Periodontics

What is Periodontics?

Periodontics is the dental specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease and other conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. At Krishna Multispeciality Dental Clinic in Gudivada, our periodontal services are designed to help patients maintain healthy gums and preserve their natural teeth for as long as possible.

Periodontal disease is a common but serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and can destroy the bone that supports your teeth if left untreated. It's often the result of poor oral hygiene that allows plaque to build up on the teeth and harden.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease progresses through different stages:

Gingivitis (Early Stage)

In this initial stage, plaque build-up causes inflammation of the gums, which may appear red, swollen, and may bleed easily during brushing or flossing. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Signs of gingivitis include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding during brushing or flossing
• Bad breath that won't go away
• Receding gums

Periodontitis (Advanced Stage)

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In this stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may need to be removed.

Signs of periodontitis include:

• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Bad breath or bad taste that persists
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Changes in the way teeth fit together when you bite
• Pus appearing between your teeth and gums
• Development of deep pockets between teeth and gums

Our Periodontal Services

At Krishna Multispeciality Dental Clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of periodontal services to treat gum disease at every stage:

Periodontal Examination and Assessment

We conduct thorough evaluations of your gum health, including:

• Visual examination of gum tissues
• Measuring pocket depths around teeth
• Assessing gum recession
• Checking for tooth mobility
• X-rays to evaluate bone loss

Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments

Scaling and Root Planing

This deep-cleaning procedure is the primary non-surgical approach for treating periodontal disease:

• Scaling: Removes plaque and tartar (dental calculus) from the tooth surface and below the gumline
• Root Planing: Smooths the root surfaces to remove bacterial toxins and discourage further plaque and tartar accumulation
• Often performed with local anesthesia for patient comfort
• May require multiple sessions to complete the entire mouth

Antibiotic Therapy

To control bacterial infection, we may recommend:

• Oral antibiotics for short-term treatment of acute infections
• Local delivery antibiotics placed directly into periodontal pockets
• Antimicrobial mouth rinses to reduce bacteria

Surgical Periodontal Treatments

For more advanced cases of periodontal disease, we offer surgical interventions:

Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction)

This procedure involves lifting back the gums to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets or to reduce the pocket itself. The gums are then sutured back in place to fit snugly around the tooth.

Bone and Tissue Grafts

For patients who have lost bone or gum tissue, we may recommend:

• Bone Grafts: Using fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone to replace and promote bone growth
• Soft Tissue Grafts: Typically taken from the roof of the mouth and attached to areas where gum tissue has receded
• Guided Tissue Regeneration: Allows bone and tissue to regrow by preventing unwanted tissue from entering the healing area

Maintenance and Supportive Care

After active periodontal treatment, we provide:

• Regular periodontal maintenance cleanings (typically every 3-4 months)
• Monitoring of pocket depths and gum health
• Personalized oral hygiene instructions
• Early intervention if signs of disease recurrence appear

Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease

Several factors can increase your risk of developing gum disease:

• Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to form
• Smoking or tobacco use: One of the most significant risk factors for gum disease
• Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, puberty, menopause, or monthly menstruation
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk for infections, including gum disease
• Certain medications: Some drugs reduce saliva flow, affecting oral health
• Genetic susceptibility: Some people are more prone to severe gum disease
• Crooked teeth: Misaligned teeth can be harder to clean
• Compromised immune system: Due to diseases like HIV/AIDS or cancer treatments

Preventing Periodontal Disease

The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to practice good oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day
• Floss daily to clean between teeth where your toothbrush can't reach
• Use antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings
• Don't smoke or use tobacco products
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals
• Manage stress, which can make it harder for your body to fight infection

The Connection Between Periodontal Health and Overall Health

Research has shown links between periodontal disease and several systemic health conditions:

• Heart Disease: Periodontal disease may increase the risk of heart disease
• Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including gum disease, which can make blood sugar more difficult to control
• Respiratory Diseases: Bacteria from the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs, causing respiratory diseases
• Pregnancy Complications: Periodontal disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight