Periodontal Dentistry
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry focused on maintaining the health of the tissues that support teeth and dental implants. It encompasses a range of treatments, from basic cleanings to more advanced procedures aimed at restoring lost gum and bone tissue.
Gum disease is classified into two main categories: gingivitis and periodontitis, depending on its severity. For dental implants, similar conditions are referred to as mucositis and peri-implantitis. To prevent these diseases, it is essential to schedule regular dental appointments to monitor the health of your mouth.
Bacteria play a significant role in periodontal disease. When a patient has certain risk factors and conditions favoring disease development, toxins can lead to inflammation, which is often indicated by bleeding gums. If the disease progresses, it can cause bone loss, and over time, untreated conditions may result in loose teeth or tooth loss due to inadequate support. Other conditions, such as gum recession (the shrinking of the gums) and bone defects, also require careful management.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gingivitis and periodontitis are two stages of gum disease, with gingivitis being the milder, reversible form and periodontitis being the more severe, destructive form. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) defines these conditions based on the extent of inflammation and tissue damage. Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation of the gums, while periodontitis involves the destruction of supporting bone and tissues around the teeth that can lead to tooth loss.
Mucositis and Peri-implantitis
Mucositis and peri-implantitis are two distinct conditions affecting the tissues around dental implants. Peri-implant mucositis is characterized by inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the implant, without any signs of supporting bone loss. Peri-implantitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation of the soft tissues and progressive bone loss around the implant that can lead to implants loss.
Prophylaxis
Scaling & Root Planning
The basic treatment as a maintenance is a "cleaning" or prophylaxis, once a patient has signs of gum disease the scaling a root planning or "deep cleaning" needs to be done to achieve health.
Compliance is a must to mantain optimal health since gum disease is realted systemic diseases as Diabetes, Dementia, Cardiovascular diseases and more.
Bone Graft
A bone graft is a surgical procedure that replaces or rebuilds lost bone in the jaw, often caused by periodontal disease, trauma, or tooth loss. If a patient intends to receive a dental implant, it is advisable to perform a bone graft at the site of the lost tooth before placing the implant. This helps to restore the area’s anatomy and achieve better results, preventing any bone defects in the region.
Soft Tissue Graft
A soft tissue graft, commonly referred to as gum grafting, is a surgical procedure designed to repair receded gums and protect exposed tooth roots. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) recommends this procedure when gum recession causes sensitivity, increases the risk of cavities, or raises aesthetic concerns. Additionally, it can be performed in cases involving dental implants to enhance both protection and aesthetic outcomes.
Gummy Smile
Some patients may have a gummy smile; there are many reasons, but one of them can be caused by an altered passive eruption, where teeth can be extra covered by tissues and bone. The treatment to create a armonized countour is simple and doable. We can help you, call us and make an appointment. In other ocassions it can be caused by skeletal reasons that may require a different aproach.
