Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal Disease
The word "periodontal" originated from two Greek words that mean "around teeth". There are several types of periodontal diseases, and all of them are caused by bacterial infections that attack gums, bone and ligaments that hold teeth in the jaw.
Periodontal diseases usually start without any significant symptoms and without pain. Sometimes their progress may be slow, and sometimes quite rapid.
Gingivitis
Early periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis
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Causes of Periodontal Diseases
Periodontal diseases are caused by certain types of bacteria and plaque, in which bacteria multiply. Plaque is a colourless film of bacteria and remains of food that constantly forms on the tooth neck and root surfaces.
The toxins carried by the bacteria irritate the gums and cause weakening of their attachment to teeth. Over time, these toxins injure not only gums, but also the underlying bone.
In addition, if not removed in time, plaque accumulates and hardens into the tartar. Such tartar above the gum line may not cause periodontal diseases. But most often tartar is localized below the gum surface sticking to the dental root surface. That is when the first symptoms of periodontal diseases, such as bleeding, bad smell or modified gum colour, occur.
Only a dentist or dental hygienist can efficiently remove plaque and tartar.
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Periodontal evaluation
The doctors of our clinic aim at periodontal disease prevention. It begins with identification of the causes of the disease. Periodontal evaluation is included in the general health examination of a patient.
Gum thickness and mobility, the condition of mucous membrane, signs of bleeding as well as plaque and tartar location are examined. In addition, we check bone resorbtion levels and teeth mobility. A special probe is used for measuring the depth of gum pockets around teeth. X-ray examination is used to determine bone resorbtion levels. According to the results of the diagnosis, an optimal treatment plan is applied.
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Treatment methods
The treatment method is selected for each patient individually. Usually the treatment includes, but is not restricted to, the following steps:
- proper and regular oral hygiene procedures;
- basic periodontal program (root canal treatment, removal of plaque and calculus, curettage);
- rinses with antiseptic solutions and sometimes application of medicine;
- periodontal surgery is performed to eliminate the non-vital gum edge, to reduce the depth of gum pockets or to remove the infected part of bone;
- lost bone tissue may be rebuilt with the help of guided bone regeneration surgery;
- aesthetic line of smile (the gum line attaching to teeth surface) is corrected;
- mobile teeth are splinted with the fibre strips;
- redistribution of the load of a bite is done.
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Conclusion
The major preventing factor of periodontal diseases represents regular oral hygienic procedures (regular teeth brushing at home as well as professional plaque and tartar removal at the clinic).
The concomitant teamwork of all dentists is necessary in order to prevent periodontal diseases.
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