PERIODONTOLOGY

Periodontology is the branch of dentistry that studies the supporting tissues of the teeth and their associated diseases. There is a significant relationship between periodontal problems and overall health. In many cases, systemic diseases are identified based on a dentist’s referral due to existing gum problems.

Although some systemic conditions can predispose individuals to periodontal diseases, the onset and progression of these diseases are primarily influenced by:

  • Poor oral hygiene due to insufficient or incorrect brushing,
  • Ineffective interdental cleaning caused by crowding or lack of skill,
  • Various genetic factors affecting gum and supporting bone structure,
  • Saliva composition,
  • Daily dietary habits, etc.

A variety of factors contribute to periodontal issues. These factors lead to the formation of plaque on the teeth, and if not removed, plaque eventually hardens into tartar. The presence of tartar creates a favorable environment for bacteria, whose toxins cause periodontal diseases.

If periodontal diseases affect only the soft tissue, such as the gums, they are referred to as gingivitis. Gingivitis can typically be managed with one or two sessions of standard dental scaling treatments.

If gingivitis is left untreated, the disease can progress from the gum tissue to the supporting bone structure surrounding the tooth. This advanced stage of periodontal disease, known as periodontitis, requires treatments ranging from dental scaling to more extensive periodontal surgical procedures.

The health of the gums and supporting bone tissue is just as crucial as the health of the teeth for maintaining their presence in the mouth. Many aggressively progressing periodontal diseases can lead to the extraction of teeth that have no decay. For this reason, gum health is one of the most important parameters evaluated during regular dental check-ups, which are recommended every six months.

Symptoms and Treatment of Gum Diseases

The early symptoms of gum diseases include gum bleeding, redness, and swelling. In the initial stages, gum bleeding occurs only during brushing, whereas in advanced stages, bleeding can occur spontaneously, such as during eating, which is classified as spontaneous bleeding.

Patients often complain of bad breath caused by tartar buildup and gum inflammation. Long-standing tartar can lead to bone recession in the supporting tissues, resulting in changes in tooth positions. Patients may notice that their teeth appear more spaced or have shifted forward.

The root surfaces of the teeth become exposed, leading to cold and hot sensitivity that can become quite bothersome. In more advanced stages, tooth mobility develops. If periodontal treatment is delayed, teeth with significant loss of supporting bone tissue may ultimately require extraction.

However, a well-prepared periodontal treatment plan with the correct diagnosis at the right time can ensure that affected teeth remain in the mouth for many years. To apply the appropriate treatment, the existing condition must first be determined through clinical and radiological examinations. Diagnosing the disease based on the findings is the first step in the treatment process. The next step involves a systematic treatment protocol where all deposits around the teeth are professionally removed using specialized ultrasonic devices. Following this, the patient receives oral hygiene training tailored to their specific needs, based on the condition of their oral health. This is crucial because, in periodontal diseases, the success of the treatment depends not only on the procedures performed by the dentist but also on the patient’s ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene afterward.

In the first stage of treatment, if there are local factors contributing to tartar formation or gum recession, the focus shifts to addressing these issues. For example, strong muscle attachments positioned too high can alone cause gum recession. Similarly, severe crowding may hinder effective interdental cleaning, or problems may arise from poor restorations or ill-fitting prostheses. Treatment plans are developed to address these specific issues.

To control these intraoral factors and treat advanced periodontal diseases, periodontal surgical methods are often utilized.

Estetik bir gülüş sağlıklı, düzgün sıralı, beyaz, ışıltılı dişler kadar bu dişleri çevreleyen açık pembe renk, sıkı kıvamlı gülümseyince maksimum 2mm kadar görünmesi beklenen diş eti dokusu ile tamamlanır.

Sağlıklı dişlerin diş etleri ile destek kemik dokusu arasında 2mm’e kadar normal kabul edilen bir biyolojik aralık mevcuttur. Bu aralık çeşitli diş eti hastalıkları, kötü restorasyonlar vb. nedenler ile derinleşir ise diş eti cebi olarak isimlendirilir.

4-5 mm ve üzerinde cep varlığında Dişi çevreleyen yumuşak doku ve diş kök yüzeylerinin diş eti dokusunun bir miktar açılarak diş taşı ve enflamasyon içeren dokulardan hassas bir cerrahi çalışma ile arındırılması işlemidir.