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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is defined as inflammation
of the gingiva (gum tissue) without any
attachment loss.
This means there is no bone loss and can be reversible.
What are signs of gingivitis?
Gingivitis may be characterized by the
presence of any of the following:
Redness of the gum tissue, bleeding
upon stimulation or probing, changes in
the gum tissue’s contour and consistency,
presence of plaque and/or calculus
(calcified tartar), and no evidence of bone
loss (on x-rays).
What is periodontal disease or periodontitis?
Periodontitis (Periodontal disease) is
defined as inflammation of the gingiva
(gum tissue), as well as the adjacent attachment apparatus.
It is characterized by loss of clinical attachment and there
is loss of the adjacent supporting bone, meaning it is irreversible. However,
treatment of periodontal disease can arrest the disease
and bone can also be added in certain instances.
What are signs of periodontal disease?
Clinical features of periodontal disease include combinations
of the following signs and symptoms:
Bleeding gums, pus (infection,
suppuration), redness, swollen
gums, halitosis, bone
loss (on x-rays), increased tooth
looseness (mobility), as well as shifting
of teeth.
How are gingivitis and periodontal
disease treated?
Gingivitis and periodontal disease can
first be treated by addressing what the cause is. Generally,
bacteria are the main cause of both diseases. Patient
education in oral hygiene instructions is the first step.
Next, plaque and calculus (calcified tartar) can be removed
by scaling and root planing
(deep cleanings).
Furthermore, if surgical procedures need to be employed
in more severe cases, the gum tissue is gently lifted to
gain access for debridement. Additionally, bone can be added
in certain instances. Certain forms of periodontal
disease, such as gum recession, which may be caused by aggressive
toothbrushing, can be treated with grafting gum tissue to
cover the exposed roots. After active treatment, patients
are placed on periodontal maintenance,
periodically alternating between the periodontist and general
dentist’s offices.
What role does smoking play with
periodontal disease?
Generally speaking, patients who smoke are more prone to
all forms of periodontal disease. Due to the nicotine,
which acts as a constrictor of blood vessels,
less blood flow and nutrients reach the gum tissue. Therefore,
smokers usually have less bleeding, although there is gum
disease present. Additionally, smoking has other negative
effects on healing which predisposes the individual to periodontal
disease.
What effects do certain medications
have on gum disease?
Certain medications can actually cause gum tissue to overgrow.
These include: calcium channel blockers (used
for hypertension), dilantin (used for seizures),
as well as cyclosporine (used for patients
who have undergone transplant operations). Additionally,
other medications can affect the gum tissue, including oral
contraceptives.
What links exist between periodontal
disease and certain systemic diseases?
Today, we know more about the role that periodontal inflammation
has as a risk factor in systemic disorders, such as diabetes,
cardiovascular diseases, as well as premature
childbirth. Patients with diabetes (especially
if the diabetes is uncontrolled), are at a higher risk for
periodontal disease, and periodontal disease can worsen
the diabetic situation. Additionally, recent observational
studies have indicated that people with destructive periodontal
disease may be 1.3 to 2
times more likely to have cardiovascular
disease. Lastly, several studies in the past decade
have demonstrated that women with periodontal disease, and
who are pregnant, are at a higher risk of having a premature
birth. Therefore, women who are pregnant should
be evaluated periodontally.
What role does a family history
of periodontal disease play?
If there is a family history of periodontal
disease, an individual may have a higher
risk of being predisposed to periodontal disease.
However, since bacteria are the main cause of gingivitis
and periodontal disease, prevention plays a major role.
If an individual has a strong family history of periodontal
disease, the recommendation and subsequent referral for
a comprehensive periodontal examination may be indicated.
After the examination and consultation, proper diagnosis
and treatment would be discussed, as well as further preventative
methods and placement on a specific maintenance program.
After periodontal treatment, what
is the next step?
Because periodontal disease is treated,
not cured, prevention
and maintenance are of utmost importance.
After periodontal treatment, most patients are placed on
alternating recall and maintenance between the periodontist
and general dentist’s offices. Depending on the nature
and severity of the case, a maintenance program will be
designed tailored to each individual’s needs.
What is a crown lengthening procedure?
If a tooth has fractured at or below
the gumline, a minor gum surgery,
or crown lengthening procedure, can be
performed. This procedure removes some
of the gum tissue and bone surrounding the fractured tooth,
so as to actually lengthen the tooth. After a healing period,
the restorative dentist will have enough room to fabricate
a crown, or cap, for the tooth.
DENTAL
IMPLANTS
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Disclaimer: The
information provided within is intended to help you better
understand
dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve
as delivery of medical or dental
care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact
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