Periodontitis is one of the most common gum diseases. While it often starts as gingivitis, it can get much worse than gingivitis. The symptoms are more painful and the treatment is often more complicated, though it depends on the severity of the disease. Dentists suggest that it is best to treat periodontitis in its earliest stages. At that level, the treatment is fairly simple, inexpensive, and the chances of complete recovery are maximum.
Like most gum diseases, periodontitis starts with the buildup of plaque. However, it is often possible for patients to overlook the initial symptoms until they take a severe form. Initial symptoms include swelling and inflammation of gums. These symptoms may often go unnoticed as most people consider them normal or harmless. However, once the disease reaches its advance stages, it progresses to the roots and bone. It can be extremely painful and might cause tooth loss. Since periodontitis is an advance stage of gum disease, prevention is not an option you can use once it has developed.
When Do You Need Treatment?
However, there are a number of treatments that can cure the disease but the earlier you start the treatment, the better results you can expect. So, it is best to look for symptoms and see your dentist as soon as possible. Some of the common symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Red and swollen gums
- Frequent bleeding, especially during eating and brushing
- Constant pain in the jaws
- Separating or loose teeth
- Bad breath
In order to identify your problem, the dentist will suggest a clinical examination. Periodontitis disease is only confirmed after the dentist receives a proper dental analysis from the patient.
Common Treatments
Sometimes the dentist may perform multiple surgeries to ensure the best results and proper recovery. Some of the most commonly performed treatments include:
Deep Cleaning – It is usually conducted in cases where the condition is still in its early stages. However, many periodontists prefer to perform deep cleaning treatment before performing any other treatment in severe cases as well. Deep cleaning treatment can be performed in multiple ways. Depending on the condition of the patient and availability of the tools, deep cleaning may involve scaling, root planing or both.
Soft Tissue Removal – One of the common treatments of periodontitis is the soft tissue removal surgery, also known as, the gingival curettage. Periodontitis often results in creation of pockets around the teeth. These further help and expedite plaque buildup. This surgery is performed to cut the soft tissue lining that forms the pockets. It is usually the part that is badly affected by bacteria and plaque.
Open Flap Surgery – In this surgery a flap of gum tissues surrounding the teeth and bone is lifted and deep cleaned in order to remove bacteria and diseased tissues. The gum tissue is then placed back properly so that there is no pocket or space left for further accumulation of bacteria.
Cosmetic Surgery and Implants – The appearance of teeth and gums is also one of the major concerns for periodontitis patients. This is the reason most dentists prefer performing cosmetic surgery such as gum drafting or implants. Also, the dentist will polish the teeth in the end, not just for aesthetic purposes but also to make the surface smooth which attracts less plaque.
As we mentioned earlier, the final appearance of your teeth depends on many factors including your current oral condition and proficiency. You must talk to your periodontist in order to set your expectations right from the very beginning.
Kevin Kerfoot writes about health, nutrition, oral hygiene and skin care for Trusted Health Products’ natural health blog and newsletter.
