Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a severe infection that affects the gums and can lead to damage of the soft tissue and the bone that supports the teeth. If left untreated, it can result in tooth loss or teeth becoming loose.

Periodontitis typically starts with a milder form of gum disease called gingivitis, which is characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gums. If gingivitis is not properly addressed, it can progress to periodontitis.

The main cause of periodontitis is the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gumline. Plaque can harden into tartar (calculus), which further irritates the gums and leads to infection. Other factors that contribute to the development of periodontitis include poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes, certain medications, genetics, and systemic conditions such as diabetes.

Prevention is key when it comes to periodontitis. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for professional cleanings, can help remove plaque and prevent the progression of gum disease. It's also important to avoid smoking or using tobacco products and to be aware of other risk factors that may increase your susceptibility to periodontitis.

If you suspect you have gum disease or are experiencing symptoms such as bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, or loose teeth, it's essential to seek dental care promptly. A dentist or periodontist can evaluate your condition, provide appropriate treatment, and help you develop a plan to manage and prevent further progression of periodontitis.

Periodontists are dental specialists who focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) diseases as well as the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and underlying bone.

Periodontists play a crucial role in maintaining oral health by addressing various conditions related to the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that periodontists treat. It is caused by bacterial infection and can lead to inflammation, gum recession, and bone loss if left untreated.

Periodontists use various techniques and treatments to address gum disease and restore oral health. Some of these procedures include:

1. Scaling and root planing: This non-surgical deep cleaning procedure helps remove plaque and tartar from the root surfaces of the teeth and smoothens the root to promote gum reattachment.

2. Gum grafting: Periodontists may perform gum grafts to restore gum tissue lost due to recession. The graft can be taken from the patient's own mouth or from a donor source and is used to cover exposed root surfaces and improve the appearance and health of the gums.

3. Dental implants: When teeth are lost due to advanced gum disease or other reasons, periodontists can place dental implants. Implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a stable foundation for the attachment of dental crowns or bridges, replacing missing teeth.

4. Pocket reduction surgery: In cases of advanced gum disease with deep periodontal pockets, periodontists may perform surgical procedures to reduce pocket depth, remove bacteria, and promote gum and bone healing.

5. Bone grafting: When bone loss has occurred due to gum disease, periodontists can perform bone grafting procedures to restore lost bone structure and provide support for the teeth.

6. Bite adjustment: Periodontists can also evaluate and correct occlusal (bite) problems that may contribute to gum disease or other dental issues. They can recommend and perform procedures to restore a proper bite relationship and alleviate excessive forces on the teeth and gums.

By addressing gum disease, restoring damaged gum and bone tissue, and ensuring a stable foundation for the teeth, periodontists help patients maintain optimal oral health and prevent further complications. Regular visits to a periodontist, along with good oral hygiene practices, are essential for long-term dental health.

                            

A couple of tools that we use: one would be a cold laser that we use in our care to reduce the bacterial levels. We use this with deep cleaning to help keep the condition under control. Another tool would be magnification, either with a microscope or with some dental loupes glasses. And this allows us to magnify the site that we're treating to better detect and to have a more conservative surgical approach.

Presenter: Dr. Dino Georgas, Periodontist, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Periodontist

Ridge preservation is a dental procedure performed after the extraction or loss of a tooth to prevent the loss of gum and bone in that area. The objective is to maintain the ridge's shape and dimensions so that it can support a dental implant or a future prosthetic restoration.

During ridge preservation, the dentist or oral surgeon takes steps to minimize the resorption or shrinkage of the alveolar ridge, which is the bone surrounding the tooth socket. This is typically achieved by placing bone grafting material into the socket after the tooth extraction. The bone graft helps to stimulate new bone formation and prevent excessive bone loss. In some cases, a membrane may be placed over the graft to enhance healing and protect the site.

By preserving the ridge through this procedure, it provides a better foundation for placing a dental implant in the future. It helps maintain the natural contour of the gum tissue, ensuring better aesthetic results when the implant is placed.

While your statement about seeing a local family physician, registered dietitian, and athletic therapist may be applicable in a broader sense for overall health, it doesn't directly relate to ridge preservation or dental procedures. However, maintaining good overall health is important for optimal healing and recovery after any surgical procedure, including dental treatments.

It's always recommended to consult with a dental professional for specific advice regarding ridge preservation or any other dental procedure you may require.

And, we've ensured that the bone and the gum haven't shrunk away from the site so that the dentist can do a crown that will look natural, and the patient can function on it comfortably.

The best option is to speak to your restorative dentist, and they can determine what options are available to you and from there, they can do the referral to the appropriate sources to decide if an implant or a bridge or a bone graft is necessary. And once you gather the information, you can decide at your own pace what would be the best option for you. Presenter: Dr. Dino Georgas, Periodontist, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Periodontist