Periodontol Problems Treated

Periodontal gum disease problems can sometimes present with a range of typical symptoms including red and swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, loosening or spacing of the teeth, bad breath or halitosis and other mouth changes.

In many cases periodontal gum diseases are often silent, meaning that symptoms may not be evident until significant changes have occurred. Some people may have Gingivitis or Periodontitis and not experience any symptoms and be unaware that they have a gum disease.

A Periodontist is a dentist who specialises in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tissues (gum and bone) surrounding the teeth as such they have the expertise to address the significance of any symptoms you may present with and can provide the most appropriate advice and treatment for these problems. Periodontists are also experts in the placement and maintenance of dental implants.

The major categories of periodontal gum diseases and problems that arise as a result of developing gum disease and which require treatment are listed below.

• Gingivitis: As the mildest form of the periodontal diseases, gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually no discomfort at this stage.
• Chronic Periodontitis: Chronic periodontitis is a condition resulting in inflammation within the soft tissues surrounding the teeth causing progressive attachment and bone loss.
• Aggressive Periodontitis: This form occurs in patients who are otherwise in good health. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction. There are a number of forms of aggressive periodontitis:
• Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Disease: As indicated, this form is associated with one of several systemic diseases that are related to periodontitis, such as diabetes.
• Acute Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases “Vincents Infection”: These types of periodontal diseases cause ulcers in the gums between the teeth. Stress, smoking, and poor oral hygiene sometimes can contribute to this problem.
• Gum loss management: Gum stripping or recession resulting in longer teeth can require treatment with gum grafting procedures to cover exposed roots.
• Tooth Loss Management: If teeth cannot be saved replacements are generally possible using dental implants especially if the removal if these teeth is carefully managed. Bone grafting may be required to preserve the site where the tooth was as a suitable location for subsequent implant placement.
• Smoking Cessation Assistance: Smoking can seriously affect the progressing and damaging effects of periodontal diseases and is integral to the overall management of these problems.