periodontal treatment at Brisbane Smile Boutique

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition that affects the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. It is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which leads to inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and other oral health problems.

Types of periodontal disease

There are two main types of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the milder form of the disease and can usually be treated and reversed with proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing. Periodontitis is a more severe form of the disease and requires more intensive treatment from a dental professional.

Symptoms of periodontal disease

Symptoms of periodontal disease include red, swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and receding gums. Other risk factors for periodontal disease include smoking, hormonal changes, certain medications, and health conditions such as diabetes.

Treatment for periodontal disease

Treatment for periodontal disease depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases of gingivitis, a professional dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene practices may be sufficient to reverse the condition. For more severe cases of periodontitis, treatment options may include scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), antibiotics, or surgery.

Scaling and root planing involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from beneath the gum line and smoothing out rough spots on the roots of the teeth to help the gums reattach. Antibiotics may be prescribed rarely to help control bacterial infections associated with periodontal disease. In some cases, surgery with a periodontist may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or to reshape the gums to better protect the teeth.

Prevention of periodontal disease

Preventing periodontal disease involves practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, quitting smoking, and scheduling regular dental cleanings and checkups. Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease can help prevent the condition from progressing and causing more serious oral health problems.

Periodontal treatment at Brisbane Smile Boutique

At Brisbane Smile Boutique, we offer comprehensive periodontal treatment to help patients manage and treat all stages of periodontal disease. Our team of experienced dental professionals will assess your condition and develop a personalised treatment plan to meet your individual needs.

Periodontal treatment options include:

1. Scaling and root planing: This is a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacteria and tartar buildup from beneath the gum line. This will help the gums to reattach to the teeth and prevent further damage.

2. Laser gum treatment: With referral to a periodontist, a laser is used to help remove bacteria and tartar from the gum line while promoting the growth of healthy tissue.

3. Gum graft surgery: In cases of severe gum recession, referral to a periodontist may be required for gum graft surgery to help protect and support the teeth.

4. Bone grafting: With a periodontist, this procedure is used to restore bone density when it has been lost due to gum disease. The bone graft material encourages the growth of new bone tissue.

5. Dental implants: In cases where tooth loss has occurred due to advanced periodontal disease, dental implants can replace the missing teeth and provide long-lasting support for the surrounding teeth and gums.

At Brisbane Smile Boutique, our team is dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal oral health through effective periodontal treatment, including referral to Brisbane’s best periodontists if necessary for complexities. Our goal is to prevent further damage and restore the health and function of your smile. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, contact our office to schedule a consultation with our dental professionals.

How periodontal disease happens

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, develops due to a complex interplay of various factors, primarily involving bacterial plaque accumulation on the teeth. Here are the key reasons for its development:

1. **Plaque Buildup:** The primary cause of periodontal disease is the buildup of bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on teeth. Plaque harbors bacteria that produce toxins, irritating and inflaming the gum tissue.

2. **Tartar Formation:** If plaque isn't removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it hardens and turns into tartar (calculus). Tartar further exacerbates the problem by providing a rough surface where more plaque can accumulate and is more difficult to remove than plaque.

3. **Gingivitis:** The early stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis, characterised by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis.

4. **Inflammation and Infection:** In response to the bacterial toxins, the body's immune system mounts an inflammatory response. This inflammation, combined with the toxins from the bacteria, starts to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place.

5. **Genetic Susceptibility:** Some individuals are genetically more susceptible to periodontal disease, which can influence the severity of the condition.

6. **Lifestyle Factors:** Smoking, poor oral hygiene, and inadequate nutrition can contribute to the development and progression of periodontal disease

What exactly happens in periodontal disease

The biological mechanism of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, involves a complex interaction between bacterial plaque and the body's immune response:

1. **Plaque Accumulation:** It all starts with the accumulation of dental plaque, a biofilm composed of bacteria, on the teeth. These bacteria produce toxins and metabolic by-products.

2. **Gingival Inflammation:** The toxins and bacterial by-products irritate the gingival (gum) tissue, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding gums.

3. **Immune Response and Tissue Destruction:** In response to bacterial invasion, the body's immune system mounts an inflammatory response. While this is a normal defense mechanism, chronic inflammation leads to the production of enzymes and other substances that, over time, break down gingival tissue and bone. This is a key aspect of the progression from gingivitis to periodontitis.

4. **Periodontal Pockets Formation:** As periodontitis develops, the gums start to pull away from the teeth, forming "periodontal pockets." These pockets deepen, providing a larger space for bacteria to live and making it harder to clean away plaque and tartar. The progression of pocket depth is a hallmark of advancing periodontal disease.

5. **Bone and Connective Tissue Destruction:** The body's enzymes and the bacterial toxins begin to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. This can lead to tooth loosening and eventual tooth loss if not treated.

6. **Systemic Impact:** Periodontal disease has been linked to systemic health conditions. The chronic inflammation can have systemic effects, potentially contributing to or exacerbating conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

This biological mechanism highlights the importance of controlling plaque buildup through regular oral hygiene and professional dental care to prevent the onset and progression of periodontal disease.

What is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specialises in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. They are experts in the management of oral inflammation and diseases that affect the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Here’s more on their role:

1. **Specialised Training:** Periodontists receive extensive training beyond dental school. This includes three additional years of education focused on the diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases and the placement and maintenance of dental implants.

2. **Gum Disease Treatment:** They treat various forms of gum disease, from mild gingivitis to more severe periodontitis. Treatments can include deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), surgical interventions to regenerate lost bone and gum tissue, and procedures to aesthetically enhance gum tissue and your smile.

3. **Dental Implants:** Periodontists are skilled in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. They manage both the surgical aspect of implant placement and the prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases (conditions that affect the tissues around dental implants).

4. **Oral Inflammation Management:** They are trained to manage and treat conditions resulting from excessive oral inflammation, which can impact overall oral health.

5. **Complex Cases:** Periodontists often handle more difficult or complex periodontal cases, such as patients with severe gum disease or a complex medical history.

6. **Collaborative Care:** They work closely with general dentists and other dental professionals to provide comprehensive oral care.

In summary, periodontists play a crucial role in maintaining oral health, particularly in the management of conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement and care of dental implants.