Gum Disease – What Is It and Is It Treatable?
It’s common that patients often are surprised when we tell them that they have gum disease. In fact, it’s estimated that around around 90% of the world’s population will suffer from gum disease in one form or another at some point in their life. Yet, it’s also known as the silent killer because it’s hard to notice the symptoms.
As a result, most people treat the news with a degree of shock or embarrassment. But what is gum disease and is it treatable?
Gum disease is initially caused by a build-up of plaque. As it accumulates, plaque forms into a harder substance called tartar which, in turn, collects bacteria. Tartar not only creates a shield for the bacteria, but it’s also difficult to remove and causes irritation to the gumline. The longer plaque and tartar remain, the more they irritate the gum (gingiva).
The first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis and usually affects just the gums. If tartar remains in place for long periods, the bacteria can cause tooth decay and advanced gum disease (periodontal disease). Eventually, if the disease gets into the bone, the result can be tooth loss.
Gum disease – The dilemma
The problem with milder gum disease such as gingivitis is that it doesn’t really cause too much (if any) discomfort and for this reason, it often goes ignored. When this happens problems can escalate. This is why it’s important to seek out treatment at the earliest opportunity with our dental experts in Epping.
About gum disease treatment
- Red or swollen gums
- Traces of blood when brushing
- Tender gums when brushing
- Bad taste or bad breath
By detecting problems early on, patients can avoid the need for more expensive and time- consuming procedures later on down the line. Remember, the longer gum disease goes undetected, the more damage it’s likely to cause.
Scaling and polishing
This is a professional clean carried out right here at our dental clinic. We’ll scrape away any tartar build-up using special instruments then polish your teeth to remove any staining. For mild cases, a scale and polish are probably all you’ll need.
Gum disease treatments for more serious conditions include:
Scaling and root planing
When plaque or tartar forms below the gum line more in-depth cleaning is necessary. First, deep scaling is carried out to remove any tartar located in the periodontal pocket. Next, the surfaces of the tooth roots are planed or smoothed so that bacteria contained within plaque can’t adhere to them.
Periodontal surgery
Sometimes scaling and root planing is simply not enough. In these cases, periodontal surgery enables us to remove tartar from hard-to-reach areas using bone contouring techniques. After removal, your gum will be re-stitched tightly to your teeth to avoid any further pockets from forming. In addition, surgery can be carried out to shrink periodontal pockets making it easier for patients to keep their teeth clean.
The key point to remember is that if you have gum disease, it won’t go away on its own. It will only get worse if you don’t seek out some form of gum disease treatment.
If you’re concerned about gum disease, or you haven’t undergone a dental check-up for a while, then why not contact the team at Lyndarum Family Dentist. We’ll give you either a clear course of action or guidance about your oral health.
Call us today on 03 9626 9581 to book an appointment. We look forward to welcoming you.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.