Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease

The most common cause of loose and sensitive teeth is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease includes gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (inflammation of the periodontium). The periodontium is the structure that surrounds the teeth and holds them in their sockets. Periodontal disease is an infection that can cause teeth to become loose and eventually lost.

Periodontal disease is most often caused by bacterial plaque that surrounds teeth. Bacterial plaque is a sticky film that continues to form around teeth. If it isn’t removed constantly, it can continually build up and form calculus (calculus is just a hardened form of bacterial plaque). There are a number of other causes of periodontal disease.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

• Smoking: smoking causes shrinkage of some blood vessels, hence the periodontium is affected by not having enough blood flow and oxygen. Smokers tend to lose teeth more than non-smokers, because of periodontal disease.
• Hormones: gum tissue are sometimes affected by hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or menopause
• Genetics: some individuals are more prone to periodontal disease, despite proper oral hygiene practices, because of genetic factors. Early diagnosis and treatment may help to save teeth in such individuals.
• Diabetes: diabetics have a higher risk of developing infections, including periodontal disease. Healing is also slower with diabetes, making periodontal disease a greater concern with respect to oral health. Diabetes, though not the only reason, may be a cause of necrosis (tissue death due to lack of blood and oxygen).
• Poor Nutrition: a diet that is low in necessary nutrients affects the body, including the oral cavity. Periodontal disease is a distinct infection that may worsen with poor nutrition.

Treatment of Periodontal Disease

In many cases, an individual may have had long standing or severe periodontal disease, and some teeth (in other cases, all of the teeth) cannot be saved. In these cases, extractions may be the only viable option, with replacement of the missing teeth with implants, bridges or dentures. Other treatment options are available for treating periodontal disease, each option depending on individual cases/.

• Scaling and root planning: this involves professional cleaning of plaque and calculus from root surfaces and periodontal pockets. This is the most common method used to treat periodontal disease.
• Periodontal surgery: if the tissues around the teeth are determined to be unhealthy, periodontal surgery (there are more than one types) may be necessary to treat the periodontal disease. Periodontal surgery can help to improve function.
• Cosmetic methods: this can be done to improve a patient’s appearance, smile and function, if for example a lot of roots are exposed by the periodontal disease.

Each individual’s case of periodontal disease is different, so the necessary treatment may be different for each patient. An individual with a diagnosis of periodontal disease, especially long standing or advanced, can be treated by a periodontist (a dentist with specialized training in diagnosing, preventing and treating periodontal disease). You can be referred to a periodontist by a general dentist, or be treated by a general dentist. Please be pro-active in a consulting with your dentist for a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.

We hope this helps!

Types of Dentures

Question:

What are distant dentures?

Answer:

Not exactly sure of what you mean by distant dentures, however you could be referring to either immediate dentures or overdentures.  Either way, we will provide a thorough definition of each.

Immediate dentures are delivered the SAME day that your teeth are extracted (pulled) by the dentist.  The great thing is that you won’t have to suffer through a period of going without teeth.  However, the bad thing is that once your teeth are pulled, and as the bone heals, the dentures may not fit the same in a couple of months.  The bone underneath will shrink and the dentures will become too big, thus causing them to rock in your mouth or not fit properly.  When this occurs, you will have to visit your dentist for a reline (adding more material to the inside of your denture) or for a completely new set.

Overdentures can be implant retained, or retained by natural teeth.  If implant retained, the dentist will insert a minimum of 2 implants into your bone, and the denture will be designed around the implants so as to ensure a better fit.  For natural teeth, the concept is the same.  The advantage of overdenture is that in the long-run you won’t lose as much bone and overall the dentures will fit better.

Hope these tips help out and good luck,

SaveMySmile Team