Local Dental Care - Prevent Gum Disease

Periodontitis, The Leading Cause of Gum Disease

According to information from the American Dental Association, three out of four Americans over age 35 have some form of periodontal disease, the major cause of tooth loss and bad breath (halitosis) in adults. Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease that, if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis, the loss of bone and tissues that support the tooth.

Periodontal disease has three stages, categorized by the extent of bone loss: mild moderate, and advanced. If only one or a few teeth are effected, it is localized. If all the teeth are involved, it is generalized.

Bacteria that accumulate at and below the gum line cause periodontitis. The bacteria release toxic substances that trigger the breakdown of the gum and bone. The body responds with an inflammatory response in which it essentially turns on itself and destructs the bone and tissues around the teeth. This is the body's way of warding off infectious agents.

When this happens the gum separates from the teeth, forming a gap called a periodontal pocket. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead not only to tooth loss but can also aggravate systemic illnesses. The signs of periodontitis may include:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Red, tender or swollen gums
• Bad breath (halitosis) or bad taste
• Receding gums (gums that have pulled away from the teeth)
• Loose teeth
• Teeth that have migrated from their original positions
• Tooth loss

Very often, however, people are not aware that they should see a periodontics professional because gum disease can progress without pain. It is possible to not exhibit warning signs and still have periodontitis. That is why it is very important to have routine periodontal screenings so that the early signs of the disease can be detected and treated before it becomes a major problem.

Periodontal Treatment

Periodontitis is treated in three phases. The first phase involves stopping the disease activity and progression of bone loss. The bacterial deposits (plaque and tartar) that formed above and underneath the gums need to be removed and the root surfaces of the teeth smoothed to enhance healing and deter future plaque retention.

This periodontal treatment is called scaling and root planing. During this phase, a dentist will review the patient's oral hygiene techniques, and give them advice on how to modify certain risk factors associated with periodontal disease.

If the periodontal disease is more advanced, surgical treatment may be needed. The purpose of this phase of periodontal treatment is to create an environment that is more amenable to health and, if possible, bring back some of the bone that was lost to the disease. In some forms of periodontitis, antibiotic treatment may be used. If this is the case, a bacterial culture may be required to test for harmful bacteria and to establish what antibiotics they are susceptible to.

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that, like many others, has to be closely monitored, even after active treatment.

The third (maintenance) phase is crucial to the success of any periodontal treatment. Daily brushing and flossing is essential in controlling ever-developing plaque and bad breath, as is periodic periodontal maintenance care with a professional scaling of the teeth. Periodontal status will be closely monitored, so that changes can be identified and treated as early as possible.

Everyone should be routinely screened for periodontitis. All dentists are qualified in detecting and treating the early stages of periodontitis, but if an individual suspects that they are at risk, or they know they have gingivitis, they may want to see a periodontist who has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal conditions.

By Laura Minsk, DMD

Dental Disease And Ridge Augmentation

Whether a tooth has been lost to periodontal disease, tooth decay, or trauma, one may be left with a cleft, an indentation, or uneven gum margins. This happens because after a tooth is removed, the bone that was encasing it disintegrates and the gum around it collapses. If this occurs in the front of the mouth, it can result in an esthetic problem. No matter how well designed the replacement teeth are, they may appear to be too long and unattractive. To have a pleasing smile, the shape, color, and texture of the gums is just as important as that of the teeth they frame.

Ridge augmentation is a cosmetic periodontal procedure that may include gum and/or bone grafting. A dentist will determine which option is better suited to a patient's esthetic needs. Regardless of what treatment method a dentist chooses, ridge augmentation is a very predictable procedure with long-lasting results.

What to Expect from Periodontal Ridge Augmentation

Ridge augmentation is a surgical procedure that is done in the dentist's office with local anesthesia (lidocaine). Stitches (sutures) are placed to aid in healing. Post-surgical discomfort can last a few days and is usually minimal. It can be easily managed with commonly available over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. Patients can expect to follow their normal routine the day after oral surgery. The dentist will provide special instructions related to diet, exercise and medications.

To ensure more esthetic results, ridge augmentation procedures should always be done before new crowns are made. Although a temporary (provisional) tooth replacement can be made at the time of tooth loss, the final restoration should not be fabricated until after six to eight weeks of gum healing.

Alternatives periodontal treatments

It is possible to help prevent collapse of the gum tissue by doing a bone grafting procedure or by placing an implant at the time of extraction. Although sometimes it may still be necessary to do further periodontal plastic surgery procedures, these treatments can help maintain the space that was previously occupied by the tooth and prevent bone loss. If this was not feasible, ridge augmentation can be done to improve esthetics after tooth extraction.

Ridge augmentation should be considered as part of an individual's cosmetic dentistry options when there are uneven gum contours, clefts, or indentations on the gums. The most beautiful teeth will not look natural if the gum surrounding them is not cosmetically pleasing. Talk to a dentist about esthetic concerns and the possibility of incorporating cosmetic periodontal procedures as part of a "smile lift."

By Laura Minsk, DMD