Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal gum disease affects about 50% of people 30 years and older. This disease leads to tooth loss, the need for dentures, and a host of additional oral health problems. Although this disease is reportedly common, due to the many problems it causes, its complete treatment is essential.

This disease does not discriminate and affects anyone of any age and gender. Choosing a periodontal treatment method for gum disease, which includes surgical or non-surgical procedures, depends on the stage of the disease, the condition of the gum tissue and teeth, and the person’s general health.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Swelling and bleeding gums are among the first signs that bacteria has caused a gum infection. If periodontal treatment is not started, the disease can spread and destroy the supporting structure of the tooth in the jawbone. Eventually, the teeth become loose and need to be pulled.

Periodontal diseases are infections of the structures around the teeth, which include the gums, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bone. In the early stages of periodontal disease – gingivitis – the gum is infected, and in more severe cases, all tissues are infected.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

 Periodontal disease is caused by plaque bacteria, a sticky substance that forms on the teeth a few hours after brushing. It is interesting to know that the cause of most of these problems is the body’s reaction to bacterial infection.

In an attempt to destroy this bacterium, the cells of the immune system release substances that lead to inflammation and destruction of the gums, periodontal ligament, or alveolar bone, causing swelling, bleeding gums, symptoms of gingivitis (early stages of periodontal disease). And loose teeth are severe symptoms of periodontitis (advanced stages of the disease).

Although the accumulation of bacterial mass is the leading cause of periodontal disease, several other factors, including other diseases, medications, and oral habits, also lead to this disease. These factors increase the risk of gum disease or aggravate it when the gum is infected.

• Genetics
  Having a genetic predisposition does not mean that gum disease is inevitable. Even people more susceptible to water because of their genetic structure are prone to periodontal gum disease, which can be prevented and controlled with proper oral care.
• Smoking and tobacco use
  Smoking increases the risk of periodontal gum disease, and the more and longer one smokes, the greater the risk. If a person has periodontal disease, smoking can make it worse. Smoking is the leading cause of periodontal disease, which is resistant to treatment.
  Smokers have more plaque on their teeth, and when they have gum disease, periodontal pockets get more profound, and as the disease progresses, bone loss is more likely. 
• Disorganized and crowded teeth, braces, and dental bridges
  Anything that makes it difficult for the toothbrush and dental floss to reach all areas of the teeth increases the possibility of plaque formation in the areas above and below the gum line, and the risk of gum disease increases.
• Grinding teeth, clenching, and grinding teeth together
  These habits do not cause periodontal disease, but if the tooth is inflamed, it can increase the severity of the disease. 
• Fluctuating hormones
  Whenever hormones fluctuate in the body, changes occur in the mouth. Puberty and pregnancy, as well as menopause, can temporarily increase the risk and severity of gum disease.
• Medicines
  Several medications can cause dry mouth or xerostomia, including antidepressants, diuretics, and high blood pressure medications. Plague is more likely to form when there is not enough saliva to protect the teeth. Other medications can also cause the gums to become more prominent, making plaque more likely to build up there. 
• Diseases
  Although the exact mechanisms have not been diagnosed, certain diseases increase the risk of periodontal gum disease. For example, people who have diabetes, compared to people who do not have diabetes, have more gingivitis, and the possibility of its exacerbation is higher. Other diseases such as leukemia blood cancer, AIDS, or HIV also increase the risk of periodontal gum disease. Periodontal disease is more difficult to control if one has one of these conditions. However, a skilled dental professional aware of the side risks and problems can offer you the guidance you need to keep your gums healthy.
• Lack of nutrients
  The effect of nutrients is essential for the body’s general health, including the immune system and gums and mouth health.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental care (every six months or more often if you have gum disease) can prevent periodontal gum disease. Brushing and flossing daily and correctly will remove a lot of plaque from the teeth. Specialized tooth cleaning by a dentist or oral hygienist controls the plaque in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and dental floss.

Periodontal Diseases Treatment

Gum disease (periodontal) is treated with different methods that are chosen according to the stage of the disease, how the body reacts to the initial treatments, and your general health.

After thoroughly evaluating the gums, treatment options include non-surgical and surgical treatments. Non-surgical methods control bacterial growth. Surgical treatments restore the surrounding tissue and support the tooth.

• Specialized dental scaling
  During a routine dental checkup, the dentist or oral hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar that has accumulated and hardened on the tooth’s surface. (Plaque is the layer that covers the tooth, which can cause decay and gum disease. Tartar is the hard, thick, yellowish deposit that builds up on the tooth.)
  When plaque and tartar reach a level of accumulation, they can only be removed by specialized scaling. Destroyed Dental scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line in all areas of the teeth. If you have symptoms of gum disease, your dentist may recommend professional scaling more than twice a year.
• Scaling and root treatment
  This method, which is a deep mass removal and non-surgical method, is performed under local anesthesia. Hard mass and sediment (tartar) are removed from the areas above and below the gum line (scaling). Also, any hard stains created on the teeth’ deep areas are cleaned. Deep cleaning removes bacteria, and the clean surface of the gums is reattached to the teeth.
• Flap surgery / periodontal pocket removal surgery
  The gum is pulled up during this treatment, and the plaque is removed. In some cases, the irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed. This limits the areas where pathogenic bacteria can hide. Then, the gums are placed so the gum tissue is wholly connected to the tooth. Removing the space between the gums and teeth also reduces the growth areas of harmful bacteria. The likelihood of severe health problems leading to periodontal disease is reduced.
• Bone grafting
  Parts of the patient’s artificial or donor bone are used in bone grafting. Grafted bone replaces bone and helps regrow bone in areas where bone has been lost due to periodontal disease. This method preserves the connection of the tooth to the bone. Another treatment called tissue engineering stimulates the body to repair bone and tissue rapidly.
• Soft tissue grafting
  This treatment strengthens the thin gums and replaces them in areas where they have receded (where tooth roots are exposed). Most of the time, the graft tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and stitched in the required place.
• Guided tissue regeneration
  This method is performed when the tooth’s supporting bone is lost and stimulates the growth of bone and gum tissue. This treatment is performed with flap surgery, and a small piece of porous fabric is placed between the bone and the gum tissue. This object prevents gum tissue from growing in areas where bone should be, allowing bone and connective tissue to regrow to support the teeth better.
• Bone surgery
  Bone surgery smooths surface bone cavities caused by moderate to severe bone resorption. After flap surgery, the bone around the tooth is reshaped to reduce cavities. This makes it difficult for bacteria to accumulate and grow.

In some patients, non-surgical root cleaning and scaling methods are the only treatment needed for gum disease. Surgery is performed when the tissue around the tooth is not healthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical methods.

 What is Periodontics?

Periodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases. These diseases affect the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum. If left untreated, periodontal conditions can lead to tooth loss and have systemic implications on overall health.

Dr. Ghayoumi is a highly skilled and experienced periodontist dedicated to providing exceptional periodontal treatment and oral health care. With her passion for dentistry and commitment to patient care, she strives to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Let’s explore the world of periodontics and discover how Dr. Ghayoumi can enhance your oral health.

Dr. Ghayoumi’s Expertise:

Dr. Ghayoumi is an expert in both non-surgical and surgical methods to treat periodontitis. She has successfully treated thousands of patients with periodontitis during her 20 years of dental practice. As a dedicated periodontist, Dr. Ghayoumi possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies of periodontal diseases and their treatment. Her extensive knowledge and training allow her to offer a wide range of periodontal services, including:

1. Gum Disease Treatment: Dr. Ghayoumi provides comprehensive care for patients with various stages of gum disease. She utilizes advanced techniques and technologies to eradicate the infection, restore gum health, and prevent further disease progression.

2. Dental Implants: When tooth loss occurs, Dr. Ghayoumi specializes in dental implant placement. Dental implants are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth, as they provide a stable foundation for prosthetic restorations, such as crowns or bridges.

3. Periodontal Plastic Surgery: To enhance the aesthetics of your smile, Dr. Ghayoumi offers periodontal plastic surgery procedures. These include gum grafting, crown lengthening, and ridge augmentation, which can address issues like gum recession, gummy smiles, and uneven gum lines.

4. Bone Grafting: In cases where the alveolar bone has been compromised due to tooth loss or periodontal disease, Dr. Ghayoumi performs bone grafting procedures. These techniques promote bone regeneration and create a stable foundation for dental implants or other restorations.

5. Maintenance and Prevention: Dr. Ghayoumi emphasizes the importance of preventive care and provides personalized maintenance plans for her patients. Regular check-ups, professional cleanings, and patient education are key components of her comprehensive approach to maintaining optimal oral health.