Periodontal disease (gingivitis, periodontitis), which is considered the most important cause of tooth loss today, is an inflammatory disease of the periodontium characterized by the disruption of the balance between the dental plaque (biofilm) adhering to the tooth surface and the host defense mechanism (immune system). With the development of periodontal disease, healthy gums lose their clinical features and symptoms such as pocket formation, bleeding, gingival recession and bone loss begin to appear. As this situation continues, tooth migration, mobility and tooth loss may occur.
Periodontal diseases affect all age groups, including children. However, it is seen much more frequently in adults. Even teeth that have no decay can be lost due to this disease. Since it is usually painless, its symptoms are hardly noticed by the patient and in most cases, the doctor is consulted late.
If we were to classify gum diseases simply;
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It is the beginning of gum disease. and "gingivitis", which causes redness and swelling of the gums as well as bleeding during tooth brushing and flossing. "Periodontitis", in which gingival bleeding, gingival recession and bone loss are observed upon contact, and tooth loss may occur. In periodontitis disease, the fibers connecting the root of the tooth to the jawbone dissolve, thus creating a space called "pocket" between the gum and the tooth. More bacteria, bacterial toxins and food residues can accumulate in the pocket, so the infection spreads to the deep tissues, melting occurs in the bone supporting the teeth, and the teeth are lost. Research shows that periodontal diseases come first among the causes of tooth loss in the adult population, with a rate of 50-65%.
How Does This Disease Harm Us?
The main cause of periodontitis is actually bacterial plaque. It can be treated mechanically. However, genetic, environmental and systematic factors may also be factors in the development of the disease. systemic Factors include diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, down syndrome, AIDS and other blood diseases.
Bacterial plaque combines with the sugar in the food we eat to form a type of acid, which over time destroys tooth enamel (the protective outer layer that covers our teeth). hard layer) and causes tooth decay. Bacterial plaque has a soft structure and can be easily cleaned by the patient. If it is not cleaned and plaque accumulates, it hardens under the influence of calcium and phosphate ions from saliva and forms dental stones. As tartar accumulation increases, it can damage the gums, which surround and protect the teeth and are also important for us aesthetically, and may cause gingival recession. Affecting the gum may also cause damage to the bone tissue surrounding the tooth underneath. Continuous continuation of this destruction process causes the loss of tissues that support the tooth and ensure its function, resulting in loosening of the tooth, movement and eventually loss of the tooth. Dental tartar can only be removed from tooth surfaces by a physician. Dental tartar can cause bacterial plaque, which is the main cause of gum disease, to accumulate more easily on the teeth. Therefore, having dental stones cleaned is not harmful. On the contrary, it is very useful together with brushing. The goal should be to prevent the progression of gum disease by professional cleaning.
Slow and long-term periodontal disease may cause our patients to lose their oral health without realizing it. Periodontology specialists, a branch of dentistry, solve the treatment of this disease and the subsequent destruction of the supporting tissues of the tooth. Patients should be informed, guided and treated in order to prevent this disease, which causes loss of teeth in the later stages of the disease, a decrease in our aesthetic smile and irreversible losses.
What About Congenital or Acquired Gum Problems? How is it done?
Our patients may also have congenital or acquired soft tissue problems such as gingival & aesthetic appearance. In these cases, treatment information and duration after ensuring oral hygiene Information is given about this and if it is deemed appropriate, the operation is performed.
What Should Be Considered?
It is very important that you receive your treatment with your specialist and come for regular check-ups. During these checks, gum and dental problems that our patients do not know or are aware of may be seen. Our patient is informed about the treatments to be performed before these problems grow further. Detailed information is given about the number, duration and technique of brushing.
The simplest brushing habit is very important for teeth and gum tissues. The brushing technique performed under the guidance of the physician gives you an approach that does not harm your teeth and diet.
In cases where periodontal disease progresses and losses occur, our patient is first informed about the treatments to be performed, oral hygiene is ensured and brushing habits are gained. After gum disease is treated, gum recession, bone loss, etc. Gum disorders are evaluated and our patient is given detailed information about the operation to be performed. If deemed appropriate, the operation is performed.
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