PERIODONTOLOGY:
maybe you have periοdontisis and you haven't realised it?
What is periοdontal disease?
Periοdontal disease affects the tissue that support the teeth in the jaw and can appear in children, teenagers and adults. The portion of people suffering from periοdontal disease increases with age. A large percentage of the population have the disease already and an even greater number of people will be affected in the upcoming years. Periοdontal disease show as gum disease, as periοdontisis or as a local diversification of the gums (e.g. hyperplaisia)
- Gum Disease(gingivitis) is swelling in the gums, that is the initial stage of periοdontal disease and if it is not dealt with immediately with progress into periοdontisis
- Periοdontisis is the progression of swelling below the gums that affects the tissues that keep teeth in place, the result of which means that the teeth leave thier support, begin to move around and in many cases results in extractions. Periοdontisis is the main cause of loss of teeth in adults.
What are the symptoms of Periοdontitis?
clinical image of gum disease
periοdontisis in a 22 year old woman
x-ray image of periοdontisis
Most patients don't realise that they are suffering from periodontal disease and when they realise it it is already too late. The symptoms vary from patient to patient and don't always show the seriousness of the disease. It is a good idea to visit a dentist if you have any of the following symptoms:
- bleeding from the gums during brushing or spontaneous bleeding without any obvious cause
- red, swollen or sensitive gums
- gums that have receeded and exposing the tooth's roots
- a bad smell
- movement in the teeth
- puss in between the teeth and the gums
- the teeth changing position
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, in other words a sticky white substance that is made up of microbes that are in the mouth. With correct oral hygiene, plauqe can be removed by the patient themselves. If a regular oral hygiene routine is not followed then the plaque sticks ont he teeth, it absorbs the salt and turns it into tartar, that can only be removed by the dentist.
clinical image of tartar on teeth
The toxic produce from the microbes and plaque, cause the gums to separate from the teeth, the destroy the underlying tissue that supports the teeth and allows new microbes to be absorbed, creating a cycle of tissue destruction.
There are several factors involved, it cna be heredity, caused by stress, pregnancy and some disease (diabetes), some medications (e.g. heart drugs, contraceptives) and mainly smoking causes and worsens the disease.
How do we deal with periodontisis?
At the Piraeus VSmile dentist, treatment of periodontisis is done using conservative and surgical methods.
- The conservative methods aim at cleaning the plaque above and below the gumline. This cna be done at the stage of gum disease ( see treatment for gingivitis) or the initial stages of peridontisis and as a preparation for the surgical method that is used in more advanced cases of periodontisis.
- The surgical methods are aimed at a deeper cleaning of the roots and the tartar, and the placement of a material that encourages the regeneration of the damaged tissue. This method is used in more advanced cases of periodontal disease (see periodontisis treatment). The surgical techniques used at the VSmile dental clinic are minimally invasive and easily accepted by the patient.
At the VSmile dentist:
- we can create an oral hygiene program that is specifically designed for each individual patient by, taking into account the age, needs and particularities
- we follow a program of maintenance and recall to follow the progress of the patient every 3-6 months, depending on the case, re-examination, cleaning and additional guidance
- we believe that the best way to deal with periodontal disease is prevention!
Learn more about gum disease and periodontisis by selecting the links below:
Contact VSmile Dental Clinic
WE'LL TAKE CARE OF YOUR SMILE!
Stamataki Vassiliki, DDS / Dental Surgeon Piraeus Dentistry Association
Kountouriotou 149-151, Peiraias Centre Dimotiko Theatro / 2104120029 / stamataki@vsmile.gr
Cosmetic, Reconstructive & Athletic Dental Surgeon - Smile Design / Implants
Pain Management / Preventative Care for adults, children, the disabled, the pregnant, athletes
Remote Dentistry / Dental Services for all areas of Piraeus, Attica, villages, islands, overseas
Stamataki Vassiliki, DDS / dental clinic / vsmile / Greece
