What is Periodontology?
Periodontal treatment includes the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders which develop in the gums. Periodontal diseases are also known as gum diseases. Inflammatory diseases involving the gingiva and the bone tissues that the teeth are located on are called periodontal diseases. Early diagnosis of these diseases makes treatments easier and ensures higher success rates.
Periodontal diseases develop due to genetic reasons and in cases where oral care is improper or inadequate. There are different treatment procedures based on the extent and type of periodontal disorders. The decision on which of these will be preferred is made by taking into account the degree of the disease.
What is Gum Recession?
The displacement of the gingiva from the enamel surface to the tooth root is called gum recession. As the root surface is exposed in consequence of this displacement, pricking pain and sensitivity develop in the teeth. The main causes of gum recession include periodontal diseases and improper tooth brushing methods.
In cases of gum recession, treatments begin with the elimination of gingivitis, if any. When deemed necessary, periodontal diseases can be treated with surgical procedures such as the replacement of missing gum, gum shifting, or flap operations done by removing gum tissue or connective tissue from the palate. As the root surfaces are covered at the end of periodontal surgery, an aesthetic and healthy result is achieved and the sensitivity in the teeth is eliminated. Oral hygiene should be taken care of after surgical procedures.
What are periodontal diseases?
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is defined as the onset of periodontal diseases. Bleeding, redness and enlargement are observed in the gums. Although this condition causes no considerable discomfort in the patient, it is the onset of the problem. In addition to gingival bleeding, oral malodor is one of the most noticeable signs of this disease. There is no gum recession or bone loss, but tenderness and bleeding are observed. The next stage of this untreated disease is periodontitis. In other words, there may be severe gum and bone loss.
Periodontitis: Periodontitis is the most advanced stage of periodontal diseases. Besides the gingiva, damage occurs to the bone that surrounds the tooth. Severe gingival bleeding, inflammatory discharge from the gums, gingival enlargement, redness, swelling and very intense oral malodor develop. Gum recessions are at advanced stages. As a result of bone loss, the teeth become loose and teeth loss may be experienced in advanced cases.
Regular dental check-ups, proper daily oral care, and routine scaling are the main procedures that prevent the onset and progression of periodontal diseases.