Gum disease (periodontal disease) is the most common cause of tooth loss. It destroys the teeth’s supporting structures, without which they become loose and eventually fall out. Gum disease is most commonly caused by dental plaque which forms due to poor oral hygiene (other factors such as genetics, tobacco use and medical conditions such as diabetes can also cause it). Gum disease is usually painless and can remain undetected until it’s too late.

How We Do It

At Orocare Dental Clinic, we diagnose periodontitis by inspecting the soft gum tissues around the teeth using a special probe and by evaluating the patient's X-ray films to determine the extent of bone loss. Periodontal treatment for periodontitis involves root surface debridement (the removal of damaged tissue), and regenerative procedures (to regenerate some of the lost bone and tissue) which are surgical procedures such as bone grafting and soft tissue grafts.

Furthermore, we can even use Concentrated Growth Factor (CGF) therapy in treating periodontal disease as it helps reduce pain and swelling which in turn enhances the healing process.

More about Gum Disease

All gum diseases (even dental cavities) are primarily caused by dental plaque — a colorless mass of harmful bacteria that grows on teeth when food interacts with bacteria normally present in the mouth. After 48 hours of growth, these bacteria release toxins that inflame the gum tissue which is the start of the process that leads to gum disease. Plaque re-forms quickly and hence requires daily removal. Hardened dental plaque is called tartar (which is pale yellow or brown in color) and is difficult to remove requiring professional dental cleaning.

Gum disease is usually painless and can go undetected until it’s too late. It goes through two stages:

• Early Stages: Gum disease in the early stages is called gingivitis or inflammation of the gum tissue (but no bone loss). Symptoms include bleeding or swollen gums and bad breath. It is a fully reversible condition with no long term damage.
• Periodontal treatment for gingivitis involves professional deep cleaning for removing bacteria (plaque and tartar/calculus) via a procedure called scaling and root planning (cleaning of the roots' surfaces). Periodic cleaning must be done until optimum periodontal health is achieved. We also educate our patients about proper home oral hygiene care.
• Advanced Stages: If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to a more destructive form of the disease called periodontitis (or pyorrhea) which involves the destruction of the gum tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place which ultimately leads to the loosening and subsequent tooth loss.

Oral Hygiene

Regularly undertaken oral hygiene measures will go a long way in preventing the onset of gum disease. Proper brushing twice-daily, daily flossing, regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning can help maintain optimal oral hygiene.