Gum Disease Treatment

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is recognized as receding gums and bone loss around teeth.

It affects greater than 30% of the adult and ageing population. It is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults.

Numerous patients with dentures were victims to periodontal disease.

Unfortunately, periodontal disease is not curable, however it is controllable if managed well.

It requires formulation of a specific patient strategy, similar to how high blood pressure or diabetes is managed.

It is often said heart disease is a silent killer, gum disease is the silent killer of teeth – it can advance with very little signs or symptoms.

Many patients diagnosed with this condition are often surprised by the advanced nature of the receding gums and bone loss around their teeth.

Regular dental exams, professional cleanings, and good oral hygiene practices at home are essential to detecting and strategically managing and most importantly preventing gum disease.

What causes gum disease?

Our mouths contain millions of good and bad bacteria.

Food and bacteria form a sticky “plaque” that adheres to the teeth.

If this plaque is not removed by good brushing and flossing it mineralizes and forms tartar (dental calculus).

Tartar promotes the growth of larger bacterial colonies pumping out acid and toxins into the gums and teeth.

The gums mount an inflammatory reaction as part of the immune response.

Around the tooth is collar of gum that is a small crevice (periodontal pocket).

This pocket allows of deeper tartar and bacterial penetration.

At the earliest, the inflammation results in bleeding gums (gingivitis).

If left untreated this results in a chronic inflammation leading to bone loss and gum recession.

While gums may be slightly tender, there’s generally minimal discomfort as the bone dissolves and your teeth become loose.

More than 50% of the bone around your teeth can disappear before you become aware of the condition.

The bone around teeth never regenerates, once the bone has gone it is gone for good.

Untreated gum disease can lead to abscesses and eventually generalized tooth loss.

Gum Disease Diagnosis in Melbourne

Dr Kasen and his team follow the protocols of the American College of Periodontists to diagnose and treat gum disease.

A measurement of the depth of the collar around each tooth is taken.

Any measurements below 3 millimeters and without bleeding is considered healthy.

Any measurement greater than 3 millimeters with bleeding indicates disease is present.

Deeper findings indicate more advanced disease than shallower readings.

Dr Kasen and his hygienist will also consider the phenotype and shape of your gums as well as tooth mobility.

Digital X-rays are also used to help formulate a diagnosis by determining the bone levels around teeth.

Gum Disease Treatment Melbourne

After determining the diagnosis of severity of gum disease, a personalized treatment plan is formulated.

Often milder forms with little or no bone loss, one or two visits with our hygienist may bring the condition under control.

More advanced conditions may require more frequent and targeted deep pocket treatment.

In either case, you will leave our office with a strategy for daily home care and an established routine for professional maintenance.

After Gum Disease Treatment Maintenance – Keeping Your Gums in Good Health

Regular home care is crucial in arresting the progression of gum disease.

Within a few hours of a careful cleaning, the bacterial plaque begin to colonize and adhere to the teeth.

Deep gum pockets previously damaged by bacteria can be difficult to keep clean at home, thus a specific maintenance schedule with us proves essential.

We customize your treatment plan to include 2, 3 or 4 visits a year depending on the severity of disease, the response to treatment and how well you maintaining your gum health at home.

If our combined efforts don’t halt your gum disease, we will suggest referral to one of our trusted gum specialist, known as a periodontist.

Mouth & Body Connection

Growing research continues to establish clear links between oral bacterial disease with ailments in other parts of the body.

Studies show a link between oral bacteria and conditions such as heart disease, stroke, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and certain types of cancers.

Bleeding gums provide a direct pathway into the bloodstream.

It is well established that diabetes and other auto-immune disorders lower the body’s ability to fight infection.

Thus, uncontrolled gum disease can progress faster and be more destructive.

In addition, research has shown inflammation in the mouth can make diabetes harder to control.

This one example of the two-way relationship between two chronic conditions emphasizes the importance maintaining healthy gums.

If you think you need expert gum treatment and would like to make an appointment or if you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss the right treatment for your condition, please contact Signature Dentistry or book an appointment online and a member of our staff will be more than happy to help you.