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Periodontics
Periodontics is a specialized field that focuses on preventing oral and gum disorders, preserving teeth, and supporting overall health. If you want a healthy, attractive smile, gum health must be a priority. At Kennedy Heights Dental Centre, we provide gentle, comprehensive periodontal care and evaluate you for any symptoms of periodontal disease and other oral health conditions.
Importance of Periodontal Care
As homecare efforts are insufficient, everybody needs regular teeth cleaning in the dental office. Some people are more vulnerable to developing plaque and calculus than others and require more frequent professional cleanings. These cleanings remove the harmful debris accumulated on the teeth and reduce the chances of developing tooth decay. These cleanings also eliminate the bacterial buildup below the gum line to prevent and treat gum disease. If gum disease is left untreated, it advances and harms the bone tissue encircling the tooth roots. This is a reason for tooth loss, discomfort, biting and chewing strength loss, unappealing gum line, bad breath, and inflammation in other body parts.
The oral bacteria that cause gum infections can travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Research has indicated that heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis are highly associated with periodontitis and gum infections. Maintaining healthy gums should be a top priority for achieving optimal dental health
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an advanced form of gum disease that slowly destroys the teeth and gums. It is caused by bacterial plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth—which, if not removed, can irritate and inflame the gum tissues. Over time, if left untreated, the bacteria can spread below the gum line causing the gums to separate from the teeth and form spaces called pockets. These small spaces between the teeth and gums make it easier for bacteria and plaque to collect and make it more difficult for the teeth and gums to fight infection. In advanced cases, tooth decay can form within the pockets of the gums and cause tooth loss.
The primary symptoms of periodontal disease are red or swollen gums that may bleed easily; chronic bad breath; sensitive, painful, or loose teeth; and changes in bite alignment. It’s important to note that these symptoms may be signs of other oral health conditions as well, so it’s best to make an appointment with your general dentist to get a proper diagnosis.
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Treatment for periodontal disease typically involves deep cleaning procedures followed by ongoing maintenance therapy. Deep cleanings are often done under local anesthesia and can typically include scaling, root planing, and polishing. These procedures help to remove harmful bacteria from the surface of the tooth as well as the pocket space between the teeth and gums. The health of your gums and bone structure will also be assessed during a deep clean so that the treatment can be adjusted as needed. Scaling is the careful scraping away of plaque and tartar from the tooth’s surface. Root planing involves smoothing the root surface to prevent future buildup of plaque and tartar. Finally, the tooth is then polished to remove any remaining stains and create a smoother surface that is more resistant to plaque buildup. Follow-up visits will likely be scheduled to monitor the health of your gums and ensure the disease doesn’t reoccur again.
Common Periodontal Diseases & Treatments
Dental Plaque
It is a film of colonizing bacteria attempting to attach to the surface of teeth and feed on the carbohydrates on the teeth. The released acid erodes tooth enamel as the bacteria degrade, causing cavities and tooth decay. It is sensible to reduce sugary drinks and starchy foods and clean teeth immediately after consuming them. It would help to floss once a day and brush after meals and at bedtime to keep the bacteria away.
Calculus or Tartar
They are hardened deposits that form on the teeth, above and below the gum line. Tartar is not easily removed and generally requires removal with special instruments by a dental hygienist.
Gingivitis
The buildup of bacteria in plaque causes inflamed gums that bleed easily. Although gum tissue is inflamed, teeth are still firmly rooted in the surrounding bone, and no irreversible bone or tissue loss has occurred. If gingivitis is not addressed, it can lead to periodontal disease.
Periodontitis
Periodontal disease starts when bacterial toxins in plaque and the body’s defense mechanisms that ward off infections begin to break down the bone and connective tissue that keep teeth in position. It eventually results in deepening gum pockets, loss of jawbone, or even tooth loss. Advanced periodontal diseases can be controlled with deep scaling, root planing treatments, and regular maintenance.
At Kennedy Heights Dental Centre, we provide dental solutions to improve your oral health while transforming smiles. Visit our office at 11960 88 Ave, Delta, BC V4C 3C8, Canada, or call 778.200.8556 and schedule an appointment.