Periodontology

What is Periodontal Disease (gum disease)
Cause of Periodontal Disease
Will I lose my teeth?
The Cost of Periodontal Treatment
The First Appointment
Patient Responsibility

What is Periodontal Disease (gum disease)

Periodontal disease affects the supporting tissue of the tooth - the periodontal ligament, the gingiva (gums), alveolar bone (supporting bone) and the cementum (root surface of the tooth). Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.

The condition begins as inflammation of the gum margin with redness, swelling and bleeding on brushing, a stage known as gingivitis. Without adequate attention gingivitis may slowly give way to chronic periodontitis in which the bone, and the fibres below the gum which support the tooth, are progressively attacked (usually without pain). This may lead to eventual loosening and finally loss of the tooth.

Cause of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is caused by dental plaque, a soft almost invisible layer of BACTERIA which forms on the teeth and is present in all mouths. Any irregularity around the teeth will encourage accumulation of plaque by making tooth cleaning more difficult eg. croooked teeth, overhanging edges of fillings, poorly contoured fillings, some types of partial dentures, and calculus.

Calculus or tartar is calcified plaque. It has a rough surface which is impossible to clean thoroughly. As the condition progresses, the natural shallow crevice between the gum margin and the tooth enlarges to form a periodontal pocket in which plaque accumulates causing further destruction.

Will I lose my teeth?

Advanced periodontitis, if left untreated, will result in the loosening of the teeth and eventually tooth loss. You should not lose your teeth, and you can keep them for life if treatment is sought in the earlier stages. Bleeding gums, red gums, swollen gums, should not be ignored as the problem will not go away.

These are signs that all is not well. It is not normal to have bleeding gums. Seek periodontal (gum) treatment.

The Cost of Periodontal Treatment

Please feel free to discuss treatment costs with us. Time, and the nature of the treatment, are the major factors in determining the cost. You can expect to spend between $800 - $4,000 during the active treatment where surgery may be required. There are, of course, some cases less severe and less costly: just as others that may require more complicated treatment and are therefore more costly.

The First Appointment

A thorough examination is carried out to determine the severity of the periodontal disease. X-rays of the teeth will be taken in addition to the clinical examination where each individual tooth is assessed for pockets, mobility, gingival inflammation, bleeding, gingival recession etc. Only after a complete examination can we make a specific diagnosis, and plan the treatment required.

Patient Responsibility

Successful periodontal treatment requires your cooperation. Excellent oral hygiene is essential and you will be shown how to achieve this. Studies have shown that poor oral hygiene and maintenance will result in a relapse of the disease.

Following the completion of the active periodontal treatment, regular periodontal maintenance is required at intervals of 2 - 6 months depending on the individual case.