Gum Treatment for Gingivitis and Periodontitis (Gum Disease)
Periodontal diseases are inflammatory conditions that affect the teeth and the tissues supporting them (the gums, root surfaces, jawbone, and the fibers that connect them). Initially caused by bacterial plaque adhering to the tooth surface, these diseases are called gingivitis when only the gums are affected. In this state—unlike healthy gums—the gum tissue appears dark red, shiny, swollen, and prone to bleeding. If bacterial plaque is not effectively removed, it progresses over time, causing inflammation in the other tissues that support the tooth.
At this stage, which is called periodontitis, jawbone loss occurs, causing the teeth to become loose. This is not always accompanied by gum loss (gum recession). Instead, the attachment between the tooth and the gum breaks down, leading to the formation of a periodontal pocket.
The primary cause of periodontal diseases is bacterial plaque, which stems from poor oral hygiene.
Risk factors such as genetic predisposition, smoking, diabetes, and certain systemic diseases—along with contributing factors like teeth clenching and poorly contoured restorations that are difficult to clean—increase the severity and progression of the disease.
Gum Disease Treatment
If left untreated, gingivitis and periodontitis can ultimately lead to tooth loss. In the treatment of gingivitis, professional dental cleaning (scaling) is usually sufficient. In cases of periodontitis, which is accompanied by periodontal pockets, cleaning the root surfaces beneath the gumline is also necessary. Specialized hand instruments are used in root planing and scaling (SRP), which is defined as “initial periodontal therapy.” The goal of SRP is In cases where there are deeper periodontal pockets and SRP is insufficient, the gum tissue is lifted (flap surgery), and the underlying hard and soft tissues are thoroughly cleaned before the area is closed. While curettage is a simple, sutureless treatment method that heals easily and causes no major discomfort, a flap operation applied in more advanced cases is a surgical procedure that requires sutures and has a healing period lasting 7–10 days. Accurate and regular oral care, combined with routine dental check-ups, is the only effective way to prevent periodontal diseases.
More Details →Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty (Crown Lengthening)
In some cases, gingival overgrowth may occur due to inflammation, medication, or hereditary factors. If the overgrowth is not accompanied by bone loss and there is no defect requiring treatment of the underlying bone, the enlarged gum tissue can be removed by excising the soft-tissue wall of the pocket between the tooth and gum. This procedure is called a gingivectomy. It is generally followed by gingivoplasty, in which the gum tissue is surgically reshaped to restore its normal contour.
More Details →Laser-Assisted Periodontal Pocket Disinfection
When bacterial plaque is not effectively removed from the teeth, it develops into a rough, porous deposit known as calculus or tartar. Harmful substances released by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. These substances damage the fibers that attach the gum firmly to the tooth, causing the gum to pull away from the tooth and form a periodontal pocket. This makes it easier for bacteria and their by-products to reach deeper tissues. In such cases, a diode laser may be used to disinfect the periodontal pocket.
More Details →Bad Breath Treatment (Halitosis)
Halitosis is an unpleasant odor in the breath originating from the mouth or stomach that causes discomfort to both the individual and those around them. Bad breath negatively impacts a person’s social life and can lead to self-confidence issues. The unpleasant odor in the breath is largely caused by intraoral factors. An oral infection, advanced gum disease, or bacteria settling on food debris left in the mouth for more than a few hours can cause bad breath. Other systemic problems that can cause this odor include sinusitis, diabetes (acetone-like odor), gastrointestinal diseases, kidney failure (fishy odor), liver conditions, and metabolic disorders. The root cause of bad breath must first be diagnosed, and the treatment should be planned accordingly. Halitosis can be prevented by treating all cavities and gum diseases, extracting teeth indicated for extraction, replacing restorations that need renewal, and thus improving the overall level of oral hygiene.
More Details →