of the pockets. X-rays are taken and the bone line is examined.² The movement of the teeth and the amount of calculus also reveals the stage the disease is at.² A treatment is determined by the severity of the disease. There are non-surgical treatments and surgical therapies.

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Indications of gum disease

•    Inflamed or bleeding gums
•    Tenacious bad breath
•    Gums pulling away from teeth
•    Unattached teeth
•    Change in bite of teeth

Types of Periodontal Disease:

It is any condition that is in the gums and affects the structure of the teeth³

•    Gingivitis – mildest form of the disease.
•    Chronic Periodontitis.
•    Aggressive Periodontitis.
•    Periodontitis Caused by Conditions of the Body.
•    Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases.

Non-surgical Treatments:

• Professional Cleaning
     Dentists clean and remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line. This lowers the chance of gum disease.‡
• Scaling and Root
     An anesthetic is used on the gums and the plaque is scraped out by the dentist. The tooth and gums are smoothed so that the gums can reattach to the teeth. Sometimes an antibiotic is used to help in the healing.‡

Surgical Procedures:

• Periodontal Surgery
     Pocket Reduction Procedures
     Regenerative Procedures
     Dental Crown Lengthening
     Gum Graft Surgery
• Dental Implants
     For people who already lost a tooth

What are Dental Implants and what are their advantages?

•    Dental implants are artificial replacements for a tooth that has fallen out either by periodontics or an injury. These implants act as a tooth root connected to the bone of the jaw and the tooth itself looks completely real. Implants are sturdy, long-lasting and do not affect the surrounding teeth.†
•    Dental implants give better oral health by filling in the gap in a smile. The teeth surrounding the implant do not need to be altered or moved to allow the implant to work.
•    The success rate for implants are very high.
•    Anyone can get an implant as long as there is enough bone to attach the implant to.
•    Implants do not need to be taken out nor do they need adhesives to keep them in place like dentures do.
•    They are better than dentures.

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References:

• ¹ Dr. Love, C; Questions&Answers; - Grand River, MI.
• ² Kelley, T.C, D.D.S; Illustrations of Periodontal Procedures; - American Academy of Periodontology;
• ³ Types of Periodontal Disease; - Simple steps to better dental health; Aetna, Inc.
• ‡ Toms, P.B, D.M.D.; Non-Surgical Gum Treatments; - Gainesville, GA.
• † Dental Implants; - WebMD, LCC.