What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition affecting the gums and teeth’ supporting tissues. It is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth and gums, which can lead to infection and inflammation.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
When left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can cause the gums to recede and pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can accumulate and cause infection.
If periodontitis is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and damage to the bone and other structures that support the teeth.
Some common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth or changes in the way teeth fit together
- Pain or sensitivity in the teeth
Gum disease can be prevented through good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, using an antiseptic mouthwash, and visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleans.
Gum disease treatment typically involves deep teeth and gums cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria.
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissues and prevent tooth loss.
We help to protect & prevent your teeth from Periodontitis
Stages of Gum Disease
Periodontitis is a common dental disease that affects the gums and the bones that support the teeth.
It is caused by bacterial infections that lead to inflammation and damage to the gums and the structures that hold the teeth in place.
Periodontitis is a progressive disease that develops in stages, starting with normal teeth, progressing to gingivitis, moderate periodontitis, and finally, advanced periodontitis.
Each stage of the disease has different symptoms and requires different treatments.
Normal Teeth
Stage One of Gum Disease
Gingivitis
Stage Two of Gum Disease
Moderate Periodontitis
Stage Three of Gum Disease
Advanced Periodontitis
Stage Four of Gum Disease
In summary, Periodontitis is a progressive oral disease that develops in stages, starting with normal teeth and progressing to gingivitis, moderate periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Each stage of the disease has different symptoms and requires different treatments.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly to detect and treat Periodontitis early is essential.
With proper treatment, the progression of Periodontitis can be slowed or even stopped, and the health of the gums and teeth can be maintained.
How to treat Gingivitis?
They can provide a variety of treatments to help improve the health of the gums and prevent the progression of gum disease.
The first step in treating gingivitis is to remove the plaque and tartar buildup causing the gums’ inflammation.
This is typically done through scaling and root planing, which involves deep cleaning of the teeth and gums to remove bacteria and toxins.
The dentist may also recommend using an antiseptic mouthwash or other products to help control the growth of bacteria and promote the healing of the gums.
In addition to these treatments, the dentist may also provide education on proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing techniques, to help prevent future buildup of plaque and tartar.
Visiting a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings is important to help prevent gum disease and other oral health problems.
Suppose you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
In that case, it’s important to seek treatment from a dentist as soon as possible to prevent the condition from progressing to a more serious stage.
In severe cases of Gum Disease, dentists may refer patients to a specialist known as a periodontist.
Treating Periodontitis
Treatment for advanced periodontitis involves a multi-step process to eliminate the infection and prevent further damage to the gums and bone.
Here are the typical steps involved in treating advanced periodontitis:
- Scaling and Root Planning: The first step in treating advanced periodontitis is a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. This procedure involves removing the plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gum line. The dentist or periodontist will use special instruments to remove the buildup of bacteria and smooth out the root surfaces to prevent further bacterial growth.
- Gum Surgery: If the deep cleaning procedure does not improve the condition of the gums and bone, the dentist may recommend gum surgery. This procedure involves removing the infected tissue and reshaping the gums to promote healing and prevent further bacterial growth. There are several types of gum surgery, including flap surgery and bone grafting, that can be used to treat advanced periodontitis.
- Antibiotic Therapy: Antibiotics may be prescribed in conjunction with other treatments to help eliminate the bacteria that are causing the infection. Antibiotics can be taken orally or applied directly to the gums.
- Ongoing Maintenance: After the initial treatment, patients will need to follow a strict oral hygiene regimen to prevent further damage to the gums and bone. This may include regular dental checkups, daily brushing and flossing, and the use of special mouthwashes or other products to promote gum health.
Advanced periodontitis may sometimes be so severe that tooth extraction is necessary.
The dentist may recommend dental implants or other options for replacing the missing teeth in these cases.
In conclusion, advanced periodontitis is a severe condition that requires prompt and comprehensive treatment to prevent tooth loss and other complications.
Treatment may involve deep cleaning procedures, gum surgery, antibiotics, and ongoing maintenance to promote gum health.
Patients should work closely with their dentist or periodontist to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their needs and helps them achieve optimal oral health.
Get Started with a Check-Up & Clean
Gum disease is a common condition that can cause severe damage to your teeth and gums if left untreated.
Symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding or swollen gums, can often go unnoticed until it is too late.
By scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning, your dentist can detect any signs of gum disease and develop a personalized treatment plan to prevent further damage.
Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Prioritize your oral health and schedule a dental checkup and clean today.
Private health insurance policies vary in their coverage for dental treatment, including gum disease treatment. Generally, dental treatments are covered under ‘extras’ or ‘hospital’ policies.
Some private health insurance policies may provide partial or full coverage for gum disease treatment, such as scaling and root planning or periodontal surgery, while others may not.
It is important to check the specific details of your policy to see what is covered and what limitations or exclusions may apply.
Additionally, waiting periods, annual limits, and gap fees may also apply to dental treatments under private health insurance, so it is important to review these details before seeking treatment.
Please contact an Amazing Smiles Dental Clinic near you if you have any questions regarding what your private health may cover.
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you may be wondering if you need to see a specialist for treatment.
While a general dentist can provide basic treatment for periodontal disease, such as scaling and root planning, more advanced severe gum disease may require treatment from a periodontist.
A periodontist is a dental specialist who has received additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, as well as in the placement of dental implants.
Periodontists may also be better equipped to handle complex cases or cases that have not responded well to initial treatment.
Your general dentist can assess your condition and determine or refer you if you need to see a periodontist for further evaluation and treatment. Factors that may indicate the need for a specialist may include:
- Advanced or severe periodontal disease
- Complex cases that require specialized treatment
- Need for gum grafting or bone regeneration procedures
- The presence of other underlying health conditions that may complicate treatment
Ultimately, the decision to see a periodontist will depend on the individual case and the recommendation of your dentist.
As specialists, Periodontist are unable to treat general and cosmetic dental requirements since their focus is predominantly on gum health.
Whether you need a crown or a dental implant after root canal therapy depends on several factors, including the condition of your tooth, the location of the tooth, and your overall dental health.
After root canal therapy, your tooth may be weakened and more susceptible to fractures or decay, and a crown may be needed to protect it.
A dental crown is a cap that is placed over the tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
A crown can also help to prevent further damage to the tooth and maintain its functionality.
However, in some cases, if the damage to the tooth is extensive and it cannot be restored with a crown, a dental implant may be necessary.
A dental implant involves the placement of an artificial tooth root into the jawbone, followed by a dental crown or other restoration.
The decision on whether you need a crown or a dental implant after root canal therapy is best made by your dentist, based on your individual needs and circumstances.
Our dentists will evaluate your tooth and recommend the best course of treatment to restore your dental health and function.
We accept all major health funds
