Periodontology;
is a branch of dentistry that deals with the health of the teeth, jawbone, and the gums and oral tissues that completely surround them. Periodontal diseases are among the conditions dentists encounter most often. Patients usually visit the dentist with complaints such as 'My gums bleed when I brush.'
Gum bleeding is caused by inflammation of the gums. Gum inflammation is often worsened by the formation of tartar due to bacterial plaque accumulating on the teeth and surrounding tissues as a result of poor oral hygiene.
If gum diseases are diagnosed and treated early, the gums can heal completely without tissue loss. However, if they are not treated in the early stages, the inflammation progresses and spreads, leading to gum recession and bone loss in the jawbone surrounding the tooth roots. As a result, the teeth begin to loosen and may even need to be extracted. In addition, the lost gum tissue and bone in the area surrounding the tooth root do not regenerate. Advanced gum and bone tissue loss can be treated with advanced surgical techniques.
Gum recession can be treated with the Free Gingival Graft and Connective Tissue Graft techniques using tissue taken from the patient's own palate. Jawbones that have resorbed as a result of inflammation can be filled with bone powder, if there is a suitable area, to provide support for the teeth again.
Advanced periodontal problems must be treated by periodontists. Periodontists identify and eliminate the root cause of the problem and restore the health of the 'trinity' of the tooth, gum, and jawbone. To re-establish oral hygiene, after the mechanical treatment, the patient receives oral hygiene training and 'motivation'.
Gum diseases are not always caused by poor oral hygiene. Improper tooth brushing, clenching and grinding, genetic factors, and some systemic diseases (such as diabetes) can also cause gum diseases. For example, brushing too hard can cause the gums to recede. Constantly clenching and grinding the teeth wears down the fibers that attach the teeth to the jawbone. These can be prevented by learning proper tooth brushing and using clear aligners to prevent the damage caused by clenching.
Another side effect of gum inflammation is bad breath. Inflamed tissues, with the bacteria they continuously harbor, leave an unpleasant smell and taste in the mouth. This also plays a role as a factor that psychologically affects people in their social lives all the time.
Doka Klinik Dental Team
This article is for information only; please consult our dentists for a treatment plan tailored to you.
