Periodontal Care
Gums play a vital role in our oral health by acting as a seal against food particles and protecting the teeth roots and supporting bone structure from bacteria. When this protective soft layer is infected, the defense system of the oral cavity is breached and there is an increased risk of dental diseases. Recent studies have indicated connections between periodontal diseases and few health problems. At Synergy Dental Group, we treat the entire body as one unit when performing a dental procedure. We believe that any problem with the oral health can have direct impact on the overall health of a person. This is why we are very particular about how we treat each dental problem. All our treatment procedures are safe and very effective in enhancing the overall health of the person. Through quality care we aim to improve the quality of life of our patients. If you or any of your family members are suffering from bleeding gums, swollen gums or odor make an appointment and visit our office at Sonoma. We perform thorough oral examination to check the root cause of the problem and cure the same.
Periodontal Disease Symptoms
Gums are normally pink in color, firm and cover the bottom of the teeth crown. When the soft tissues are infected there are various signs a patient can notice.
- Reddening of gums
- Swelling of gums
- Bleeding of gums
- Foul smell
- Gum recession
- Loosening of teeth
When a patient notices any of the above symptoms, it is important for him to visit the dentist at the earliest since periodontal diseases can be very dangerous and lead to teeth loss.
Periodontal Disease Stages
The infection of the gums can be classified into few stages. The first stage is named as gingivitis. The infection starts when the layer of plaque over the teeth surface is not removed from time-to-time. As a result, the plaque hardens to become tarter. The bacteria in tarter come in contact with soft gum tissues and infect them by feeding on food particles. This is the early stage of the periodontal disease which is called gingivitis.
When gingivitis is not treated in time the bacteria detach the gum tissues from the teeth surface to create pockets. There is accumulation of bacteria and food particles in gum pockets and the infection spreads deeper towards teeth roots and jawbone. This stage of the disease is called periodontitis. The infection turns into advanced periodontitis when the bacteria start to cause bone loss which leads to loosening of teeth and finally tooth fall.
Periodontal Disease and Overall Health
Studies have shown links between gum disease and overall health issues. Diabetes, cardiac problems and pre-mature delivery are some of the problems that are associated with gum disease. Studies have shown that conditions like diabetes can worsen when the patient has periodontal disease. Gum infection can make it difficult for diabetics to control blood sugar level. Periodontal disease also increases the risk of cardiac arrest and stroke in patients. Pre-mature delivery is also a condition that pregnant women may be at risk of when they have periodontal disease.
Periodontal Disease Diagnosis
During the examination of gum health, our dentist checks for swelling of gums and receding gums. A periodontal probe is commonly used to check the status of gums attaching teeth surface and the depth of gum pockets. Bleeding of gums during periodontal examination may indicate signs of infection. Based on the learning from the examination and analyzing the symptoms, our dentist sets a periodontal treatment plan. When the disease is identified at an early stage it is easy to treat the problem.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
The treatment for the periodontal disease depends on the stage of the infection. When the gum disease is in its early phase professional dental cleaning during which the tarter is removed from the teeth surface and few follow-up visits may be sufficient to keep the infection under control.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is the process where our dentist and the hygienist team removes tarter and hardened calculus from the surface of the teeth and under the gum-line. Tarter deposits are scraped from the roots and under the gum-line and anti-bacterial agents are used to kill the remaining bacteria. Scalers, curettes and few machine operated instruments may be used during the course. The patient may have to come for follow-up visits to keep the infection under check.
Tissue Regeneration
Tissue regeneration is done when valuable soft tissues are lost because of infection. Soft tissues are removed from other part of the oral cavity and fixed over the teeth such that the tissues adhere to the surface. This procedure is recommended when the gums have receded and there is gum tissue loss.
Pocket Reduction
Pocket reduction is a procedure followed to clear tarter and calculus from gums pockets and reattach the gum tissues to the teeth surface. When the gum disease is in its advanced stages, this procedure will have to be carried out to prevent the infection from spreading further and to reestablish the bonding between teeth surface and soft tissues.
