Henry26
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| Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:27 am The Stages of Periodontal Disease |
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Most people have some form of periodontal disease, known by many as gum disease. If undetected or left untreated and these diseases are usually painless at first the support for the teeth in the jaw bone is destroyed. At later stages this causes the teeth to become loose or painful. In addition, gum disease can cause bad breath and change the appearance of your smile. Periodontist specialize in preventing and treating these diseases, so that you do not lose your teeth. If you have already lost a tooth or teeth, you can have realistic replacements.
A major cause of periodontal disease is the buildup of plaque, which results from the overgrowth of the mouth's naturally occurring bacteria. In order to prevent the development of periodontal disease, an individual needs to maintain sound hygiene practices by brushing his or her teeth and flossing daily.
A normal, healthy tooth is anchored to the bone and gum by fibers. There is a normal but narrow space around each tooth known as the sulcus. Bacterial deposits, or "plaque", can build up on the tooth surface causing irritation to the gum and periodontal ligament fibers. This early and reversible stage is known as GINGIVITIS. As the breakdown worsens, the space around the tooth deepens. The sulcus is now called a pocket. The depth of the pocket is measured carefully, and provides information as to the stage of the disease. The plaque and its byproducts attack further, causing more of the fibers and bone support to be lost. This stage is called PERIODONTITIS. The tooth might loosen, and the root may become exposed and sensitive. Unless treated, the tooth may fall out or need to be removed.
Periodontal Regeneration
In the past, the areas of the jawbone that were eaten away by periodontal disease could not be grown back. In the race between gum and bone to reconnect to the root of the tooth, gum always won and kept the bone from "regenerating". Now there are special materials, chemically similar to your bone and growth factors, which stimulate your bone to grow back. Custom made dissolving barriers are placed around the tooth root, the adjacent bone, and the stimulating material. The gum can cover the area naturally without stopping bone re-growth. This gives the tooth better support than was possible before. |
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