Gum Diseases
What is Periodontological Disease?
Periodontology is the branch of dentistry that deals with the surrounding tissues of the teeth, specifically the gums. Inflammatory diseases that occur in the gum tissues are referred to as periodontal diseases or gum diseases.
Gum diseases, similar to tooth decay and tissue loss, are significant conditions that can lead to tooth loss. If left untreated, gum problems can result in tooth loss, just like dental cavities. However, when diagnosed and treated early in the case of gum diseases, which are responsible for about 70% of tooth loss in adults, highly successful results can be achieved. Early detection and treatment of gum diseases are of great importance in preserving oral and dental health and preventing tooth loss.
What are Gum Diseases?
The most common types of periodontal diseases or gum diseases can be listed as follows:
· Gingivitis: Gingivitis is one of the most common periodontal diseases and is usually a mild condition. It is often caused by microbial dental plaque and is characterized by redness and swelling of the gums, bleeding gums, and bad breath.
· Gum Abscess and Periodontal Abscess: Abscesses can occur in the gums due to various reasons. The presence of an abscess is accompanied by redness, swelling, and mild pain/sensitivity in the gums. It manifests as swollen gums, redness, bad breath, and bleeding.
· Periodontitis: Periodontitis is generally classified into chronic and aggressive forms. It is an infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth and can lead to the erosion of the tooth’s supporting bone over time. Bacteria in the eroded areas can easily move and weaken the connection between the teeth and the jawbone. Periodontitis is characterized by the formation of abscesses, gum recession, bluish-red gum color, gaps between teeth, tooth mobility, and bad breath. Various treatment techniques are used for early-stage periodontitis, while surgical intervention may be necessary for advanced periodontitis.
How Are Gum Diseases Treated?
Early diagnosis is crucial in determining the appropriate treatments for gum diseases. Non-surgical approaches are generally followed in the early stages of treatment. Procedures such as dental scaling, root planing, and flap surgery are performed to clean the surfaces of the teeth and roots. If necessary, treatments for cavities and other dental issues are also carried out. The aim is to reduce inflammation. As a result, the relationship between the healed roots and the gums is reestablished in a healthier manner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease Treatment
First of all, an examination is performed to determine the state of oral hygiene by a dentist who is specialized in the field of periodontology, and the patient is informed. Surgical or non-surgical applications are determined according to the results of the examination.
Neglecting gum disease treatments can cause serious damage to the gums as well as; It can lead to the loss of all teeth.
Thanks to the local anesthetics used during the treatment of gum diseases, no pain is felt.
The full recovery period after gum disease treatment is 1 week.
You can drink water 2 hours after the treatment of gum diseases.
You can brush your teeth 2 hours after the gum disease treatment process.
With the treatments applied, the inflammation in the gums is eliminated and the bond between the gum and tooth roots is strengthened in a healthier way.
The results of the treatments applied are permanent if people pay attention to their gingival hygiene.
Gums are examined by a dentist who is specialized in periodontology, and if necessary, the applications to be carried out are determined.
Periods of treatment for gum diseases vary according to the type of procedure to be applied; but most transactions are completed in 2 sessions.
After the treatment of gum disease is completed, no pain is felt. Only a sensitivity of 48 hours can be felt.
You can eat 2 hours after gingival treatment.
Consumption of acidic drinks is not recommended because they damage the teeth and gums during the treatment and recovery processes of periodontological diseases.
Gum disease treatment can be applied to any patient over the age of 15.
When the treatment of gum disease is carried out by the physician by providing the necessary medical conditions, there is no risk.
You should go for a check-up 1 week after the treatment for gum disease. However, 6-month routine controls should not be neglected.
If appropriate medical conditions are provided by the dentist in the treatment of gum diseases, the success rate is very high.