Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Diseases and Their Prevention

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque (bacteria and their byproducts/toxins) is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions.

Why is oral hygiene so important? Adults past the age of 35 lose more teeth due to gum diseases, (Periodontal Disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and Periodontal Diseases is when good tooth brushing and flossing techniques are performed daily.

Periodontal Disease and Decay are both caused by Bacterial Plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gumline. Plaque consists of germs on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent Periodontal Disease.

If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). Tartar can only be removed with special instruments by the dentist or hygienist. Whereas plaque can be removed by you (as long as you can get to it). The limitation of personal home care is about 3.5 mm (or about 1/16th of an inch) under the gumline.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (deep spaces under the gumline ) with accompanying bone destruction to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this may lead to tooth loss.

Warning signs of Periodontal Disease

	Bleeding gums
	Bad Breath
	Red, Swollen, or tender gums
	Loose teeth
	Tooth drifting/migration, or a change in the bite
	Pus that appears between the teeth and gums when the gums are compressed
	Change in the fit of dentures
	Receding gum line which has pulled away from the teeth

Preventing Gum Disease

The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress. Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors.

Other Important Factors Affecting the Health of Your Gums

	Smoking
	Diabetes
	Stress
	Clenching and grinding teeth
	Medication
	Poor nutrition

For our Self Assessment For Periodontal Disease quiz, Click here.

Periodontal Surgery (What you need to know)

Dr. Zablotsky has examined your periodontal condition and recommended surgery for you. From the many treatment options available, Dr. Zablotsky will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and that will re-establish good periodontal health. Dr. Zablotsky’s practice provides a variety of surgical services. He prides himself on the fact that he is very conservative in his treatment recommendations and limits surgery to the areas where it is absolutely necessary. Periodontal procedures are available to regenerate bone and gum tissue oftentimes to their original function and cosmetic appearance. This page answers questions that you may have about periodontal surgery. It complements the advice you have received from your dentist and Dr. Zablotsky.

Why do you need periodontal surgery?

Dr. Zablotsky has recommended surgery to correct or improve a periodontal condition that is affecting your oral health. The surgical technique that Dr. Zablotsky chooses will depend on the type and severity of your disease and other oral conditions. Reasons why you may need periodontal surgery:

To Clean and Reduce Periodontal Pockets

The main cause of periodontal diseases is plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If the plaque is not removed thoroughly, toxins, or poisons, produced by bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums and destroy supporting tissues around the teeth, forming pockets. Eventually, the plaque hardens into a rough deposit called calculus, or tartar. Over time, as more plaque and tartar build up, the gums continue to recede from the teeth. Gum and bone attachment is lost and pockets deepen. You cannot predictably keep deep pockets clean and free of plaque just by brushing and flossing. The pockets may have become so deep that even your dentist or hygienist is unable to clean them adequately. Therefore, Dr. Zablotsky may decide that you need surgery to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line. He will reduce the pockets and position the gums to eliminate areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide.

To Regenerate, or Regrow, gum and bone tissue.

If your periodontal disease goes untreated, destruction of gum and bone attachment to the teeth continues. As plaque moves down the roots of the teeth, infection ensues. The infection may cause more serious damage to the bone that supports the teeth. Your affected teeth can become loose and eventually you may lose them. Dr. Zablotsky may recommend surgery to attempt to regenerate, or "regrow", gum and bone tissue to save your natural teeth. Read about Guided Tissue Regeneration.

To expose more tooth structure to make dental repair possible

You may have a tooth that is decayed or broken below the gum line. Then, you will need periodontal surgery to adjust the gum level and expose more of the tooth so your dentist can repair the damage. Read about Crown Lengthening.

To improve your appearance

In certain instances, Dr. Zablotsky can improve aesthetics by means of periodontal surgery. For example, he can use gum-grafting techniques to correct a "toothy" smile caused by receding or shrinking gums. Gum grafting also helps to prevent further recession of the gums. Likewise, Dr. Zablotsky can do a periodontal surgical procedure to make teeth look longer in a patient with a "gummy" smile. Read about Esthetic Crown Lengthening and Gingival Graft.

What discomfort can you expect?

You should feel little or no discomfort during the surgical procedure. Dr. Zablotsky will give you an anesthetic to numb the surgical region. Many techniques are available for relieving your anxiety during surgery. Dr. Zablotsky will speak to you about these options. Click here for more information. After surgery, the surgical site will be tender or sore, or it may swell. Dr. Zablotsky will probably prescribe a medication to relieve your postsurgical swelling and discomfort. He may also prescribe antibiotics or antibacterial rinses to protect you from infection. If you take your medications as directed and follow Dr. Zablotsky’s instructions,it will help to minimize any discomfort. And, like most of Dr. Zablotsky’s patients, you will likely resume your normal routine with minor modifications (e.g. no vigorous exercise for the 1st three days) soon after surgery.

Will you be able to speak and eat normally after surgery?

You should be able to speak normally after the anesthetic has worn off. It is important that you maintain a well-balanced, nutritious diet after surgery. You may need to avoid chewing some foods in the surgical region for a few days to a week or two depending on the procedure performed. After some types of periodontal surgery, the teeth may be more sensitive to hot and cold. This sensitivity usually diminishes greatly during the first few weeks after surgery.

When will you need to see Dr. Zablotsky again?

Usually, you will need to return for postsurgical treatment in 7 to 14 days. At this time, it may be necessary for Dr. Zablotsky or his staff to remove any stitches and cleanse the surgical site. You will need additional follow-up appointments (ussually one or two) to evaluate your healing response and review proper oral hygiene procedures.

Will you ever need surgery again?

In most instances, you will not need surgery in the same region again. However, in certain patients, re-treatment or additional surgery may be needed. As you have learned, you may be prone to periodontal diseases, which are chronic and require constant and careful attention. Like other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma, periodontal disease has no cure. Periodontal surgery helps to control disease and prevent further destruction to the gums and bone, thereby minimizing tooth loss.

What you can do to prevent gum disease?

Periodontal diseases will recur if you do not follow a strict program of supportive periodontal care. You play the major role in preventing further episodes of periodontal disease by daily removing plaque by proper brushing, flossing and other cleaning methods that your dentist and Dr. Zablotsky and his staff recommend for you.

By safeguarding your periodontal health and retaining your natural teeth, you will be able to chew more comfortably and enjoy better digestion. Your natural teeth will keep you feeling good and looking good with a healthy smile. Your home regimen of oral care combined with regular visits to your dentist and Dr. Zablotsky will give you an excellent chance of keeping your teeth for your lifetime.