Download Periodontal Disease

Prevention & Treatment
Treatment of periodontal disease depends on how far
the disease has progressed. Individualized treatment
may include any of the following:
Non-surgical Therapy removes plaque
and calculus by controlling the growth of harmful bac­
teria and by treating conditions that encourage gum
disease. These types of treatments may be all that’s
needed.
By combining your own efforts
with those of your periodontist
and your general dentist,
your teeth and gums may be
restored to health. An attractive
appearance, healthy teeth
and gums, and comfortable
eating... now that’s something
to smile about!
Periodontal
Disease
•S
caling and Root Planing. Scaling is removing the
calculus deposits from your teeth; root planing is the
smoothing of the root surfaces so that the gum tissue
can reattach to the tooth.
•C
urettage removes the soft tissue lining the
periodontal pocket. This helps the gum tissue to heal.
Surgical Therapy
may be necessary to
remove periodontal pockets when the disease is
more advanced. Because bone tissue that has been
destroyed does not grow back, special techniques are
used:
•G
ingivectomy involves removing an overgrowth of
gum tissue. Removing excess gum tissue eliminates
the space in which bacteria can collect (as displayed
to the right).
•F
lap Surgery allows us to gain access to the root
of the tooth for removal of calculus, plaque and
diseased tissue. The gum is then secured back into
place. Flap surgery is sometimes accompanied by
osseous (bone) surgery, in which the bone around
the tooth is reshaped or part of it is removed.
Good periodontal health starts with the patient. Here’s
what you can do to prevent or control gum disease.
• thoroughly brush and floss your teeth everyday
• eat well-balanced meals and avoid sugary, “junk
food” snacks
• Examine your mouth for any early signs of gum
disease
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a thorough
cleaning and oral examination.
Periodontal Disease PD-1.indd 1
Another reason to smile! TM
Panatella Dental
Suite 650, 1110 Panatella Boulevard NW
Calgary, Alberta T3K 0S6
403.226.4788
www.panatelladental.com
[email protected]
How is it
preventable?
13-03-28 1:03 PM
Understanding periodontal disease - your gums need special care...
Periodontal Disease
Stages of the Disease
Symptoms / Diagnosis
Periodontal (gum) disease, is the most common cause
of tooth loss in adults and is an infection caused by
plaque. This disease affects 3 out of 4 people over the
age of 35.
The earlier you treat periodontal disease, the easier it is
to control, and the better chance you have of restoring
the health of your mouth and saving your teeth.
At home, you can be on the alert for the warning signs
of periodontal disease. If you have any of the following
symptoms, see your dentist at once
Plaque is the sticky film composed of mostly bacteria
that forms continuously on the teeth and must be re­
moved daily to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
If not removed, plaque bacteria produce toxins that
irritate gum tissues causing them to swell. Gradually,
plaque hardens into calculus (tartar), that forms a rough
surface on which more plaque accumulates, causing in­
creased irritation and swelling. This inflammation dam­
ages the periodontal fibers that hold the gums tightly
against the teeth, creating spaces known as periodon­
tal pockets. These pockets create room for even more
bacterial activity which creates deeper pockets until
eventually the bone supporting the tooth is destroyed,
resulting in tooth loss. In addition to plaque, other fac­
tors that can cause periodontal disease include local ir­
ritants such as smoking, chewing tobacco, or habitually
clenching the teeth. Nutrition, certain medications, and
high levels of stress can also be contributing factors.
Healthy Gums and Teeth
In a healthy mouth, teeth
fit snuggly in their sockets,
their roots surrounded by
a strong foundation of
gums and other support­
ive tissue.
• Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
Gingivitis
If not removed regularly
from teeth and gums, bac­
teria grow out of control
and produce toxins that ir­
ritate your gums. Calculus
along the gumline forms
a rough surface on which
plaque accumulates, causing more irritation and swell­
ing. You may notice sore, bleeding gums or bad breath.
Spaces between gum and tooth (pockets) may exist,
but no bone is damaged in this mild, reversible form of
periodontal disease.
• A change in the fit of your dentures
Periodontitis
The most common cause of periodontitis, plaque (and
sometimes calculus) is found below the gumline. The
ligaments break down and the gum detaches and pulls
away from the teeth. The pockets deepen and fill with
more bacteria. Supportive ligaments and bone start to
show damage, resulting in loose teeth.
Periodontal probing below the gumline involves mea­
suring and recording the depth of the pockets around
each tooth, which you can’t see or feel. Probing is the
key technique your dentist uses to find out how serious
your disease is and to plan your treatment.
Advanced Periodontitis
When periodontitis pro­
gresses to the advanced
stage, pockets deepen
and may fill with pus. There
may be swelling around
the root and as bone loss
increases, your teeth may lose so much support that
they fall out or need to be removed to preserve the
overall health of your mouth.
A probe is like a tiny ruler.
Your periodontist inserts
this tool gently in the space,
pocket, between your tooth
and gum. The deeper the
probe goes, the deeper the
pocket, and the more severe
the periodontal disease.
In many cases, periodontal disease begins at an early
age and in its first stages is called gingivitis (gum in­
flammation); with the more advanced stage known as
periodontitis or pyorrhea. Because the disease can be
virtually painless, it is important to maintain regular
check-ups so that your dentist can detect the presence
of periodontal disease, however, he/she may refer you
to a periodontist (a specialist in diagnosing, treating
and preventing gum disease). Your periodontist does
a more in-depth examination to determine the actual
extent of your periodontal disease. The disease can be
controlled, however, control and treatment depend on
how far the disease has progressed and how willing the
patient is to accept responsibility for proper home care.
Periodontal probe
has been inserted into
“pocket” about 7mm,
normal is 1-2 mm.
Periodontal Disease PD-1.indd 2
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
•P
us between the teeth and gums (noticeable when
the gums are pressed)
• Loose permanent teeth
•A
change in the way your teeth fit together when you
bite
• Bad breath
Of course, the only way to confirm a diagnosis of
periodontal disease is to have your mouth thoroughly
examined. During an examination your gums are evalu­
ated for bleeding, swelling, firmness, and abnormal
contours by your dentist or periodontist.
Your teeth are also checked for movement and sensitiv­
ity, as well as your bite (which could be a contributing
factor to the condition) is also assessed. Full mouth xrays less than a year old are usually required to detect
breakdown of bone surrounding your teeth.
13-03-28 1:03 PM