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What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria in plaque (the sticky film on teeth). It usually starts as gingivitis (red, swollen, or bleeding gums) and can progress to periodontitis, where the infection damages gums and bone, potentially leading to tooth loss.

It is caused by factors such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, and certain health conditions. In its early stages, it is reversible with proper care, but once the condition getting worse, a surgery treatment becomes necessary. Beyond affecting the mouth, gum disease can also have an impact on overall health, making timely prevention and treatment essential.

Stages of Gum Disease

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Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease, caused by plaque buildup.

Common symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. At this stage, damage is still reversible with proper oral care.

Mild Periodontis

Early periodontitis is a stage of periodontal disease where infection begins to affect the supporting tissues and causes early bone loss. Small pockets may form between the gums and teeth

Common symptoms include occasional bleeding gums during brushing/flossing, mild gum recession, and bad breath.

Moderate Periodontis

Moderate periodontitis is an intermediate stage of periodontal disease characterized by increased loss of the bone and supporting tissues around the teeth, along with deeper periodontal pockets.

Common symptoms include gum recession, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and mild tooth mobility.

Severe Periodontis

Severe periodontitis is the most advanced stage of periodontal disease, where extensive bone and tissue loss occurs around the teeth, leading to deep periodontal pockets and significant gum recession. At this stage, much of the damage is irreversible, but comprehensive periodontal treatment can help control the disease, preserve remaining teeth, and reduce the risk of tooth loss.

Common symptoms include persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, loose or shifting teeth, gum recession, and difficulty chewing.

Introduction Gum Disease

Non Surgical Gum Disease Treatments

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Scaling

The procedure will removes hardened plaque (tartar) and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth and just beneath the gum line. Our specialist will use specialized tools or an ultrasonic device and gently cleans these areas to help protect your gums and keep your mouth healthy.

Root Planning

Root Planning is a deep cleaning procedure that smooths the root surfaces of your teeth below the gum line. This helps remove bacteria and toxins, allowing your gums to heal and reattach to the teeth, reducing inflammation and improving gum health.

Why would someone need scaling and planing instead of a routine dental cleaning?

During your visit, the dentist will examine your gum condition to determine the most appropriate treatment. This may include checking for signs of inflammation, measuring the depth of gum pockets, and reviewing dental X-rays to assess any bone loss. A standard cleaning is suitable for maintaining oral health or managing early stage conditions like gingivitis, where plaque and tartar are limited to the surfaces above the gumline. However, when tartar builds up below the gumline and leads to a more advanced infection known as Periodontitis, a deeper cleaning is required. In such cases, bacteria accumulate in pockets between the teeth and gums that cannot be effectively cleaned with routine methods. Scaling removes tartar from both above and below the gumline, while root planning smooths the tooth roots to promote healing and help the gums reattach. This treatment is essential to stop the progression of gum disease, protect the supporting bone, and reduce the risk of tooth loss.

Surgical Gum Disease Treatments

Periodontal Regenerative Surgery

If you are a good candidate, your dentist or a gum specialist may suggest to use regenerative gel designed to stimulate your body’s stem cells, helping to rebuild bone and gum tissue that has been damaged by gum disease, helping your gums and bone grow back over time. In many cases, this procedure is combined with a bone grafting procedure, which acts as a support to help new bone form more effectively. These treatments aim to restore the health and strength of the tissues that support your teeth, giving you a better chance of keeping your natural smile.

When does patient needs periodontal regenerative surgery?

is recommended for patients with advanced gum disease who have experienced significant damage to the supporting structures of their teeth. It is typically needed for individuals with bone loss around teeth, deep periodontal pockets that cannot be effectively cleaned, or loose teeth due to weakened support, especially when non-surgical treatments have failed to control the condition. However, this procedure may not be suitable for heavy smokers, individuals with uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes, those with poor oral hygiene, or cases where the damage is too extensive to repair. Overall, regenerative surgery aims to rebuild lost bone and tissue, stabilize teeth, and help preserve natural teeth, improving both oral health and long term dental outcomes.

Soft Tissue Graft

Often called a gum graft, is a safe and effective procedure used to restore and protect your gums when they have receded. Gum recession can happen due to brushing habits, aging, or conditions like periodontal disease, and it may expose the roots of your teeth, leading to sensitivity and a higher risk of damage. During the treatment, your dentist or specialist gently places healthy tissue, either from your own mouth or a donor source, or over the affected area to rebuild the gum line. This not only improves the appearance of your smile but also helps protect your teeth and prevent further gum loss. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, with a short recovery period, making it a comfortable and reliable solution for long-term oral health.

Bone Graft

commonly performed procedure used to rebuild or strengthen the jawbone when it has been lost due to missing teeth, injury, or gum disease such as periodontitis. When bone is no longer stimulated by a tooth, it can shrink over time, affecting both oral health and appearance. During the procedure, your dentist places a special bone material into the weakened area, which acts as a foundation for your body to naturally grow new bone. This helps restore strength to the jaw and creates the support needed for treatments like dental implants. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia, with minimal discomfort, and over the following months the graft gradually becomes part of your natural bone, helping you regain a healthy, stable smile.

FAQs about Gum Treatment

Leaving gum disease untreated it can progress from gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) to periodontitis (serious infection).

Besides, it might also lead to following:

  • Shaky tooth
  • Bad breath
  • Painful on chewing
  • Bleeding gums
  • Gum abcess
  • Gaps between teeth

The final stage of untreated gum disease may cause teeth to fall out. However, if treated early it can be reversed. Prevention is better than cure.

Should you have any enquiries, please do not hesitate to book a consultation with our specialists. 😊

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