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Who is a periodontist?
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A periodontist specializes in preventing, diagnosing and treating the supporting
structures of the teeth: gums, bones and ligaments. In addition to treating periodontal/gum
diseases and inflammation, he or she can also place dental implants and provide
cosmetic periodontal/gum treatments.
A periodontist must have masters degree in the field of Periodontology which is
a three year full time course –MDS
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What is periodontal disease?
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Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the most common infections
today. More than 75% of Indians over 35 years of age have some form of periodontal/gum
disease. Although many are infected, few know they actually have the disease. In
a recent study where 8 out of 10 people surveyed believed they did not have periodontal/gum
disease, 7 out of 10 exhibited one or more symptoms.
Periodontal diseases are painless until they reach an advanced stage. They are the
leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
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What causes periodontal disease?
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The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that
constantly forms on your teeth. If the plaque is not removed, it hardens into a
rough, porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Toxins (or poisons) produced by
the bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums. The toxins destroy supporting tissues
around the teeth. Gums then pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that then
fill up with more plaque. As gum disease progresses, the pockets continue to become
deeper and deeper. Consequently, plaque continues to move further down the roots
of the teeth damaging the bone that supports them. Unless treated, the affected
teeth can become loose and eventually fall out.
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How do I know if I need periodontal care?
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Generally your dentist will refer you.There is no pain associated with gum disease
most of the times but gums become swollen and red. Also there may be bleeding and
pus discharge from gums with pocket formation and?or recession of the gums.
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How can I prevent gum disease?
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The most effective way to prevent periodontal diseases (as well as cavities) is
by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily, and regular professional
dental examinations and cleanings. Adults past age 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases
than from cavities.
Other factors that can affect the health of your gums include smoking or chewing
tobacco, diabetes, stress, clenching or grinding teeth, some medication and poor
nutrition.
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Will I Need Surgery?
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Not everyone needs periodontal surgery. If treated early, gum disease can be controlled
without surgery. We will make recommendations based on your individual situation.
Our philosophy of practice is to treat as conservatively as possible to attain treatment
goals.
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Can My Teeth Be Saved?
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The recent advances in periodontal treatment allow us to successfully treat most
teeth.
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Do hormonal changes in woment affect health of the gums?
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Throughout a woman’s life, hormonal changes affect tissue throughout the body. Fluctuations
in levels occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. At these times, the chance
of periodontal disease may increase, requiring special care of your oral health.
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Is there any relation between periodontal disease and heart disease?
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The link between periodontal disease and heart disease is so apparent that patients
with gum diseasae are nearly twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease
than those with healthy gums.
One of the causes of the connection between periodontal disease and heart disease
is oral bacteria entering the bloodstream. There are many strands of periodontal
bacteria. Some strands enter the bloodstream and attach to the fatty plaques in
the coronary arteries. This attachment leads to clot formation and increased risk
to a variety of issues including heart attack.
Inflammation caused by periodontal disease creates an increase in white blood cells
and C-reactive proteins (CRP).
CRP is a protein that has long-been associated with heart disease
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Do periodontal diseases affect Diabetes?
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Research has shown people with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease
than non-diabetics.
Diabetics with uncontrolled blood sugar control also develop periodontal disease
more frequently and severely than those who have good management over their diabetes.
The connection between diabetes and periodontal disease results from a variety of
factors. Diabetes sufferers are more susceptible to all types of infections, including
periodontal infections, due to the fact diabetes slows circulation, allowing bacteria
to colonize. Diabetes also reduces the body’s overall resistance to infection, which
increases the probability of the gums becoming infected.
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Does Scaling / Professional cleaning or Gum surgery/ flap surgery lead to loosening
of teeth?
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It is a misconception that scaling causes loosening of teeth. The fact is scaling
helps restore the dentition. At time s bone loss around teeth specially lower incisors
is so severe that teeth are completely surrounded by calculus/tartar; in reality
it is this tartar that causes bone loss and tooth mobility.
After scaling it may so happen that with removal of this tartar there may be tooth
mobility associated with tooth loss.
As regarding gum surgery there is initially increased tooth mobility post surgery
in the healing phase which gradually lessens with once the complete healing has
occurred.
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