Perio.org

Editor, J. Judy Johnson, DDS

Esthetic considerations in periodontics

Periodontics, Periodontology also known, is the study of the structure of teeth and diseases and conditions that affect them. Periodontal Disease, more commonly known as gum disease may be caused by a number of events in the mouth that lead to periodontal disease.

The problem is gum disease

Gum disease usually caused by a bacterial infection of soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. Finally, the disease causes the bone and teeth must be destroyed. When the destruction occurs, the individual will experience the loss of teeth.

Whatever the stage of periodontal disease in the patient, treatment will improve the individual's gums and make them healthier. The type of treatment an individual receives depends on the stage of gum disease they are in.

Treatment for gum disease overcome

In general, the goal of periodontal treatment is to eliminate any bacterial infections that the patient may experience, which may be the cause of gum disease. Treatment also controls the inflammatory process that destroys tissue anchoring the teeth in the jaw. It also creates a healthy periodontal environment, making it easy for the patient and the dentist to maintain.

Damage Done

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and if it is interrupted, it can be arrested without permanent damage to tissue or bone. A dentist without special or additional training should be able to deal effectively with gingivitis in the office. If gingivitis develops into a more advanced stage of gum disease, damage can occur. structures of the patient, which anchor the teeth in the jaw, are in danger of being damaged. An advanced stage is called periodontitis. This step requires a very aggressive treatment and the patient will likely be referred to a periodontist, a gum specialist trained.

Aesthetic affected

In the treatment of periodontal, there are many aesthetic considerations. Even if there is no bacterial infection, the gums may shrink or recede. Improper brushing is probably the main cause of gingival recession. People who use a hard brush or other medium can carry far their gums. Using too much force when brushing your gums can also be identified with time.

Removing Gum

When a person's gums recede, the roots of the teeth will eventually be exposed. In this case, the result is that the teeth of the individual becomes sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. People who have large amounts of gingival recession are at a higher risk of developing deep cavities.

Gummy Smile

For patients that have what is called a "gummy smile, the teeth may seem very low compared to their gums, which will seem to be too big for their mouth. Some medications can cause a proliferation of the gingival tissues (such as phenytoin, cyclosporin and nifedipine). A periodontist can remove the excess gum tissue with a procedure called gingivectomy.

Crown Lengthening

When bone or gum is removed, the procedure is called crown lengthening. This procedure is necessary when a tooth must be corrected. Sometimes not enough to keep the tooth above the gum line to support a filling or a crown. This procedure is necessary when a tooth stops at the gum line or when a crown or filling falls.

Grafts

Soft tissue grafts v.