Periodontology (Gum Diseases)

Gingivitis is the main cause of periodontal diseases. Bacteria secrete a substance known as dextran and adhere to places in the mouth, causing plaque formation. The sticky and soft plaque layer that causes inflammation is resistant to water. Plaque often forms at the gum level and contains billions of bacteria that cause inflammation of the gums. Inflammation called gingivitis within the scope of periodontology is the easiest stage to treat the gums. At this stage, the inflammation in the gums has no longer reached other tissues that support the tooth. If no treatment is done, periodontitis, which is more difficult to treat, occurs in later stages.

Periodontal diseases can cause permanent damage to the gums and other tissues that support the teeth, and irreversible consequences may occur. Periodontal pockets form between the teeth and gums, where infection can settle. The disease begins to spread more easily and quickly. As the disease progresses, loosening of the teeth and subsequent tooth loss may occur.

Gum diseases are an important issue not only for oral health but also for many parts of the body. These diseases also negatively affect general body health. Studies on this subject have shown that the bacteria that cause periodontitis reach different parts of the body through blood circulation and affect these areas. Bacteria that reach the heart vessels have the risk of causing vascular narrowing in this area. The main diseases that pose a risk are; coronary artery disease, stroke, low birth weight, uncontrolled diabetes, breathing problems and tooth loss.

After the treatment, the patient must follow the dentist’s recommendations by systematically maintaining oral hygiene with a toothbrush and dental floss. Failure of the patient to have dental check-ups may cause the disease to relapse. The most effective and easiest way to prevent periodontitis is dental cleaning, which starts at an early age and continues in a balanced manner, as a habit.

Chronic periodontitis is a slowly developing disease that is mostly seen in adults. Since it does not show any general discomfort or symptoms on the outside, it may be noticed very late. In this disease, there is a slow destruction of the tissues that support the tooth. Aggressive periodontitis is more common in young individuals. It is related to hereditary factors, develops more severely and may cause bone loss.

Healthy gums are light pink in color and have a hard structure. The patient himself can observe the changes occurring in his teeth and gums. When symptoms occur, early treatment can be achieved by applying to a dentist who is an expert in his field. Natural teeth can be preserved.

Bleeding may occur in the gums while brushing.
You may experience sensitive, red and swollen gums.
There may be bad breath.
Visible recession may occur in the gums.
The gums can simply be separated from the teeth.
Teeth may become loose or move away from each other.
Difficulties may occur while biting.
The prosthesis used before begins to not fit the mouth.

It is recommended that those who have these symptoms start their treatment process by making an appointment with a periodontist as soon as possible. The most important factor is not to neglect periodic inspections for early diagnosis.

The main cause of periodontal diseases is bacterial plaque formation. Plaque formation can be reduced by using dental floss and regular brushing of teeth. Dental plaque produces toxins that cause inflammation if left untreated. This situation negatively affects the health of teeth and gums. Dental calculus, also known as tartar, is formed 24 hours after the formation of bacterial plaque, when it combines with calcium salts in saliva and sticks to the tooth. Dental tartar always causes the formation of areas where bacteria can be closer to the tissues and bacteria will remain even if the teeth are cleaned. Dental tartar can form in dentures as well as in natural teeth.

Periods such as pregnancy, menopause and adolescence are times when hormonal changes are severe. Gum tissues may be negatively affected by hormonal changes and become more vulnerable to bacteria. During such periods, paying more attention to tooth and gum care and getting help from a periodontist will reduce the damage that may occur. Periodontal diseases also; It may also occur due to reasons such as malnutrition, excessive stress, drug and smoking use.

The first stage of the periodontal treatment process involves eliminating the inflammation in the gums. The next step is for the patient; It is the practice of real, effective and systematic oral care cleanliness. Treatment begins by cleaning plaque and tartar by the dentist. In all periodontal treatments, a plaque and tartar removal process is strictly applied. Depending on the problems experienced by the patient, the treatment is completed in 3-4 sessions. It enables the doctor to make a definitive diagnosis before the operation and thus make planning easier.

Although the most commonly used diagnostic procedure in periodontology is x-ray, tomography techniques that create real-sized 3D bone models of the patient are also used. During initial treatment; Processes such as filling decayed teeth, renewing bad fillings, correcting the patient’s previous dentures, root canal treatment and extraction of teeth that cannot be made healthy are also performed. At this stage, planning can be made for the required prosthesis. After the initial examination, the periodontist may choose to continue the treatment with surgical intervention if he deems it necessary. No patient or periodontal disease is treated exactly the same. The treatment procedure is determined by the doctor after examining the teeth and gums. Whether there is osteoporosis, pocket depths, gum size.

Early diagnosis is an important factor that increases the treatment success rate of periodontal diseases, as in many diseases. For this reason, it is recommended to have regular inspections every 6 months. Since plaque and food residues accumulated on the tooth surface will turn into tartar in the long term, oral hygiene should be maintained by using dental floss and a toothbrush regularly. Care with the advice of a dentist will help protect natural teeth and oral health.

When unusual color and texture differences are observed in the gums, a periodontist should be consulted as soon as possible. Following the recommendations given by the dentist will enable you to achieve healthy gums in a short time. Another thing that is most important and should not be forgotten is the tissue loss that will occur in the mouth and teeth with age. This leaves teeth and gums more vulnerable to periodontal diseases. Systematic inspections will ensure that the tissue is healthier and maintains its density in later ages.

At the Periodontology Clinic, the following treatment services and more are offered to our patients:

Detertraj (dental stone cleaning).
Curettage.
Flap operation (preferred operational treatment in case of advanced gum disease).
Free gum graft.
Major cyst operation.
Biomaterial application.
Membrane application connective tissue graft.
Periodontal abscess treatment.
What Does a Healthy Gum Look Like?
In the image of an orange peel, light pink in color.
There must be teeth that surround the beginnings of the roots, follow their contours, and have a smooth gum line.
There should be no redness, swelling or infection.
There should be no feeling of discomfort.
Having a solid and hard view is among the necessary features.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is the name given to inflammation of the gums along the gum line. 3 different stages of this disorder; Gingivitis can be listed as periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.

Gums that simply bleed during oral care.
Sensitized gums.
Gums that have moved away from the teeth (receding gums).
Bad breath and bad taste in the mouth.
Loose teeth.
Teeth being very sensitive to cold or heat.
What is Dental Stone?
Dental tartar is an inorganic lime layer formed by the combination of food residues and microorganisms remaining in the recesses on the teeth, at the junction of the teeth and gums.