Periodontal Treatment Melbourne, Richmond and Hawthorn
Periodontitis is a gum disease that can quickly spread throughout the mouth and teeth, and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and health problems that extend beyond the mouth. Fortunately, there is something you can do about it.
Our philosophy here at Elevate Dental Richmond and Hawthorn is that prevention is best, and the best way to prevent periodontitis is to follow through on regular dental checkups and cleaning. Our team is experienced and skilled in periodontal treatment, and our goal is to catch gum infection early and stop it in its tracks. But if the infection has progressed, we can intervene and help your mouth heal.
Periodontal Treatment Melbourne, Richmond and Hawthorn
Periodontitis is a gum disease that can quickly spread throughout the mouth and teeth, and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and health problems that extend beyond the mouth. Fortunately, there is something you can do about it.
Our philosophy here at Elevate Dental Richmond and Hawthorn is that prevention is best, and the best way to prevent periodontitis is to follow through on regular dental checkups and cleaning. Our team is experienced and skilled in periodontal treatment, and our goal is to catch gum infection early and stop it in its tracks. But if the infection has progressed, we can intervene and help your mouth heal.
The Problem with Periodontitis
We are all prone to harmful bacteria that can affect our teeth. Sometimes pockets of bacteria can hide between teeth or in hidden areas of the gum and lead to an infection. If the infection spreads it leads to problems like bleeding and tooth loss. Here are some quick facts about periodontitis:
Causes of Gum Disease
While plaque buildup, bacteria and smoking are the most common causes of periodontitis, there are other lesser known factors that may increase the risk. Some risk factors for gum disease include inadequate brushing and flossing, smoking and poor diet. Diabetes also puts one at higher risk of infection. But hormonal changes can also play a role and increase risk, as the gums become more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to take hold, which can lead to periodontitis. For this reason, monthly hormonal changes and menopause may increase the need to pay extra attention to oral health.
Causes of Gum Disease
Symptoms of Periodontitis
Regular dental checkups can help stop gum disease or allow us to intervene quickly, so treatment is easier. Knowing the symptoms of periodontitis can help alert you that it is time for a dental appointment as soon as possible, so it doesn’t get out of control. Here are the symptoms:
The Four Stages of Periodontitis
Sometimes people may not make it to the dentist for different reasons, like finances or location. If this describes your situation, no need to worry. Our team at Elevate Dental is experienced at treating periodontitis and can help with any stage of the disease. Recognising the stages may motivate you to come in for treatment. These are the four stages:
Gingivitis is the first and early stage of gum disease. It results in mild gum inflammation and sometimes bleeding of the gums when brushing. The gums may loosen from the teeth and develop tiny pockets of bacteria. This early-stage may be reversed with proper oral care and hygiene, and is reversible since no loss of jawbone has occurred.
Moderate Periodontitis is when the gums, bone and connective tissue are affected by the disease. At this stage, teeth begin to become loose or move due to the breakdown of connective tissue. Abscesses in the mouth may develop due to infection deep in the gum, and treatment may require repair or grafting of soft tissue along with professional teeth scaling and cleaning.
Early Periodontitis is the next stage of disease with deeper pockets of infection. These form deeper below the gumline and cause more severe gum separation from the teeth along with more bleeding and bad breath. It results in mild bone damage or loss that may not need further treatment than the removal of infection, tartar and calculus.
Advanced Periodontitis is a severe infection resulting in loose teeth and tooth loss. Along with severe bad breath, gum bleeding may occur even when not brushing as well as possible pus drainage from the gums. This may result in surgery using tissue grafting.
Gingivitis is the first and early stage of gum disease. It results in mild gum inflammation and sometimes bleeding of the gums when brushing. The gums may loosen from the teeth and develop tiny pockets of bacteria. This early-stage may be reversed with proper oral care and hygiene, and is reversible since no loss of jawbone has occurred.
Early Periodontitis is the next stage of disease with deeper pockets of infection. These form deeper below the gumline and cause more severe gum separation from the teeth along with more bleeding and bad breath. It results in mild bone damage or loss that may not need further treatment than the removal of infection, tartar and calculus.
Moderate Periodontitis is when the gums, bone and connective tissue are affected by the disease. At this stage, teeth begin to become loose or move due to the breakdown of connective tissue. Abscesses in the mouth may develop due to infection deep in the gum, and treatment may require repair or grafting of soft tissue along with professional teeth scaling and cleaning.
Advanced Periodontitis is a severe infection resulting in loose teeth and tooth loss. Along with severe bad breath, gum bleeding may occur even when not brushing as well as possible pus drainage from the gums. This may result in surgery using tissue grafting.
Periodontal Treatment
When we see gingivitis or the signs of periodontitis, we can take steps to treat the disease, usually without surgery. Quite often the patient will inform us of the symptoms, but if not, our experienced team will discover the problem and discuss treatment options. Here are some of them.
Antibiotics are usually the first treatment for this type of infection. Your dentist may apply it topically or prescribe oral medication. A topical antibiotic may be in the form of a gel or mouthwash while the oral is in pill or tablet form. In either case, these are commonly prescribed after the initial dental treatment to ensure all infection is eliminated.
Scaling is a term for professional, in-office cleaning of bacteria and tartar from the teeth. Tartar is when bacteria has hardened and is often not removed during regular daily brushing and flossing. Scaling uses special instruments, like an ultrasonic device to do this.
Root planing treats the root surfaces to discourage any spread of infection or tartar. It can remove bacteria and byproducts of it that cause inflammation so the teeth and gums can begin to heal.
Flap surgery takes place when the gum is lifted, allowing the dentist to better clean the roots. If necessary, the bone may be recontoured and the gum is then sutured back into place. Your mouth can then more easily heal.
Soft tissue grafting is done when gum loss occurs. This helps to repair and reinforce soft tissue so it can heal and better support your teeth.
Bone grafting may be performed if the bone that supports the teeth has been damaged. The graft helps hold teeth in place, while allowing a sold foundation for regrowth of natural bone.
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We Can Help
If you have periodontitis or suspect you do, call today. Our compassionate team of dental professionals here at Elevate Dental will intervene with periodontal treatment to help alleviate pain and repair damage so your mouth can heal.
We Can Help
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