Periodontology (Gum) Treatments

Periodontology is a branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of gum diseases. It aims to improve the overall condition of oral health while combating structural problems affecting the teeth and gums. By focusing on the health of the gums, it offers various treatment methods to address issues related to systemic diseases such as gingivitis.

What is Periodontology?

The main goal of periodontology is to ensure early diagnosis of gum diseases and apply the most effective treatment methods. Gum diseases initially manifest as mild gingivitis and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious issues, including tooth loss. Periodontology plays a critical role in preventing such adverse outcomes.

Symptoms of Gum Diseases

Gum diseases are usually silent and do not show significant symptoms in the early stages. However, there are some common symptoms of gum diseases, and early diagnosis can greatly enhance treatment success. The symptoms of gum diseases include:

• Redness and Swelling of the Gums: People with gum disease may have red, swollen gums that become sensitive when touched. These symptoms can indicate inflammation and the need for treatment.
• Easy Bleeding: If your gums bleed during brushing or flossing, it may be an early sign of gum disease. Healthy gums do not bleed under normal conditions.
• Bad Breath or Taste: Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, caused by bacterial infection and food debris accumulation, can indicate gum disease. This issue can negatively impact social and professional life.
• Gum Recession: Receding gums, where gums pull away from the teeth, making teeth appear longer, are a sign of gum disease.
• Loose or Shifting Teeth: Advanced gum disease weakens the structures supporting the teeth, causing teeth to become loose, shift, or move during chewing.
• Pain or Discomfort: Progressive gum disease can cause constant or intermittent pain in the teeth and gums.

Modern Periodontology Treatments

Periodontology treatments include various methods to prevent, control, and improve gum diseases. These treatments vary depending on the severity of the disease and the patient’s overall oral health. The main methods of periodontology treatments include:

• Professional Dental Cleaning: The first step in treating gum diseases is to have plaque and tartar cleaned from the teeth by a specialist dentist. This process, also known as scaling, involves removing hardened plaque (tartar) layers from the tooth surfaces.
• Root Planing: Root planing is a procedure used to clean plaque, tartar, and toxins accumulated on the surfaces of the tooth roots. During this procedure, the periodontist uses special tools to smooth the surfaces of the tooth roots. This smoothing process allows gum tissues to attach more healthily to the tooth roots and makes it difficult for microbial plaque to reaccumulate.
• Subgingival Curettage: Subgingival curettage is a cleaning procedure to remove harmful bacterial layers and infected tissues from the tooth root below the gum line. This procedure aims to remove the infected tissue caused by bacteria and tartar accumulated under the gum, leading to gum diseases. Subgingival curettage is usually performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort during treatment.

Periodontology demonstrates that a healthy smile is not only about appearance but also crucial for overall health and quality of life. Therefore, if you have any concerns about your gum health, consulting with our periodontology specialist is the best step.