Periodontal treatment is necessary when a patient presents with:
- Gum inflammation (Gingivitis)
- Periodontitis at various stages, including advanced periodontitis
- Alveolar bone atrophy, also known as jawbone loss.
Gum diseases develop gradually. The first stage is gingivitis (gum inflammation), a treatable condition—proper therapy and good oral hygiene guarantee complete resolution of the symptoms.
Signs of gingivitis include:
- Gum bleeding (especially during tooth brushing)
- Redness (healthy gums are pink, while inflamed areas are red)
- Swelling (gums appear swollen, smooth, and lose their normal texture resembling orange peel)
- Gum hypertrophy (caused by medications or systemic diseases, resulting in enlarged and irritated gums)
- Bad breath
If any of these symptoms appear, it’s essential to consult a periodontist.
Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, causing gradual destruction of the gums and then the bone holding the teeth. This leads to the loss of contact between the teeth and the bone and subsequent tooth mobility, shifting, and even tooth loss. Pediodontal disease can affect one, several, or all teeth.
Periodontitis can be treated, but it requires the patient’s active cooperation with the doctor. Treatment is a much longer process than that of gingivitis. Additionally, periodontitis may relapse, especially in patients where genetic factors, untreated malocclusion, or smoking is involved. Therefore, regular check-ups are essential, typically every 3 to 6 months, as advised by the periodontist.
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