Periodontics focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the gums and other surrounding tissues.
Periodontists maintain the health, function, and appearance of these structures and tissues.
They often treat more severe cases, such as those with severe gum disease or complex medical history.
Periodontists also treat patients with serious gum problems with a range of surgical procedures.
Periodontal Diseases: Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Periodontal disease is mainly caused by bacteria in dental plaque.
Gingivitis is the inflammation and infection of the gums. Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease that involves not only the gums but the structures surrounding the base of the teeth.
In worse cases, periodontitis may lead to serious toothache and even tooth loss.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
You may have periodontal disease and not even know it. Most of the time, there is no pain, and periodontal diseases may not show symptoms until a serious bone loss happens.
It is important to see your Wantirna South dentist or periodontist as soon as you experience any of these symptoms:
- Red, swollen and tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose and/or separating teeth
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Bad breath
- Changes in your bite
- Changes in the fit of removable dentures
Your Wantirna South dentist can diagnose periodontitis by looking at the signs and symptoms and performing a dental check-up.
A dental X-ray may help evaluate the condition of the teeth and jawbone.
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease treatment is mainly focused on removing plaque and bacterial deposits on your teeth and gums.
Oral Hygiene Practices
Our dental team will give you instructions on how to eliminate bacteria in your mouth, which involves keeping your teeth and gums clean.
Your Wantirna South dentist will advise on how to brush and floss and may recommend other oral hygiene practices to add to your usual routine.
Here are a few tips for keeping your teeth healthy:
- Brush your teeth at least two times a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
- Floss at least once daily to remove plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach areas.
- Visit your Wantirna South dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and professional cleaning.
- Don’t smoke or chew tobacco products.
Professional Cleanings
During a professional scale and clean, your Wantirna South dentist removes plaque and tartar from teeth and their roots, polishes your teeth and treats them with fluoride.
Periodontal pockets may require deep cleaning for faster healing. A procedure called scaling and root planing helps remove tartar and any rough spots on the tooth root where bacteria tend to thrive.
Surgery
If the inflammation persists in hard-to-reach areas, your Wantirna South dentist may recommend a surgical procedure called gum flap surgery to clean deposits underneath your gums.
During the process, your gums are lifted away, and the roots of your teeth cleaned and disinfected. The gums are then stitched back into place afterwards.
If you’ve had any lost bone, a process known as bone grafting may be performed, along with the flap surgery to regenerate the lost bone.
Periodontal Disease Treatments in Wantirna South
Periodontal disease, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems that can affect not just your teeth and gums but also your general health.
Visit your Wantirna South dentist for a consultation today!
Trust your oral health no one else. At Dr Sachdeva’s dental clinic, your and your family’s smiles are our number one priority.
Call us at (03) 9800 2338. We are located at 87 Stud Road in Wantirna South.