Answering 3 Commonly Asked Questions About Periodontics

A branch of dentistry - Periodontics, focuses on the well-being of tissues supporting your teeth, i.e., jawbone and gums. The aim is to prevent, diagnose, and treat periodontal (gum) diseases. But since oral health is often neglected and not discussed, people often need more clarity on periodontics. Thus, this article answers common questions on this aspect of oral health. So, let’s begin!

What Is the Meaning of Periodontal Diseases?

Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease refers to the elongated infections in your gums, ultimately destroying them. These oral infections can harm your periodontal tissues, which include the periodontal ligament, gingiva, alveolar bone, and cementum.

Dentists categorize these oral diseases into periodontitis and gingivitis, wherein the latter is comparatively milder than the former. However, if not treated early, gingivitis can eventually turn into periodontitis.

The primary reason gum diseases are considered dangerous is that they generally develop without significant signs and symptoms, which in turn makes the diagnosis challenging. Most of the time, nine out of ten patients affected by such infections will feel nothing, including pain, and as a result, they are not aware of the condition they are suffering from.

One thing you can do to curb the possibility of suffering from gum disease is to strictly follow an oral care routine, and the second is to visit the best dentist in San Antonio for regular check-ups and cleanings.

What is the Primary Reason Behind Periodontal Disease?

The primary reason behind gum diseases like gingivitis is oral plaque, especially in patients at high risk of developing this disease genetically. Dental or oral plaque is a colourless and sticky film resulting from food particles and bacteria in your mouth.

It is common for plaque to be on the surface of your teeth immediately after you clean them, as it sticks to the gum line and your teeth. The bacteria present in plaque release acids that can irritate the gums, leading to inflammation, swelling, bleeding, and redness. Due to the continuous irritation, your gums make their way by separating from teeth, forming pockets, also known as spaces between them.

If ignored, plaque can further advance into a complex, porous, rough substance known as tartar or calculus. As a result, your gingivitis will progress to periodontitis which will start deteriorating the bone and tissue that hold your white structures in place. The outcome can be as severe as losing your teeth.

While the disease may sound severe, it can develop without any symptoms, and only some patients suffering from the oral disease will feel pain as the issue advances. Smokers especially need to be aware of their oral condition and maintain it accordingly, as they may not feel anything when they suffer from gum disease. Therefore, it is essential to keep and follow an oral hygiene routine and go for routine check-ups to identify such issues early.

Are Periodontal Diseases Treatable?

Thanks to the development of medical technology, periodontal diseases are treatable. In fact, treating them is essential to safeguard the supporting structures of your teeth. Also, the damaged gums can lead to red, swollen, and receding gums as the issue advances, so early diagnosis, and correct treatment are necessary.

In addition, the condition in its most severe form can deteriorate the supporting bone, leading to further complications like teeth shift or loss. The disease will affect your precious smile and ability to chew or speak. Therefore, consulting a team of the best periodontists in San Antonio is crucial. The respective periodontist will then suggest treatment options according to your condition, generally among the ones mentioned below.

● Antibiotics

● Root planning and scaling

● Flap surgery

● Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

● Dental bone grafts

● Guided tissue regeneration

● Gum grafts

It’s Not a Question But A Conclusion.

If you have any questions about periodontal disease or experiencing unusual pain, visit your dentist or periodontist near you to diagnose any conditions. If your gums are healthy, congratulations, and continue taking your oral hygiene seriously.