PERIODONTAL THERAPY
Your oral and general health is important to us, and we offer all aspects of periodontal therapy to ensure you get the care that is best suited to you.
Periodontal disease may be an unfamiliar term, but the warning signs are only too common:
· Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth,
· Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth,
· Red swollen gums,
· Receding gums,
· Sensitive teeth,
· Loose teeth
· Movement of teeth
While these are common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, sometimes it can be a completely painless condition and you may not have noticed any problems.
What are the causes of Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease, caused by dental plaque. Plaque is a tenacious bacterial matrix, containing bacteria which forms on teeth. Some bacterial are more likely to cause problems than others, and some people are much more susceptible to problems than others.
Bacterial products from the plaque contribute to inflammation of the gums, the early stages of periodontal disease. If you are susceptible or prone to periodontitis, then bone loss can occur and this can lead to loss of teeth.
Further contributing factors of periodontal disease.
What can you do to prevent periodontal disease?
The first and most important step is that you remove the plaque every day by regular brushing and flossing. You should also routinely visit your oral health professional, who is your partner in helping you manage your oral health.
Your periodontist will help you to develop an effective tooth cleaning method, in addition to removing the hidden calculus from the tooth root. This is called debridement, (formerly known as scaling or root planing). This treatment is the fundamental part of any periodontal treatment. While in some cases it may take several appointments to complete, this may be all that is required. Occasionally periodontal surgery may be required.
Treatment should not be postponed, as the disease will not cure itself. Long-term success can be achieved with a combination of two things; daily plaque removal by you, and regular monitoring and assistance from your dentist and periodontist.
Points to remember:
· Teeth are meant to last a lifetime.
· Periodontal disease has been associated with other systemic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and premature births.
· Smoking significantly increases your chances of losing teeth. It also masks early symptoms of periodontitis.
· Periodontal disease is a serious condition which can be prevented by the regular removal of plaque each day, routine professional maintenance and checking your teeth and gums for any of the warning signs.
If you would like more information on periodontal therapy, or would like to book an appointment with Perio Care, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re more than happy to answer any enquiries you may have.