L
Liam29
Guest
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria present in dental plaque. Plaque is the sticky substance that forms on the teeth. If brushing is not done properly, it accumulates on the subgingival and supra gingival surfaces of the teeth.
The buildup of plaque below the gum line causes gum inflammation. As the gums swell, they get detached from the tooth. In this process, a space, or "pocket," is formed between the tooth and gum. Bacteria can grow rapidly in the pockets. This encourages further plaque buildup and cause infections of the periodontium called gingivitis and periodontitis. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper and the bacteria destroys the bone. This may ultimately result in tooth loss.
The aim of periodontal therapy therefore is to reduce the pocket depth and debride it. One reason to remove plaque is that, over time it becomes hardened or calcified and forms calculus. This is commonly called tartar. Even more plaque attaches to calculus. The initial perioidontal therapy involves processes like scaling and root planing to remove the hardened deposits, plaque and calculus. This is a non-invasive procedure and the early signs of the disease can be controlled by this.
When scaling and root planing are not successful in controlling the disease and when there is bone loss that needs to be surgically corrected, the dentist performs periodontal Flap surgery. This is done under local anesthesia. Small incisions are made in the gum, so that it can be lifted back to expose the tooth and bone. After cleaning and disinfecting the area and pockets, the flaps are then reattached to the adjacent gums with stitches
The buildup of plaque below the gum line causes gum inflammation. As the gums swell, they get detached from the tooth. In this process, a space, or "pocket," is formed between the tooth and gum. Bacteria can grow rapidly in the pockets. This encourages further plaque buildup and cause infections of the periodontium called gingivitis and periodontitis. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper and the bacteria destroys the bone. This may ultimately result in tooth loss.
The aim of periodontal therapy therefore is to reduce the pocket depth and debride it. One reason to remove plaque is that, over time it becomes hardened or calcified and forms calculus. This is commonly called tartar. Even more plaque attaches to calculus. The initial perioidontal therapy involves processes like scaling and root planing to remove the hardened deposits, plaque and calculus. This is a non-invasive procedure and the early signs of the disease can be controlled by this.
When scaling and root planing are not successful in controlling the disease and when there is bone loss that needs to be surgically corrected, the dentist performs periodontal Flap surgery. This is done under local anesthesia. Small incisions are made in the gum, so that it can be lifted back to expose the tooth and bone. After cleaning and disinfecting the area and pockets, the flaps are then reattached to the adjacent gums with stitches
