Periodontology covers a wide range of conditions, from simple gingivitis to serious health problems such as osteoporosis and tooth loss. Gum diseases have symptoms that everyone can recognize, such as bleeding gums or loose teeth
Regular visits to a periodontologist are essential for early diagnosis and easy control of the disease.
What is Periodontology?
Periodontology deals with diseases that occur in the gums and the bones surrounding the tooth roots. More specifically, periodontology is the main branch of science that deals with gum diseases. It works to prevent the progression of inflammation and similar problems that occur in the teeth or gums and to prevent them from causing more serious problems, including tooth loss.
Periodontology specialists diagnose and treat diseases and maintain a healthy structure.
Periodontic diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis. Inflammation in the soft tissues surrounding the gums is called gingivitis; the progression of this inflammation, its spread to bone tissue and causing bone destruction is called periodontitis. In this process, periodontology comes into play and the disease is stopped and taken under control. Of course, in this process, in addition to periodontic treatment, it is important that the patient regularly performs oral care and supports the protection of oral health.
What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Diseases?
Symptoms that may occur in periodontal diseases may vary depending on the physiological structure of the patient and the severity of the disease. Common symptoms of periodontal diseases are as follows:
- Bleeding gums,
- The gums become tender, swollen or red in color,
- Separation of the gums from the teeth,
- Inflammatory discharge between the gums and teeth,
- Spontaneous shaking and separation of the teeth,
- The upper and lower teeth have a different shape than normal,
- Bad breath
- Spontaneous bleeding of the gums during the day,
- Gum recession.
Only one of these symptoms may occur, or several of them may occur together.
Treatment Process in Periodontology
Even if individuals do not have any problems with their teeth or gums, a dental examination every 3 to 6 months is of great importance in terms of early diagnosis and easy control of diseases.
First and foremost, diagnosis is essential in periodontology.
The patient's history is listened to, a physical examination is performed and X-rays or radiographic evaluations may be required when deemed necessary. In this process, it is of great importance to inform the patient about the process and to ensure that the patient participates in the treatment process by informing them about protecting their oral health. In this way, the treatment process can be much more successful. After the diagnosis, professional cleaning, antibiotic treatment, surgical treatment when necessary, and finally supportive and complementary treatments are carried out. Details about the process are as follows:
- Tartar is removed using special instruments. If necessary, a deep cleaning procedure under local anesthesia may be required to remove stones accumulated in tooth pockets and tooth roots.
- In cases of acute gum infections, antibiotic medication and the use of antibacterial mouthwash are recommended.
- The gums are surgically removed from the bone tissue to which they are attached and all inflammation is removed. If necessary, bone grafts or bone powder can be used to reattach the gums to the bone tissue. All procedures are performed under local anesthesia.
- Patients are advised to have periodic check-ups every 3 to 6 months in case the disease recurs.
As a result of this whole treatment process, it is of great importance for the success of the treatment that the patient participates in the treatment by protecting his/her oral health.
