Periodontitis
Periodontitis is also know as gum disease. A periodontist specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of severe gum disease. Sometimes, surgical procedures are needed for the best outcomes.
There are different symptoms to watch for and different processes to treat periodontitis. These are listed below. Your periodontist will discuss possible strategies with you and answer all your questions about the best treatment for you.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis, periodontal disease or gum disease involves a deep bacterial infection of the gums caused by various germs found in dental plaque. Over time, this leads to the progressive loss of attachment between the teeth and the supporting gums. Eventually, without treatment, you become ‘long in the tooth’, and your teeth can even fall out!
What to look for:
- Swollen red gums that bleed easily
- Gums that have shrunk from teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Abscesses between teeth and gums
- Loose or sensitive teeth
How do I get it?
This is a very common disease. Some people are more susceptible to it and it is sometimes hard to know the cause. Other causes or risk factors include:
- Family history
- Association with another disease
- Smoking
Regardless of the cause, the damage to your oral health will worsen if left untreated.
Periodontitis usually responds very well to treatment. This treatment involves:
- A careful examination and measurement of your tooth attachment levels
- Thorough, deep professional removal of plaque and calculus deposits from tooth and root surfaces (under gums)
- Training in how to best manage your cleaning at home
- Regular appointments to maintain your oral health
Most of the time, this is enough to prevent further deterioration. However, once you have had periodontitis, you will always be at risk of developing it again. It is very important that you maintain your home cleaning regime and regular visits so that the bacteria don’t re-establish themselves and continue to attack your teeth and gums.
A common question is – “Will it hurt?” You will be numbed with anaesthetic during the procedure to ensure minimal discomfort and any sensitivity following treatment is expected to pass with time. Your clinician will always take the time before a procedure to talk with you about what is involved, what to expect, and allay any concerns you may have.
At your first appointment, your periodontist will collect your medical history and dental details. Then, depending upon your treatment plan, you will attend a series of appointments where sections of your mouth will be professionally cleaned.
After treatment, you can look forward to your gums becoming firmer and less swollen, no bleeding when cleaning, and an overall feeling of a cleaner mouth and fresher breath.
Specialist periodontists
Striving to provide outstanding patient care.
Dr Fisher
Dr Thalagala
