Periodontics
is a discipline of dentistry that treats
gum disease or periodontal disease. This
is a disease process that involves chronic
inflammation and infection of the gums and
surrounding tissue.
Periodontal disease is
known to result in the destruction of the
hard and soft tissues that support teeth.
It is the major cause of about 70 percent
of adult tooth loss, affecting three out
of four persons at some point in their life.
Periodontal disease is caused by certain types of bacteria (germs) that normally
grow in the mouth. These bacteria organize to form a biofilm called plaque that
collects at the tooth gum margins as an invisible sticky film.
With poor care
of the teeth, the biofilm will grow and begin to penetrate below the tooth gum
margins causing damage to the underlying bone.
Risk factors for periodontal disease includes, poor dental care, smoking, hormonal
changes in female (puberty and pregnancy), diabetes, stress, poor nutrition,
medications, illnesses and genetic susceptibility.
Our dentist at impressions dental can diagnose periodontal disease.
Treatment for gum disease can be surgical or non-surgical in nature.
It is best
to find out whether you have gum disease as soon as possible as treatment and
success of treatment is easier in the earlier stages of the disease. |
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