Gum disease treatment in Targu Jiu

What is periodontics?

Periodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions of the gums and of the tissues that support the teeth, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

These conditions can affect the health of the gums and the stability of the teeth, and at advanced stages periodontitis can even lead to losing them.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Gum disease can progress slowly and sometimes without pain. Depending on the stage of the disease, the following signs may appear:

• Bleeding gums when brushing, when flossing or on their own;
• Inflamed, red and tender gums;
• Persistent bad breath;
• Gum recession, which makes the teeth look longer;
• Gaps appearing or widening between the teeth;
• Sensitivity or discomfort when chewing;
• Loose teeth, at advanced stages.

These symptoms call for an assessment by a dentist specialised in periodontics, to identify the cause, establish the diagnosis and recommend the right treatment.

How is gum disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a consultation in which the dentist assesses the state of the gums, the presence of inflammation and bleeding, and the stability of the teeth.

The periodontal examination plays an important part: it involves measuring the depth of the periodontal pockets and assessing the tissues that support the teeth.

Depending on the clinical situation, the dentist may recommend dental X-rays to assess any bone loss.

On the basis of these investigations and the periodontal chart, the diagnosis, the stage of the condition and the treatment plan are established.

How is gum disease treated?

Treatment is decided according to the type of condition, its severity and the particulars of each patient.

The main aim is to control inflammation and bacterial infection, to prevent or limit damage to the tissues that support the teeth.

Treating gingivitis

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, without the loss of supporting tissue caused by periodontitis.

Treatment involves the professional removal of plaque and tartar, through scaling and professional cleaning.

Where needed, the GBT (Guided Biofilm Therapy) cleaning protocol can be used.

Correct oral hygiene at home is essential for reducing inflammation and preventing it from coming back.

Treating periodontitis

Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues supporting the teeth, causing progressive loss of the bone around them. At advanced stages, it can make the teeth loose and even lead to losing them.

Treatment aims to control the bacterial infection and stabilise the disease, to limit damage to the structures that support the teeth.

Depending on the stage of the condition, treatment may include:

• Scaling and professional cleaning: to remove plaque and tartar;
• Subgingival instrumentation: to remove bacterial deposits and tartar from the root surfaces;
• Laser-assisted periodontal treatment: used in certain situations, as a complementary method or as part of surgical procedures on the affected tissues;
• Periodontal surgery: recommended in certain cases, when non-surgical treatment is not enough to control the disease.

After the initial treatment and the time needed for healing, the dentist carries out a clinical re-evaluation and repeats the periodontal measurements, to check how the tissues have responded and the results obtained.

In areas where inflammation or periodontal pockets persist, further treatment may be needed, including repeated subgingival instrumentation. Laser therapy may be considered in selected cases, as a complementary method, as the dentist indicates.

Periodontal maintenance therapy

Once periodontal stability has been reached, regular check-ups are essential for keeping the results and reducing the risk of the disease returning or progressing.

Maintenance therapy involves a clinical re-evaluation and repeated periodontal measurements, to check the health of the gums, the depth of the periodontal pockets and the stability of the supporting tissues.

Depending on the results of the assessment, the dentist may recommend professional cleanings and further subgingival instrumentation in the areas that need treatment.

If areas are found where the disease persists or returns, the dentist decides whether new treatment is needed, which may include, in selected cases, the use of a laser as a complementary method.

How often check-ups take place is set individually, according to the severity of the disease, the response to treatment and the patient's risk factors.

How can gum disease be prevented?

Preventing gum disease and keeping the gums healthy depend largely on daily oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

The following are recommended:

• Brushing at least twice a day;
• Cleaning between the teeth daily, with floss or interdental brushes, as your dentist recommends. A water flosser can be used as an extra cleaning aid;
• Professional cleanings and regular check-ups;
• Avoiding smoking, one of the main risk factors for periodontitis developing and progressing;
• Keeping general conditions such as diabetes under control, as they can affect gum health.

The treatment plan is set after an assessment and is adapted to their oral health and the particulars of their case.