Central Dental Centre

Periodontics

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Periodontics involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum disease by a general dentist or a periodontist. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, bone, and ligaments that support the teeth and anchor them in the jaw. The bacteria inhabit the mouth and form a film of dental plaque and tartar, which stick to the teeth. If the disease process is not stopped, the supporting structures of the teeth will continue to be destroyed and eventually lead to tooth loss.

Periodontal disease can occur at any age. Over half of all people over the age of 18 have some form of the disease. After age 35, over 75% of all people are affected. The disease’s progression is usually asymptomatic and painless, but it can be easily detected during regular dental examinations.

When your gums and bones are healthy, the following criteria are observed:

• Gums are coloured light pink and are sharply defined.
• The bone completely surrounds the roots of the teeth.
• Teeth are firmly anchored into the bone.

The most common types of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an infection of the gum tissue and is the initial stage of the disease. Gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily. Underlying bone levels are unaffected.

Periodontitist

Periodontitist can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the amount of destruction to the gums, ligaments, and bone that surround the teeth. As the disease progresses, gums separate from the teeth and form gum pockets. These pockets become deeper as the underlying bone is destroyed. Gum pockets will collect increasing amounts of bacterial plaque and tartar as the disease worsens. Teeth will loosen as more bone is lost. Smoking increases the acceleration of the disease.

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