Advanced Gum Treatment

Types of Gum Disease

Gum diseases may present itself in various forms. Seen as mild, reversible conditions in gingivitis to severe forms such as periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. Key characteristics include:

• Gum inflammation
• Caused by dental plaque buildup
• Entirely reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional treatment
• No bone loss at this stage

Symptoms:

• Red, puffy gums
• Bleeding during brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath

Causes:

• Plaque accumulation
• Certain medications (such as phenytoin, cyclosporin, calcium channel blockers)
• Severe vitamin C deficiency
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause)
• Some systemic diseases (e.g., leukemia)
• Exposure to heavy metals or bismuth

Plaque buildup is the primary cause of gingivitis. As the accumulated plaque extends below the gum line into the sulcus – the space between the tooth and gum – the gap between them widens. Without proper treatment, this can progress to more advanced gum diseases. Over time, the loss of supportive tissues may result in tooth loss.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease. When gingivitis is left untreated it develops into a further diseased state called periodontitis. The infection tends to reach a level where it affects the tooth supporting structures. The teeth on all its sides are enveloped by periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These structures provide hold and support to the tooth and help to keep it in place. But once affected by disease, it leads to loss of this support system, eventually leading to loosened or missing teeth.

Progression stages:

1. Mild periodontitis:
   • Bacteria seep beneath the gums
   • Begin to affect supporting bone
   • Gums may start to pull away from teeth
2. Moderate periodontitis:
   • Continued bacterial activity erodes ligaments, soft tissues, and bone
   • Bad breath and pus around the gum line may be noticeable
   • Some people experience pain
3. Advanced periodontitis:
   • Significant bone loss occurs
   • Teeth may become loose and eventually fall out

Symptoms:

• Gum recession (gums pulling away from teeth)
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Changes in bite alignment
• Painful chewing
• Sensitive teeth
• Pus between teeth and gums

When left untreated, periodontitis can cause irreversible damage. This factor very well emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment.

Symptoms and Risk Factors of Gum Disease

Common Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of gum disease is crucial for early detection and treatment. Early stages may not lead to noticeable symptoms, but here are common signs to watch for:

• Persistent bad breath
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding gums during brushing, flossing, or spontaneously
• Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Pain during chewing
• Sensitive teeth
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Changes in bite alignment

It’s important to note that gum disease often progresses painlessly, especially in its early stages. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing gum disease:

1. Lifestyle factors:
   • Smoking or chewing tobacco
   • Poor oral hygiene
   • Chronic stress
2. Medical conditions:
   • Diabetes
   • Heart disease
   • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, scleroderma, Crohn’s disease)
   • Suppressed immunity (e.g., HIV)
3. Hormonal changes:
   • During puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
4. Genetic factors:
   • Family history of gum disease
5. Dental issues:
   • Crooked teeth
   • Improperly fitted dental appliances
   • Broken fillings
6. Medications:
   • Oral contraceptives
   • Steroids
   • Anticonvulsants
   • Calcium channel blockers
   • Chemotherapy drugs

Detailed Diagnosis Process

Comprehensive Examination

The diagnosis of gum disease involves a comprehensive approach:

1. Patient History and Symptoms Assessment:

• Medical history review
• Discussion of existing health conditions
• Evaluation of smoking history
• Assessment of experienced symptoms

2. Clinical Examination Techniques:

• Visual Inspection: Examination of gums for signs of inflammation, redness, or swelling
• Probing: Measurement of pocket depths around teeth using a small ruler (probe)
• Healthy pockets typically measure 1 to 3 millimeters
• Deeper pockets may indicate periodontal disease
• X-rays: Dental X-rays to check for bone loss, a sign of advanced gum disease

This comprehensive assessment allows for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.

Treatment options for Gum Disease

Treatment for gum disease varies based on its severity, overall health, and individual factors:

Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

• • Non-surgical procedure for early to moderate gum disease
  • Two key steps:

– Scaling: Removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line

– Root planing: Smoothing of root surfaces to facilitate gum reattachment

• Typically performed under local anesthesia
• Effectiveness: Reduces inflammation, bleeding, and gum pockets
• Side effects: Temporary discomfort, gum sensitivity, and mild bleeding
• Recovery: Generally quick, with some soreness lasting a few days

Antibacterial Treatments

• • Complement deep cleaning by targeting bacteria
  • Options include:

– Prescription mouth rinses

– Antibacterial gels

– Oral antibiotics

• Effectiveness: Reduces bacterial load and inflammation
• Side effects: Possible allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues, or oral thrush
• Recovery: Minimal, with rare and manageable side effects

Surgical Treatments

• • For advanced cases, surgical interventions may be necessary:

1. Pocket Reduction Surgery:

– Creates gum flaps to access deeper areas

– Allows thorough cleaning and smoothing of affected bone

– Aims to reduce pocket depth and promote healing

2. Bone and Tissue Grafts:

– Bone grafts use natural or synthetic materials to regenerate lost bone

– Soft tissue grafts address gum recession, often using tissue from the palate

3. Guided Tissue Regeneration:

– Uses membranes to direct growth of new bone and gum tissue

– Often combined with bone grafting for optimal results

• Effectiveness: These procedures effectively address severe cases, reducing pocket depths and restoring lost tissue.
• Side effects: May include pain, swelling, and infection risk. Long-term effects can involve changes in gum contour and sensitivity.
• Recovery: Varies but typically takes several weeks, requiring attentive post-operative care.

Laser Therapy

• • Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery:

– Uses laser light to remove diseased tissue

– Promotes reattachment of healthy gum to tooth surfaces

• Effectiveness: Reduces bacteria and encourages gum reattachment with minimal discomfort
• Side effects: Minimal, possibly including temporary discomfort or sensitivity
• Recovery: Generally quicker than traditional surgical methods

Periodontal Maintenance

• • Ongoing care is crucial for long-term management of gum disease:

– Regular dental cleanings and check-ups

– Continued monitoring of gum health

– Professional removal of any re-accumulated plaque and tartar

• Effectiveness: Essential for preventing disease recurrence and maintaining oral health

Prevention of Gum Disease

Maintaining gum health involves key practices that reduce periodontal disease risk:

Oral Hygiene Practices

• Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to remove interdental plaque
• Use antibacterial mouthwash as a supplement

Professional Dental Care

• Attend dental check-ups every 6-12 months
• More frequent visits for high-risk individuals

Lifestyle Factors

• Cease tobacco use
• Consume a nutrient-rich diet
• Reduce intake of sugary foods and beverages

Systemic Health Management

• Control conditions like diabetes
• Maintain adequate hydration

Supplementary Measures

• Use interdental cleaners or oral irrigators as recommended
• Clean and maintain dentures properly
• Address early signs of gum issues promptly

Consistent application of these strategies can effectively maintain gum health and reduce disease risk.

Potential Complications of Gum Disease

Untreated gum disease can lead to several complications

Tooth Loss

• Advanced disease deteriorates supporting bone and gum tissue
• May result in tooth mobility and eventual loss

Bone Loss

• Chronic inflammation erodes jawbone
• Compromises tooth stability and future restorative options

Systemic Health Risks

• Oral bacteria can enter bloodstream
• Potential links to cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, respiratory issues, and rheumatoid arthritis

Periodontal Abscess

• Gum infections can lead to abscess formation
• Requires prompt treatment

Gum Recession

• Exposes tooth roots, leading to sensitivity and increased decay risk
• Alters gum appearance

Oral Function Impairment

• Can affect chewing efficiency and speech
• May impact nutrition and quality of life

Pregnancy Complications

• Potential link to preterm birth or low birth weight

Early prevention and treatment are crucial in avoiding these complications.

Impact of Gum Diseases on Overall Health

Gum disease can affect multiple body systems:

Diabetes

• Two-way relationship: periodontal infections may hinder blood sugar control, while diabetes increases infection susceptibility

Cardiovascular Conditions

• Potential increased risk of heart problems and stroke in people with periodontal disease

Respiratory Conditions

• Possible link between oral bacteria and certain lung issues

Pregnancy

• Some research suggests a connection to higher chances of early birth and low birth weight

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Emerging evidence of possible connections to this inflammatory disorder

Current research hasn’t proven direct cause-and-effect relationships yet. The complex interplay between oral and overall health remains an active area of study till date.

When to See a Dentist for Gum Diseases

Seek dental attention if you notice:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Receding gums

Early intervention is key to maintaining oral health.

Price for Gum disease treatment

Gum disease treatment costs vary based on disease progression and location. Prompt treatment is crucial for both oral and overall health. Clove Dental offers competitive pricing for gum disease treatment in India.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q.1.Do Gum Diseases get better on its Own?

No, gum disease do not get better on their own. Professional dental cleaning and a good oral care routine are necessary.

Q.2.How long does it take for gums to be healthy again?

Recovery time depends on the disease stage. Stage one typically requires 10-14 days.

Q.3.Is gum disease treatable?

Yes, gum disease are very well treatable. The course of treatment to be undertaken and its duration depends upon the disease stage.

Q.4.What are the first alarming signs of the beginning of gum disease?

The most common signs seen in initiation of gum disease are:

• redness
• tenderness
• swollen gums
• bleeding while brushing

Q.5. Is mouthwash useful for maintaining good dental hygiene?

Yes, Mouthwashes do aid in keeping gum healthy. Although it is useful in eliminating certain bacteria, it is to be used alongwith brushing and flossing.

Q.6. Do I really need to floss?

It’s true that you should floss. Floss can get in where your toothbrush cannot. It’s almost like brushing the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth that your brush ignores.

Q.7.What are early signs of dental trouble?

Signs to watch out for are:

• Sore gums
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Gums pulling away from teeth

Q.8.What is the advanced stage of gum disease?

The advanced stages of gum disease are quite serious. As the condition progresses, the gums start to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can become infected. This leads to the loss of bone surrounding the teeth. As a result, the teeth may become loose or even fall out.

Q.9.Is there any at home treatment for gum disease?

Gum disease cannot be reversed or cured at home, but can be prevented. Following steps help in doing the same:

• Brush twice a day
• Floss daily
• Use mouthwash

But if there are symptoms of gum disease already, help from a dentist is required.

Q.10. Is it possible for Gum Disease to be corrected by itself?

Gum disease doesn’t just go away by itself. You need a dentist to treat it properly and teach you how to prevent it from coming back. Regular care is key.

Q.11.Differences between periodontitis and gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease causing gum inflammation and bleeding. It does not lead to any permanent damage. Good oral care can reverse gingivitis.

Periodontitis is more serious. It occurs when gingivitis progresses untreated. The infection spreads deeper, damaging tooth-supporting tissues and bone. This can lead to tooth loss if not managed. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis damage isn’t fully reversible, but treatment can halt its progression.

Q.12.Is overall health impacted because of gum health?

It sure can. Studies have shown that gum disease is associated with other health problems. Most commonly seen to be associated with heart disease, diabetes, and even some pregnancy complications. It’s not just about your mouth – it’s about your whole body.

Q.13.What if I don’t get myself treated?

Gum disease when left untreated usually gets worse. You might end up with painful infections, loose teeth or even lost teeth. It’s much more convenient to get it fixed sooner than later.

Medically Reviewed

Last Reviewed by Clove Clinical Team on Aug 05, 2024 | Written by Dr. Akhilesh Bhasker, BDS, MDS.