Gingivitis is an inflammation in the gums caused by plaque and tartar. Plaque and tartar deposits in the teeth and gum line causes irritation and becomes inflamed. Tartar is hardened minerals which secrete bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease and if not given treatment early will develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infection that weakens the gingival tissue and alveolar bone that supports the teeth.
In an early stage of infection swelling and inflammation of the gums are very much visible. Later the teeth become loose and gums easily bleeds. Gums are usually tender when touched and recedes so the teeth may appear looks longer than usual. Spaces continue to develop in between teeth and gum line creating pockets where bacteria sets in. The presence of halitosis or chronic bad breath usually occurs.
These are just few of the symptoms of periodontitis. However, any form of gum disease is curable if treated in time. Visit your oral hygienist to check the severity of the condition. Dentist’s main objective is to reduce the inflammation and control the spread of infection. Periodontitis treatment may come in surgical and non-surgical treatments.
For non-surgical treatment, dentist may perform the scaling procedure. Scaling is removing the tartar which sets in the tooth surfaces and in the gum line. Dentist uses special tools to remove the hardened calculus. Tartar contains bacteria that destroy teeth and causes cavities. Root planing is a procedure that smoothes the tooth surfaces to prevent accumulation of plaque and tartar.
The dentist may sometimes recommend the use of oral antibiotics to help prevent the spread of bacterial infection. There are also available antibiotic mouth wash and gels that can be applied in between teeth spaces after the scaling treatment is done. However, severe periodontitis may not sometimes respond to a non-surgical treatment. So, dentist will opt to do surgical procedures to prevent further infection and damage. Surgical treatments for periodontal disease can be done in the more serious condition.
Soft tissue grafting- damaged tissue is replaced. This is done by removing tissue from the palate and attached to the damaged part. Bone grafting- if the alveolar bone is destroyed then a synthetic small bone fragments will be grafted to hold the tooth in place and prevent further tooth loss. Pocket reduction surgery- a procedure exposing the root for easier scaling and tooth planing.
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