Periodontology
PERIODONTOLOGY
WHAT ARE GUM DISEASES?
Gum disease is a disease that affects the bone and gums surrounding the tooth. Even teeth that have no caries can be lost due to gum disease. Gum disease is one of the most common chronic diseases that can be seen at any age. Since it is painless most of the time, the patient does not realize the disease and it is often late to visit the doctor.
Gum disease affects only the gums in the initial stage, this situation is called “Gingivitis”. Symptoms of gingivitis; It is swelling, redness of the gums and a tendency to bleed easily. Gingivitis does not leave any permanent damage.
When gingivitis progresses, the bone surrounding the tooth is also affected by the disease, this condition is called “periodontitis”. In the presence of periodontitis, the bone surrounding the tooth resorbs, and as the disease progresses, the teeth begin to get loosen. Symptoms of periodontitis vary according to the stage of the disease. Symptoms; bleeding in the gingiva, red/purple gingiva, gingival recession, gaping of the teeth, loosen teeth, displacement, abscess formation and bad breath. Pain is usually accompanied by abscess formation.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF GUM DISEASE?
The main cause of gum disease is plaque that accumulates on the teeth. Bacterial plaque accumulating on tooth surfaces due to incorrect or incomplete brushing can cause tooth decay as well as cause inflammation in the gums.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR GUM DISEASE?
Treatment of gum disease varies according to the stage. If the disease is in the initial stage and only affects the gums, the disease is treated by cleaning the calculus and applying the right brushing method.
If the disease has progressed and has destroyed the gums as well as the bone surrounding the tooth, more extensive treatment is required. First of all, the areas where bone loss occurs are curetted and the bacteria and tartar that cause the disease are removed. Depending on the severity and stage of the disease, laser or surgical procedure is applied if necessary. In the meantime, the patient should come to the controls regularly and pay attention to oral hygiene.
WHAT IS GUM RECESSION?
Gum recession is when the gums pulls away from the teeth, exposing the roots underneath. This makes your teeth more vulnerable to bacteria and external factors. Your teeth may become more sensitive when brushing or eating. Gum recession can be mild, moderate or severe. It can affect one tooth or more than one tooth. Treatment of gingival recession varies depending on the type and stage of recession. If gingival recession cannot be reversed, the goal of treatment is to prevent it from getting worse.
WHAT ARE THE REASONS OF GINGIVAL RECESSION?
Your gums can recede for a variety of reasons. Causes of gum recession include:
-Brushing too aggressively
-The formation of dental plaque or tartar
-Periodontal disease
– Trauma or injury to your gum tissue
-Abnormal tooth positioning (misalignment)
-Smoking
-Lip and tongue piercings
– Most of the time, poor oral hygiene is a factor in causing gum recession
Whatever the cause of your gum recession, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term oral health problems.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GUM RECESSION?
The most obvious sign of gingival recession is the exposure of the tooth root. Other symptoms of gum recession include:
-Pain or discomfort near your gum line.
Sensitivity to heat, cold and sweets.
Sensitivity when brushing and flossing your teeth.
Sensitivity during tooth cleaning.
If left untreated, it can lead to other serious oral health problems such as severe gum recession, bone loss, feeling of tooth mobility and even tooth loss.
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, you can make an appointment with the gum disease specialist by calling 0850 346 75 99.
HOW IS GINGIVAL RECESSOIN DIAGNOSED?
Your dentist can diagnose gum recession during a routine exam. The amount of gingival recession in each tooth can be measured using a special instrument called a periodontal probe.
Bone loss is common in areas with gingival recession. Therefore, your dentist will also measure the periodontal pockets around each tooth. Healthy pockets are 1 to 3 millimeters across. In the presence of periodontal disease, the gingival pockets will be 5 millimeters or higher.
CAN GUMS GROW BACK ?
Unfortunately, receding gums cannot grow back. However, depending on the type and stage of gingival recession, it can be surgically restored or prevented from getting worse.
HOW CAN I REDUCE THE SENSITIVITY CAUSED BY GINGIVAL RECESSION?
Many people with gum recession experience pain or tenderness. This is because your tooth roots are not covered with protective enamel. Your dentist may apply fluoride or other desensitizing agents to reduce the discomfort associated with gum recession. You can also use a desensitizing toothpaste at home.
WHICH IS THE BEST TOOTHPASTE FOR RECEDING GUMS?
As mentioned above, if there is sensitivity, a desensitizing toothpaste can help alleviate the discomfort associated with gum recession. It may take several weeks for the desensitizing toothpaste to start working.
Toothpastes for gum disease also help healing when used with treatment in the presence of periodontal disease.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF GUM RECESSION?
Treatment for gum recession largely depends on what is causing the condition. Mild cases of gingival recession can be cured with non-surgical treatments. However, in most cases, gum recession surgery is needed to completely correct the problem.
Non-surgical treatments
Non-surgical treatments for gum recession may include:
If gum recession is caused by periodontal disease, scaling and root surface cleaning (deep tooth cleaning, curettage) can be performed under local anesthesia to get rid of harmful bacteria that cause gum disease deep within the gum line.
If the cause of gingival recession is trauma or a high lip tie, the factor should be eliminated first. In mild gingival recessions, gingival recession resolves spontaneously with the disappearance of the factor, but additional surgical treatment is required in moderate and advanced recessions.
Sometimes, misalignment of the tooth in the jaw can cause gum recession. In these cases, orthodontic treatment may be an option. When the tooth is properly aligned, the gingiva can correct itself over time.
gum recession surgery
Gingival recession surgery is the most predictable and long-term treatment option for gingival recession. This procedure is performed by a periodontist (gum specialist).
During this surgery, a gum graft is used to make up for your missing gum tissue. The graft is usually taken from the palate. The gingival graft taken from the palate is sutured to the area where the recession occurred.
HOW LONG IS THE HEALING TIME OF THE GINGIVAL GRAFT SURGERY?
Your recovery time will depend on several factors, such as how many teeth were treated and what type of grafting was done. In most cases, patients who have had gingival recession surgery return to normal within about two weeks.
Your surgeon will give you detailed postoperative instructions. You should follow these instructions closely to ensure a comfortable and successful recovery.
CAN I PREVENT GUM RECESSION?
Especially if you are genetically predisposed to thin gingival tissue, it can be noticed by your dentist during routine controls and precautions can be taken. However, you can significantly reduce your risk of infection-related gingival recession by practicing proper dental and gum care.
For example:
-Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day.
– Use dental floss once a day.
-Use an antimicrobial mouthwash once a day.
– Follow your dentist’s recommendations for teeth cleaning. (Many people can maintain healthy gums with six months of cleaning, but some may need more frequent visits.)
-Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
-Do not smoke.
– See your dentist if you notice any signs of gum recession.
