Problems such as bleeding gums, bad breath, and receding gums can be signs of periodontal disease. Avrupadent, specializing in gum treatment (periodontology) in Izmir, protects your oral health with early diagnosis and effective treatment methods. Healthy teeth begin with healthy gums. Avrupadent’s experienced periodontology specialists in Izmir offer permanent solutions for gum disease.
What is Periodontics and Why is It Important?
Periodontology is a branch of dentistry that specializes in protecting the supporting tissues of teeth, preventing and treating diseases that occur in these tissues. Structures such as the gums, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bone are the focal point of periodontology. The aim of this field is to support both oral and general health by protecting these tissues. Chronic inflammatory conditions, especially periodontitis, can lead to tooth loss and serious systemic health problems if left untreated. Periodontology also considers the systemic health effects associated with periodontal disease.
Treatment Methods:
- Scaling
- Root planing
- Surgical interventions
- Regenerative procedures
Periodontal disease is linked to various systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory infections. Periodontitis, in particular, can complicate diabetes management, and uncontrolled diabetes can lead to the progression of periodontal disease. These effects of oral health on overall health necessitate multidisciplinary treatment approaches.
Periodontics is crucial not only for oral health but also for maintaining overall health.
How Do Periodontists Treat Gum Disease?
Periodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. They use a variety of treatment methods to maintain patients’ dental health and slow the progression of the disease. Non-surgical treatment options are the primary choice for early-stage gum disease. These treatments generally focus on removing tartar and plaque, preventing bacteria from reattaching to the gums and root surfaces. The main non-surgical treatments used include:
- Scaling
- Root planing
- Deep cleaning
These procedures reduce gingivitis and help reduce the depth of periodontal pockets. Treatment may require multiple sessions, depending on the severity of the disease.
For advanced gum disease, surgical interventions may be necessary. Periodontists lift the gums back with procedures such as flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery, thoroughly clean the root surfaces, and reshape the damaged bone to eliminate areas where bacteria can hide. Such surgical procedures may include:
- Flap surgery
- Pocket reduction surgery
- Bone grafting
- Soft tissue grafting
In cases of severe bone loss, guided tissue regeneration and tissue-stimulating proteins can be used to induce natural bone and tissue regrowth. These treatments support the regrowth of lost bone around the teeth and maintain dental health.
Some periodontists also offer laser treatment as an option. Laser use reduces the need for incisions and stitches, helping to remove diseased tissue and bacteria. It also effectively reduces the bacterial load and inflammation levels. These treatment methods support the long-term health of patients’ gums and bones by preventing complications of periodontitis, such as tooth loss.
When Should You See a Periodontist?
Consulting a periodontist is important when symptoms or health factors that indicate a risk of gum disease emerge. If gum problems are not addressed early, serious consequences can arise, including progressive periodontal disease and tooth loss. It is recommended to consult a periodontist in the following basic situations:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Consistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose or displaced teeth
- Hot and cold sensitivity
Gum health is vital to prevent tooth loss and maintain overall oral health.i is important. Progressive diseases such as periodontitis may require periodontal care and, when necessary, surgical interventions to protect the roots of the teeth. When damage such as gum recession and bone loss occurs, dentists provide supportive care with methods such as gum grafting or tissue regenerative treatments. Maintaining good oral hygiene is an important step in preventing these problems, but in some cases, professional treatment is necessary.
What are the benefits of periodontal surgery?
Periodontal surgery provides many functional and aesthetic benefits, especially in cases requiring advanced gum disease or dental restorations. The benefits of the main types of periodontal surgery include:
- Gum Grafts: Treats gum recession, protects tooth roots, reduces sensitivity, and improves aesthetic appearance.
- Pocket Reduction (Osseous Surgery): Controls bacterial accumulation by reducing deep gum pockets, prevents tooth loss, and reduces systemic health risks.
- Bone Grafts: Rebuilds the jaw structure, increases tooth stability, and provides a suitable environment for implant placement.
- Dental Implants: Restores the function and aesthetics of missing teeth, improves chewing and speaking abilities, and prevents the shifting of adjacent teeth.
These surgical procedures not only provide aesthetic benefits but also support oral health and halt the progression of periodontal disease. Treatment areas are easier to care for, and oral hygiene levels are improved.
What is the Connection Between Periodontal Health and General Health?
Periodontal health is not limited to oral health but is closely linked to various systemic diseases. Diabetes is particularly notable for its connection to conditions such as heart disease and pregnancy complications. These relationships arise when chronic inflammation, which begins in the gum tissues, spreads to the bloodstream and affects the immune response, potentially leading to negative health consequences throughout the body.
Diabetes interacts with periodontal health, increasing the risk of gum infection in individuals with this disease. Gum infections can increase blood sugar levels, making diabetes management difficult. In addition to heart disease, inflammation in the gums can increase cardiovascular risk by allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Periodontal problems during pregnancy increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight; therefore, monitoring gum health throughout pregnancy is crucial.
Maintaining periodontal health not only prevents tooth loss but also provides comprehensive protection through its positive effects on systemic health. Maintaining good gum health supports a holistic approach to overall health and improves an individual’s quality of life.
Periodontology Prices
Periodontology treatments are specialized procedures used to prevent and treat gum disease. Prices for these treatments will vary depending on the extent of the disease, the methods used, and the treatment process.
- Extent of Disease
Treatments performed in the early stages of gum disease are generally more cost-effective. However, in advanced cases, surgery may be necessary, and prices may increase.
- Method Used
Different techniques, such as root planing (curettage), laser therapy, or surgical procedures, can be used in periodontology treatments. Advanced technology methods like lasers are generally more expensive.
- Treatment Duration
While some cases can be treated in a short time, conditions requiring longer treatment periods increase the price. Increasing the number of sessions, especially for advanced gum disease, increases the cost.
- Clinic and Doctor Experience
The treating doctor’s level of expertise and the clinic’s equipment determine prices.
- Additional Procedures
During periodontal treatment, additional procedures such as teeth cleaning, implant planning, or gum grafting may be required. These additional procedures are the primary reason for the increased total cost.
