Periodontal Maintenance
Among the causes for periodontal (gum) disease are genetic susceptibility, smoking, and other illnesses like diabetes.
Periodontal maintenance involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.
Most gum diseases are preventable with proper oral hygiene.
However, what can start out as gingivitis (inflamed or bleeding gums) can quickly turn into periodontitis.
In such cases, gums pull away from the tooth to create “pockets,” thereby exposing a dental root to infection. It can also lead to prolonged bad breath, loose teeth, painful chewing and other complications.
————————————
Diagnosing Gum Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease can be slow progressing disease with episodic flare-up that can cause acute pain and discomfort. Careful examination, probing of the gum and X-ray examination are necessary to diagnose gum disease. Often symptoms of bleeding gum when eating or brushing, 'loose' teeth or 'weak' teeth, bad breath are commonly reported by patient.
————————————
Further Treatment
The cause of gum disease is multi-factorial, but fundamentally it is associated with plaque or more likely harden plaque called calculus adhering to the root of teeth. These calculus will cause bone loss and gum loss around the teeth as they harbor bacteria. Gum treatment is aim at removing all these calculus, smooth out the tooth-root and remove diseased part of the gum. We perform this treatment under local anesthesia, using machine scaler, hand scaler and dental laser. Topical medication would also be deposited into pockets of the gum to facilitate decontamination. Multiple visits is necessary to complete the treatment.
————————————
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should we visit the dentist?
Normally twice a year. But it can be annually if the patient maintain his/her oral hygiene well.
In some severe gum disease cases, the patient may need maintenance every 3 months.
Is gum disease treatment painful?
No. Local anesthetic will be administered.
Is gum treatment a one-off treatment?
Gum treatment requires up to 4 visits. Patient need to learn proper oral health care and return for regular maintenance.
I have heard gum disease is linked with other health conditions – is this true?
In recent years gum disease has been linked with general health conditions such as diabetes, strokes, cardiovascular disease, poor pregnancy outcomes and even dementia.
More research is needed to understand how these links work but there is more and more evidence that having a healthy mouth and gums can help improve your general health and reduce the costs of medical treatment.
What to expect after gum treatment?
There may be some post treatment bleeding that is usually resolve with localised pressure dressing.
