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Originally Posted On: https://shoresidedentistry.ca/periodontics/
Comprehensive Treatment For Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is more common than you might think. Periodontal disease is serious, as it is not usually detected until it has reached advanced stages. Many people may have this disease without even knowing it. It is estimated that more than half of adults over the age of 30 have the disease in some form.
Periodontal disease is serious. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. New research is exploring possible links between gum disease and diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other serious ailments. The good news is that gum disease is treatable. If caught early it can be reversed. Regular dental checkups are critical in the prevention and detection of periodontal disease.
Signs Of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease occurs in the pockets where teeth and gums meet. If bacteria accumulates it will start to destroy the gums and jaw bone. Bacteria increases from the plaque and tartar that build on our teeth. If plaque and tartar are not regularly removed, bacteria will start to increase and so does the risk of gum disease.
Although it is painless in the last stages, a dental professional can detect early signs of gum disease at regular cleaning appointments. In its late stages gum disease is characterized by red, swollen gums, bleeding during flossing or brushing, loose teeth and persistent bad breath.
Treatments For Periodontal Disease – Ensure The Health Of Your Gums
Before we talk about options for periodontics treatment or Gum disease treatment in Oakville, we would like to talk about prevention. Regular checkups are the best way to prevent gum disease. At a regular cleaning your dentist and hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease. They will also examine the gums for any signs of disease.
If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease there are a number of surgical and non-surgical treatments available- depending on the severity. We offer the latest treatments for periodontal disease but we always stress the importance of prevention. To ensure the health of your gums, contact our office for an appointment and be sure to make brushing and flossing part of your oral health care routine.
Gum Grafts
When recession of the gingiva occurs, the body begins to lose its natural defense against both bacteria and trauma. When recession begins to be a problem, gum reconstruction by grafting is an option. When only minor recession is occurring and healthy gingiva is still present to help protect the tooth. No treatment other than modified home care is necessary.
However, when recession reaches the mucosa, root sensitivity to hot and cold foods and an unsightly appearance of the gum and tooth can begin to present itself. This can also lead to worsening recession and increased root surface exposure causing root caries and gouging. A graft is done by taking a thin piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth or moved from a near by area to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth to cover the exposed portion of the root.
Crown Or Tooth Lengthening
Crown or tooth lengthening can be performed for many different reasons including to improve the health of the gum tissue, prepare the mouth for an upcoming procedure or to correct a less than aesthetically pleasing smile due to an increased amount of gum tissue covering the teeth.
Often times, crown lengthening is required when a tooth needs a new crown or other restoration. Crown lengthening allows us to reach the edge of the restoration that is deep below the gum tissue, ensuring a proper fit to the tooth as well as provide enough tooth structure so the new restoration will not come loose in the future. This allows you to clean the edge of the restoration when you brush and floss to prevent decay and gum disease.
The procedure involves reshaping the gum tissue and sometimes bone around the tooth to create a new gum-to-tooth ratio. A series of small incisions help separate the gums from the teeth to allow the area to be reshaped accordingly. In most cases, even if only one tooth requires lengthening, the surrounding teeth will need some adjusting as well to create an overall natural look. Crown lengthening can be performed on a single tooth, many teeth or the entire gum line.
The lengthening procedure takes approximately one hour under local anaesthetic but will depend on the amount of teeth involved or if any bone will need to be removed as well. Noticeable results will be seen immediately after surgery since the gums have now been repositioned, showcasing your now longer teeth. However, the surgical site will take about two to three months to fully heal.
Root Planning & Scaling
Some cases of acute periodontal (gum) disease that do not respond to more conventional treatment and self-care such as flossing may require a special kind of cleaning called scaling and root planing. The procedure begins with administration of a local anesthetic to reduce any discomfort. Then a small instrument either a “scaler” or an ultrasonic cleaner is used to clean beneath the gum line to remove plaque and tartar.
The root surfaces on the tooth are then planed and smoothed. This lets the gum tissue heal and reattach itself to the tooth.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift is surgery that adds bone to your upper jaw in the area of your molars and premolars. It’s sometimes called a sinus augmentation. The bone is added between your jaw and the maxillary sinuses, which are on either side of your nose. To make room for the bone, the sinus membrane has to be moved upward, or “lifted.” A sinus lift usually is done by a specialist. This could be either an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a periodontist. A sinus lift is done when there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw, or the sinuses are too close to the jaw, for dental implants to be placed.
FAQs – Periodontal Disease And Its Treatment
What is periodontics and what are periodontal diseases?
Periodontics, also known as periodontology, is an area in dentistry that focuses on gum disease, and dental issues that pose a threat to the tooth-supporting structures (periodontium).
What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a type of gum disease. It can damage not only the gums but also the bone lining the teeth socket. The infection can go unnoticed until it enters an advanced stage, leading to tooth loss.
Many people suffer from periodontitis due to poor dental hygiene habits that encourage bacteria and plaque build-up around the teeth and gums. If you suspect you have periodontal disease, visit Shore Side Dentistry where Dr. Peter Taylor can provide you with advice on treatment of gum disease.
Does periodontitis go away?
Unfortunately, periodontitis will not go away by itself. Even following good oral hygiene may not be enough to prevent the infection from causing more damage. Therefore, gum disease treatment requires professional intervention. At our dental office on Lakeshore, Oakville, we pay special attention to Periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease can be reversed if you seek treatment early.
How is gum disease treated?
Your Oakville dental surgeon at Shore Side Dentistry will determine the treatment plan for you after putting you through a dental evaluation. Generally, though, here are some of the treatments that the dental surgeon may recommend:
Dental scaling – Using specialized deep cleaning tools, the dentist will scrape off the plaque and tartar build-up above and below your gum line.
Root planing – In addition to scaling, the dental surgeon may need to perform root planing. The procedure smoothens the rough root surfaces for effective reattachment of gums to the teeth.
Flap surgery – In some cases, the dental surgeon will need to lift back your gums to remove tartar deposits from the roots of your teeth.
Bone and gum grafts – The dental surgeon will recommend this treatment option when your bone or gum tissues have been severely damaged. Bone or tissue is added to the affected areas to encourage regeneration.
Medication – As a part of your treatment plan, your Oakville dental surgeon will write you a prescription, which may include antibiotics. This prescription may include a mouthwash, antibiotic gel or microspheres, etc.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Gum infection is largely preventable if you embrace diligent oral care. The rule of thumb says to brush your teeth at least two times a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings.
If you have received gum disease treatment, your commitment to oral care needs to heightened. You’ll need to practice proper oral care and follow the dental surgeon’s instructions. Otherwise, there is a risk that the gum disease might develop again.
How painful is periodontal treatment?
Periodontal treatment doesn’t have to be painful. Your Oakville dental surgeon can administer a local anesthetic to numb your gums. You may feel a little discomfort when the dentist is injecting you with the numbing medicine. If the treatment involves some form of surgery, the doctor will also prescribe pain relief medications.
What are the 4 stages of periodontal disease?
Periodontitis starts as gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the gums. At this stage, a patient begins to experience bleeding when brushing teeth.
Without proper oral care, the condition develops into an early periodontal disease. This second stage is usually associated with gum recession and periodontal pockets that harbor bacteria. Bone loss may also occur.
If this progresses to the third stage (moderate periodontal disease), the symptoms will worsen. A patient may have to deal with sore and bleeding gums. Their teeth may become loose.
If the disease gets to the advanced stage, it destroys the tooth-supporting structures. Meaning, a patient is at risk of losing their teeth. Even if the teeth stay in place, chewing becomes painful. Another common sign of advanced periodontal disease is persistent bad breath that no amount of brushing can solve.
Does deep periodontal cleaning hurt?
Dental scaling, polishing, and root planing won’t hurt, but you may experience some discomfort. The dental surgeon will apply a topical or local anesthetic to reduce the effect, depending on how much deep cleaning is needed. You may experience sensitivity, minor bleeding, and swelling after deep cleaning.
What is the best toothpaste for periodontal disease?
When shopping for toothpaste specially formulated to fight periodontal disease, it’s wise to look for products that the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends. This recommendation by the CDA shows that the ingredients in such toothpaste are safe, and that they work. To see what oral care products are recommended by the CDA please click here.
Of course, the easiest way to finding the best toothpaste for periodontal disease is to ask our experienced Oakville dental surgeon, who treats gum disease, for recommendations.
Which Periodontist should I go to for treatment in Oakville ON?
Dr. Tina Kokosis is our Periodontist. She provides services in all areas of periodontics and implant dentistry.
In addition to being a specialist Periodontist, Dr. Kokosis is also a part-time clinical instructor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry. Dr. Kokosis is a DDS from the University of Western Ontario, a Master of Science in Periodontics from Columbia University New York, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada.
At Shore Side Dentistry, we offer comprehensive periodontal treatment to assist you in maintaining healthy teeth and gums for life.
How much does periodontal treatment cost in Oakville?
The cost of periodontal or gum disease treatment in Oakville varies depending on the complexity of dental treatment required. At Shore Side Dentistry in Oakville we follow the rate guide of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA). We also accept all major insurance plans.
If you are worried that you may have gum disease or gingivitis? Call or email us to book a consultation. Don’t put off visiting our Lakeshore Oakville dental office any longer, schedule your appointment today!