Periodontal Disease
Periodontal means the surface around the tooth. Periodontal disease refers to gum inflammation, which affects the surrounding soft tissues and possibly bone around the teeth. Gingivitis is the first signs of gum disease which precedes the severe condition of Periodontal Disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. Gingivitis is caused when plaque and tartar are left untreated for a long time resulting in the inflammation of the gums. This is a mild form of gum disease. When the Gingivitis is not treated, it results in a progressive breakdown and leads to more severe Periodontal Disease. This disease creates space or pockets between the gums and the teeth resulting in deposits of bacterial infections. This eventually can also results in shifting or spacing of teeth and lead to the loss of teeth.
Gum diseases can be caused by several factors such as:
- Smoking….cellular changes on the gum surface
- Illness like diabetes, cancer……which can lead to infections
- Medications..... dry mouth
- Hormonal Changes… swollen gums,
- Poor Oral Hygiene…..excessive plaque and tartar
Apart from the symptoms of bleeding and swollen gums, gum diseases can be detected when a person has bad breath, loose or sensitive teeth and pain on chewing.
The most common periodontal diseases are:
- Aggressive Periodontics – This form of gum disease is common among clinically healthy individuals but show signs of rapid attachment loss gum recession and bone destruction.
- Periodontitis caused by Systemic Disease – This form occurs at an early age and is associated with medical conditions such as diabetes, heart, respiratory diseases and diseases of the stomach which result in gastric reflux.
- Chronic Periodontics – Chronic Periodontics is causes by inflammation within the supporting tissues and bone resulting in deep pockets and loss of attachment and bone of long periods of time.
- Necrotizing Ulcerative Periodontics – Such an infection occurs in gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. This forms a very destructive necrotic environment in the oral cavity and is most common among individuals suffering from HIV, malnutrition and immunosuppression.
Dr. Kantarovich performs a complete examination of the mouth before recommending any surgical or nonsurgical treatments. The main goal is to control the infection through common treatments such as:
Scaling and Root Planning procedures involve scraping away the tartar that caused the infection above and below the gums. Dr. Kantarovich then decontaminates the gum pockets and treats them with antibiotics. He also prescribes good oral hygiene and mouth rinses.
Pocket Elimination Surgery is performed by Dr. Kantarovich to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums and thus reduce and eliminate infection and tartar build up.
Dental Implants are suggested when the teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease. In such cases, Dr. Kantarovich places dental implants and beautifully crafted implant porcelain teeth to restore the natural look and smile. Tissue regeneration procedures like adding bone and tissue may be required prior to dental implants.
Visit Dr. Kantarovich regularly to ensure good hygiene and protection of your teeth and gums.
