Periodontal Plastic Procedures

Periodontal Plastic Procedures

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal literally means "around the tooth".,hence periodontal disease refers to a chronic bacteria infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It can affect one tooth or several teeth and if left untreated, may lead to tooth loss.

The most common form of periodontal disease include gingivitis and periodontitis. In the early stages, only the gums are infected (gingivitis). Later, it spreads to the bone surrounding the tooth and other supporting tissues. Finally the tooth becomes loose and may fall out. Periodontal disease can affect persons of any age.

What are the common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease?

You may have periodontal disease if you have:

• Bleeding gums when brushing
• Red, swollen,puffy-looking or tender gums
• Abscesses on the gum
• Pus secreting from between the teeth and gums
• Shaky teeth
• Teeth appearing to drift apart from its original position
• Receeding gumline (gum recession)
• Persistent bad breath
• Vague discomfort or dull-ache of gums and teeth

You may still have gum disease and not have any of the above signs and symptoms as most people do not experience any pain with the gum infection.

What causes periodontal disease?

The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque. Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with salivary proteins, constantly form a sticky colourless "plaque" on teeth. Brushing and flossing help prevent plaque accumulation. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form bacteria-harbouring calculus or "tartar" over time. Calculus cannot be removed by daily toothbrushing and only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it.

Gingivitis

The longer plaque and calculus stay on teeth, the more harmful they become. Bacterial plaque causes inflammation of the gums, which is called "gingivitis." The gums become red and puffy, bleeding easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular scaling by a dentist or a dental hygienist.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis is not untreated, it can progress to "periodontitis". The gums start to pull away from the teeth and are filled with plaque and become infected. As the plaque spreads and grows beneath the gum line, the body's immune system fights the bacteria. Bacterial toxins and the body's enzymes fighting the infection actually starts to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place.

If left untreated, the bones, gums and connective tissue are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed. Periodontitis can range from mild to moderate to even severe forms.