Periodontics

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis (a set of inflammatory diseases affecting the periodontium ) itself can refer to a number of inflammatory diseases which, if left unchecked, can lead to the loss of the bone around the teeth and thereafter to the loosening and ultimately the loss altogether of the teeth themselves.

How do they treat periodontitis?

•     Scaling or root planing. These deep-cleaning measures involve scraping and removing plaque and tartar from     teeth above and below the gum line.
•     Antibiotics. These and other medications are often used together with scaling and root planing to stop the     spread of infection and inflammation in the mouth. They come in several different forms that range from     medicated mouthwashes to antibiotic-containing gels or fibers that are placed in gum pockets to slowly kill     bacteria and help gums to heal.
•     Surgery. Advanced cases of periodontitis may require a dentist to open and clean badly diseased gum pockets,     then stitch the gums back into place to fit more snugly around the teeth.
•     Gingival grafting. If gum tissue is too diseased to sew back together, a dentist removes healthy gum tissue from     another part of the mouth and stitches it into place. The graft replaces the diseased tissue and helps to anchor     the teeth, giving them an improved appearance.

While undergoing treatment for periodontitis, it's especially important to take special care of your teeth and gums to see lasting improvement. This includes flossing and brushing every day and quitting habits that mean bad news for the mouth, such as smoking or eating sugary snacks between meals.

Prevention
In your daily life, you can help prevent periodontitis with proper brushing, flossing, regular check-ups, and using the recommended oral hygiene aids. If you suspect the disease may be advanced you should seek a consultation with a specialist periodontist.