Periodontal Disease Treatment Slows Periodontitis
One of the goals of periodontal disease treatment is to arrest and control the progression of the bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. As the bacteria infect the gum tissues, they release toxic substances that trigger the breakdown of gum and bone. The gum then separates from the teeth, forming a gap that is called a periodontal pocket. These spaces are inaccessible to daily oral hygiene techniques. Bacteria settle in these pockets and continue to accumulate and reproduce, creating further gum and bone destruction.
Periodontal disease treatment such as scaling and root planing involve the removal of the irritants and bacterial deposits (plaque and tartar) that have accumulated above and below the gum line in the periodontal pockets. The root surfaces of the teeth are planed (smoothed) to promote healing and to help prevent future bacterial reattachment. At the same time, gingival (gum) curettage can be done to remove the infected soft tissues that line the periodontal pockets.
Most of the time, scaling and root planing is done in two to four visits. For patient comfort, the gums can be numbed by the periodontist using a local anesthetic. One-quarter of the mouth is usually treated at the time and treatment of each quarter can take 45 minutes to an hour (three to four hours for the entire mouth). Most patients report minimal discomfort during these periodontics treatments.
During scaling and root planing appointments, the dental care provider will review oral hygiene techniques that are aimed at improving the person's ability to control plaque and to help avoid bacteria from re-infecting the pockets. Patients also will receive advice on the modification of certain risk factors associated with periodontal disease.
In some circumstances, the dental care provider may recommend the use of adjunctive products for periodontal treatment. To be effective, antimicrobial products such as Chlorhexedine, PerioChip, and Atridox should be used in combination with scaling and root planing. Periostat is also a product that can be used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in order to impede further tissue breakdown and promote healing.
Several weeks after completion of scaling and root planing, a periodontal re-evaluation should be completed. The purpose of this exam is to assess the response to treatment and determine if there is a need for further treatment.
The best way to stop the progression of periodontal disease is to mechanically remove the bacterial plaque and tartar that have accumulated in the periodontal pocket. Daily oral hygiene and supportive periodontal treatment (see article "Supportive Periodontal Treatment") is key to the success of scaling and root planing. Without treatment, the tartar and plaque buildup underneath the gums will continue to cause periodontal tissue breakdown, progression of periodontal disease, and eventually tooth loss and/or systemic (general) complications.
By Laura Minsk, DMD
Periodontal Disease: Leading Cause of Adult Tooth Loss
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection. Without proper dental care the bacteria that are present in plaque can infect the gums (gingivitis) and destroy the bone and tissues that support the teeth in what is called periodontitis-- the leading cause of tooth loss and bad breath (halitosis) in adults. In addition, gum disease has been linked to more serious health threats such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and pre-term, low-birth weight babies.
Is periodontal disease contagious? Can it be passed from one person to another like tuberculosis or meningitis? Can you get periodontal disease by kissing someone who has it? The answer to all these questions is YES.
In a dental care article published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, it was revealed that periodontitis might be passed from parents to children and between intimate partners.
The bacteria that inhabit the periodontal pockets are also present on the oral soft tissues, teeth, tongue and saliva. They can be transferred from one person to another through saliva, intimate kissing, sharing of food, utensils, or toothbrushes, and can result in exposure to saliva that contain the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.
Based on these findings and the fact that periodontal disease has a genetic component, it is recommended that if one family member has periodontitis, all family members see a dental care professional or periodontist for a periodontal screening. Parents need to know that gum disease and halitosis are not just adult health problems and that children can also be affected.
To prevent transmission of periodontitis between family members or intimate partners, it is important to follow proper dental care and oral hygiene techniques that include daily brushing and flossing and to see a dental care provider routinely for professional cleanings and examinations.
By Laura Minsk, DMD
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