Periodontal Treatment addresses the
issues of Periodontitis. Periodontitis is a progressive
inflammatory disease of the gums and the surrounding
tissue around the teeth. It is commonly known as gum
disease and was referred to as pyorrhea in the old days.
It is estimated that up to 80% of the population above
the age of 30 may suffer from this disease with the
severity varying drastically from one person to another.
Periodontitis is the number one cause of tooth loss
after the age of 30.
Certain medical conditions or medications can make
you more susceptible to gum disease. They include
pregnancy, diabetes, epilepsy, and such medications as
chemotherapy, birth control pills, antidepressants, and
those for heart problems.
If you notice any of
the following signs of gum disease, schedule an
appointment immediately:
gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
red, swollen or tender gums
gums that have pulled away from the teeth
bad breath that doesn't go away
pus between your teeth and gums
loose teeth
a change in the way your teeth fit together when
you bite
a change in the fit of partial dentures
ETIOLOGY AND CAUSE There are over
300 different types of bacteria in an average person's
mouth, thirteen of which are periodontal pathogens (gum
disease causing). As the number of these bacteria
increases around the teeth in the form of plaque or
tarter, usually due to poor oral hygiene, the amount of
byproducts (toxins) released from these bacteria will
also elevate. The toxins will then penetrate the tissue
and as soon as they enter the gum the body defense cells
will try to fight the foreign invading material and form
an inflammation. This will then cause the gum to detach
from the tooth thus causing a gap that is called a
Pocket. Pockets in the range of 1-3mm may be normal.
4-5mm pockets usually need the attention of a hygienist
and as the pockets progress, the consultation of a
periodontist is required for evaluation of the severity
of the disease with possible surgical intervention.
GINGIVITIS Irritation from bacterial toxins
in plaque as well as rough calculus around teeth can
cause the gum line around the teeth to become red, puffy
and swollen which easily bleed when brushing. This
condition generally is easily reversible with improved
oral hygiene subject to a consultation with your
dentist.
PERIODONTITIS
Normal, healthy
gums Healthy gums and bone anchor teeth
firmly in place.
Periodontitis Unremoved,
plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As plaque
and calculus continue to build up, the gums begin
to recede (pull away) from the teeth, and pockets
form between the teeth and gums.
Advanced
periodontitis The gums recede farther,
destroying more bone and the periodontal ligament.
Teeth — even healthy teeth — may become loose and
need to be
extracted.
Although as a whole
there is no cure for periodontitis (unless in some
specific cases), the purpose of all periodontal therapy
is to stop or slow down the progression of gum disease.
The Surgeon General said it, the American Dental
Hygienists' Association said it, and the American
Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has said it. Poor oral
health has been linked to serious health conditions such
as heart disease, stroke, coronary artery disease, as
well as pre-term babies.
Chronic infections such as dental infections or
chronic bronchitis may more than double the risk of
stroke. The findings are consistent with earlier reports
of a link between chronic infections and
atherosclerosis. A study reported at the University of
North Carolina showed increased risk of heart disease
and stroke in people with periodontal disease. (Beck,
Garcia, Heiss, Offenbacher, Vokonas: 1 of Periodontology
67:1123,1996)
People with heart disease or primary cardiac event
are now being referred to their dentists to “get their
mouth cleaned up”. Patients with frequent bouts of
bronchitis in the preceding two years have a greater
risk for stroke and TIAS. In addition, those with poor
dental status, linked to gum disease, were at a 2.6
times greater risk for stroke or TIAS.
Scaling and Root Planing: Manually removing
the plaque and tarter from the root surfaces of your
teeth below the gum line.
Antibiotics: Because bacteria cause
periodontitis antibiotics may be prescribed as pills or
as an Antibiotic fiber. The fibers are used in
conjunction with scaling and root planing. They are
placed directly into the pockets and are removed within
7-10 days later. Antibacterial mouth rinses may also be
recommended to help plaque control.
Bite correction: An imbalanced bite may
accelerate bone destruction. Your teeth may be adjusted
for proper and better function. A Bite-guard (removable
retainer fitting over teeth) may be required to protect
teeth surfaces and relax tense muscles.
Splinting: This technique attaches weak teeth
together, combining them into a stronger single unit,
making them more stable and offering more comfortable
chewing.
SURGICAL THERAPY
Flap Surgery: The periodontist separates the
gum from the teeth creating a "flap" and accesses the
infected pocket. It aims to reduce pocket depth and
increase the ability to maintain the remnant pockets
clean.
Gingivectomy: This procedure is performed
when excess amounts of gum growth around the teeth have
occurred. This results in false pocket formation and the
inability to keep them clean.
Osseous (bone) surgery: This procedure is
done to smooth shallow craters and defects in the bone
due to mild or moderate bone loss. Guided Tissue
Regeneration: This procedure is done in combination with
a surgical flap operation where gum growth into a defect
is barriered off to allow slower growing bone, cementum
and ligament cells to populate a bony defect.
Bone Grafts: Tiny fragments of the patient's
bone, synthetic bone or bone obtained from a bone bank
are used to fill a bony defect around the teeth. These
grafts act as a scaffold on or around which patients own
bone is conducted or induced to grow.
Soft Tissue Graft: In cases of gum recession
a graft is usually taken from the palate and
transplanted onto the receding area to reinforce the
thin gum and to inhibit further gum recession.
The success of the
therapy is for most part determined by the patients oral
hygiene and professional maintenance.
The good news is that you can help prevent gum
disease by taking good care of your teeth every day and
having regular dental checkups. Here's how to keep your
teeth and gums healthy:
Brush your teeth well
twice a day.
This removes the film of bacteria from the teeth. Be
sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is in good condition. Toothpastes and mouth
rinses containing fluoride strengthen the teeth and help
prevent decay.
Clean between your teeth every day.
Cleaning between your teeth with floss or interdental
cleaners removes bacteria and food particles from
between the teeth, where a toothbrush can't reach. Early
gum disease can often be reversed by daily brushing and
flossing. If you use interdental cleaners, ask your
dentist how to use them properly, to avoid injuring your
gums.
Eat a balanced diet.
Choose a variety of foods from the basic food groups,
such as breads, cereals and other grain products;
fruits; vegetables; meat, poultry and fish; and dairy
products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Limit
between-meal snacks. Visit your dentist regularly.
It is important to have regular dental checkups, and
professional cleaning is essential to prevent
periodontal
diseases.
Island Dental
Spa by Dr. Yatros Cosmetic, Restorative, Esthetic
and Implant Dentistry 3909 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach,
FL 34217 (941) 778-2204 Cosmetic Dentist serving Bradenton, Holmes Beach, Anna
Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Longboat Key and
Sarasota
Ask the Doctor 
Email This 
Print This 
Schedule
Appt.
Periodontal Treatment addresses the
issues of Periodontitis. Periodontitis is a progressive
inflammatory disease of the gums and the surrounding
tissue around the teeth. It is commonly known as gum
disease and was referred to as pyorrhea in the old days.
It is estimated that up to 80% of the population above
the age of 30 may suffer from this disease with the
severity varying drastically from one person to another.
Periodontitis is the number one cause of tooth loss
after the age of 30.
The Site
Guide