What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection under the gums that causes permanent damage to the jaw bone that holds your dentition.

How do I know if I have it?

Your dentist will tell you at your examination appointments BUT don’t expect to know yourself. Professional examination is required to advise if you have this condition or are at risk of periodontal infection.

You are more likely to have periodontal disease if:

• Your gums bleed when brushing or flossing. Sometimes a lesser threatening Gingivits can cause this sign also.
• you smoke. Smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease. Whilst smokers can benefit from treatment the best responses are obtained by those those who ultimately cease smoking.
• You havent had regular dental examination and cleaning visits.
• You have other systemic conditions that increase your risks like Diabetes especially if uncontroled
• You have inflammatory

How is periodontal infection diagnosed?

A medical history is taken as well as a social and family history. These all paint a picture of risk that also needs to be understood by the doctor

A PERIODONTAL CHART IS TAKEN: Six sites on each tooth is checked for :

• Gum detachment from the tooth. This is called a pocket and a measurement of depth is taken to see how deep bacteria have invaded the gums.
• Bleeding is observed anddocumented
• Recession of the gum is noted as this shows past detachment
• Any plaque trapping defects are identified

XRAY INSPECTION

• Bone loss is observed where infection is moderately or severely advanced
• The shape of the bone loss can be a clear indicator of the speed of the advancing infection.

How is it treated?

The doctor will decide what is best for your condition however the usual initial treatment begins with:

• Removing infection on the roots of teeth under the gum after giving anaesthesia where required . An ultrasonic descaler and hand instruments scrape off the Calculus which is a hardened form of bacterial adhesion on the tooth surface.
• After treatment instructions are given to help heal the gums and this may include, antbiotics in servere case, hygiene instructions and special medicines in tooth pastes or mouthwashes that are for regular antiseptic use.
• Maintaining these sites with you during RECALL VISITS. Only the Doctor can really know if your condition is improving and motivate you to take further action as required. Follow up visits (recall or maintenance appointment) are the most important factor in controlling periodontal infections.
• Obey the instructions of the dentist when you go home. We are partners in your health and whilst we have your dentition for minutes, you have your teeth all year and if you follow our instructions, then you will be on the path to stabilize your oral health. That is guaranteed.

Is it painful?

DURING THE PROCEDURE: With the use of either anaesthetic Gel or Localised anaesthetic injections, discomfort is easily prevented. Treatment in the initial phase, is usually always conducted with local anaesthetic injections where needed. Maintenance procedures require fewer and fewer injections and an advanced GEL can be applied and is usually sufficient.

AFTER TREATMENT:It is normal for there to be gum tenderness for a couple of days and routine medications like panadol or nurofen may be required for the first day. Patients RARELY complain of pain after a procedure.

SENSITIVITY: This means temperature sensitivity. Initially this is a normal responce because Calculus has covered the roots and is now removed exposing the roots to the temperature changes in the mouth. With correct home care techniques that you will be shown and with good plaque control, tooth sensitivity is usually only a problem for a matter of days.