Periodontics is the treatment of diseases of the teeth support system.
It treats diseases that attack tissues responsible for the protection, support and fixation of the tooth, as the gums, the alveolar bone and fibres surrounding the tooth. The most common periodontal diseases are plaque, gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease causing irritation, redness and swelling of your gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. If not treated promptly, it can lead to much more serious gum disease called periodontitis and tooth loss. Periodontitis is caused by an infection by bacteria that naturally sits on the tooth surface, especially near the gum, forming plaque. Plaque is a whitish layer formed by residues of food and bacteria. If not removed, plaque can cause cavities or hardens into tartar.
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet and regular visits to the dentist can help prevent the development of periodontal disease.
Many people do not know they have Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). This process, which is not always apparent, may go unnoticed until the tooth is seriously compromised. However, in other cases the problems are more evident, presenting dental mobility and constant bad breath.
Beware, one of the aspects below may be an indication of periodontal disease:
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Retraction of your gum
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Bleeding gums, sensitive or swollen
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Formation of pus around the tooth
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Constant bad breath
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Teeth that change position
During a routine dental evaluation, the dentist at Agnus Dei- Algarve Dental Centre will offer a diagnosis and treatment for such disease. Periodontal treatment depends on the severity of the case. In the initial stage of gingivitis, a professional cleaning to control the infection a prescribed antibiotic-based mouthwash should be enough. In more advanced cases, it is necessary to perform scraping of the gum to remove the accumulation of bacterial plaque and tartar adhered to the tooth. In even more severe cases it is necessary to perform surgeries, removal of teeth and placement of prostheses to restore aesthetics and function.
After the treatment is done, good daily oral hygiene and periodic visits to the dentist will increase the chances of keeping your natural teeth and decrease the chance of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease.
WHAT IS GINGIVITIS?
It is the formation of tartar and plaque deposited between the gingiva and the tooth causing inflammation in the gingiva. Its first symptom is gingival bleeding. If gingivitis is not treated, the bacteria spreads through the gums, producing toxins and forming tartar, which causes destruction of the bone that supports the teeth. In addition, periodontal bacteria can enter the blood stream and travel to major organs, such as the heart, and begin new infections.
HOW WILL BE DONE THE PERIODONTAL TREATMENT ?
The treatment consists of removal of plaque by scraping and straightening the roots of the teeth, either manually or with ultrasound equipment. If the disease is diagnosed early, simple procedures can be performed to remove the bacterial plaque and eliminate the bacteria that is causing the infection. However, if the disease has advanced to a point where the periodontal pockets are too deep and the supporting bone has been lost, surgeries may be necessary.
The most used forms of periodontal treatment are:
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Root Scaling and Smoothing;
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Surgery for Reduction of Periodontal Purses
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Periodontal Regeneration
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Increase in Clinical Crown: Aesthetic and Functional
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Periodontal plastic surgery
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PGF (Platelet Growth Factor) associated with the use of bone graft in cases of extreme bone deficiency.