What are the treatments for Gum disease?

 (a)       Flap Surgery

Surgery might be necessary if inflammation and deep pockets remain following treatment with deep cleaning and medications. A dentist or periodontist may perform flap surgery to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets or to reduce the periodontal pocket and make it easier for the patient, dentist, and hygienist to keep the area clean. This common surgery involves lifting back the gums  and removing the tartar. The gums are then sutured back in place so that the tissue fits snugly around  the tooth again. After surgery the gums will heal and fit more tightly around the tooth. This sometimes  results in the teeth appearing longer.

(b)        Bone and Tissue Grafts

In addition to flap surgery, your periodontist or dentist may suggest procedures to help  regenerate any  bone or gum tissue lost to periodontitis. Bone grafting, in which natural or synthetic bone is placed  in the area of bone loss,  can help promote  bone growth. A technique that can be used with bone grafting is called guided tissue regeneration. In this procedure,  a small piece of mesh-like  material is inserted between the bone and gum tissue. This keeps the gum tissue from growing into  the area where the bone should be, allowing the bone and connective tissue to regrow.  Growth factors – proteins that can help your body naturally regrow bone – may also be used. In cases where gum tissue has been lost, your  dentist or periodontist may suggest a soft tissue graft, in which synthetic material  or tissue take from another area of your  mouth  is used to cover exposed tooth roots.

Since each case is different, it is not possible  to predict with certainty which grafts will be successful over the long-term. Treatment  results depend  on may things, including how  far the disease has progressed, how well the patient keeps up with oral care  at home, and certain risk factors, such as smoking, which may lower  the chances of success. 

How do I know if I have gum disease ?

Symptoms of gum disease include :

·         Bad breath than won’t go away

·         Red or swollen gums

·         Tender or bleeding gums

·         Painful chewing

·         Loose teeth

·         Sensitive teeth

·         Receding gums or longer appearing teeth.

Any or these symptoms  may be a sign of a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist.

Oral cavity

The oral cavity has many important components; teeth are embedded within the alveolar  bone and are held firmly by a periodontal ligament with gingival (gums) surrounding the cervical aspect of tooth and alveolar bone. There is a muscular tongue with many functions, sturdy palate forming the roof  of the oral cavity and the rest is formed by stretchable mucosa forming the buccal (cheek) and floor of mouth  below the tongue. Awareness  of dental caries among general public  is high but  periodontal diseases do not enjoy  the same level of importance among them.

The prevalence of periodontal  diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis are very high  in India. In a few states like Orissa and Rajasthan, prevalence of periodontal disease  is shown to be  100% in the age group of 35-44 years and 65-74 years. Gingivitis, left untreated, would lead to periodontitis, leading to loosening of tooth and finally loss of tooth. Major aetiology of gingivitis is poor  oral hygiene with plaque depositing on the tooth, which harbour numerous pathologic micro-organisms responsible in brining about gingivitis and its sequelae.

Who gets gum disease ?

People usually don’t show signs of gum disease  until they are in their 30s or 40s. Men are more likely to have gum disease than women. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease. Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line