Periodontology – Gum Treatments

Periodontology in Istanbul is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of teeth. The word “periodontal” refers to the area around the tooth, including the gums (gingiva), periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. In Istanbul, periodontists are highly skilled dental professionals who specialize in managing gum inflammation, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, as well as other periodontal issues like gum recession and bone loss.

In Istanbul, periodontists offer a wide range of treatments for gum diseases, from non-surgical therapies like scaling and root planing to more advanced surgical procedures such as gum grafts and flap surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing the progression of gum disease and preserving oral health.

Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy gums and teeth, and Istanbul’s dental clinics provide comprehensive periodontal care to help patients achieve optimal oral well-being.

What are the Causes of Gum Diseases?

While the accumulation of dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is the primary culprit behind periodontal diseases, a multitude of factors can exacerbate the risk and severity of these conditions. Age-related changes in oral tissues, combined with decreased saliva production, make older individuals more susceptible to gum problems.

Smoking significantly impairs the body’s immune response and healing ability, making smokers more prone to gum infections and hindering their recovery. Genetic predisposition can also play a role, as certain individuals inherit a heightened inflammatory response to plaque bacteria.

Stress, a common trigger for many health issues, can weaken the immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off gum infections. Chronic diseases like cancer, hypertension, and diabetes can further compromise oral health by disrupting the balance of oral bacteria and impairing blood flow to the gums.

Certain medications like birth control pills, antidepressants, and heart disease drugs can affect gum health through mechanisms like dry mouth and altered gum tissue response. Habits like teeth grinding and poor nutrition can worsen gum inflammation, while obesity is linked to increased levels of inflammatory markers, which can contribute to gum disease progression.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum diseases often progress without causing noticeable symptoms, and the symptoms may not appear until the disease reaches an advanced stage. However, the warning signs of gum disease include:

• Persistent bad breath
• Formation of mouth sores
• Pus coming from the gums
• Tooth loss or gaps between teeth
• Incompatibility with existing partial dentures
• Redness, swelling, sensitivity, and pain in the gums
• Gum recession that makes the teeth appear longer than they actually are

Gum bleeding during brushing, flossing, or when eating hard foods.

Gum Disease: Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. The gums become red, swollen, edematous, and prone to bleeding. At this stage, there is no destruction of the supporting bone around the teeth. Gingivitis often occurs due to inadequate oral hygiene. With proper oral care and treatment, the gums can return to their healthy state.

Factors that contribute to the progression of gingivitis include diabetes, smoking, genetic factors, systemic diseases, stress, improper nutrition, hormonal changes, pregnancy, HIV infections, and the use of certain medications.

Gum Disease: Periodontitis

Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Over time, the toxins produced by bacteria in the plaque that accumulates on the teeth irritate the gums. The supporting bone and tissues around the tooth begin to break down. The gums separate from the tooth, creating a pocket. As the disease progresses the pocket deepens, and the destruction of the gum and bone increases. If left untreated, the bone loss in the teeth becomes severe, leading to tooth extraction.

Prevention of Gum Diseases

Periodontal diseases, also known as gum diseases, are caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque between the tooth and the gum. When gum disease is left untreated, inflammation damages the structure of the gums and bone, leading to gum recession and tooth loss.

To prevent gum diseases, the following measures should be taken regularly:

• Brushing teeth
• Using dental floss
• Using mouthwash
• Dental cleaning (removal of tartar)
• Regular dental check-ups
• Knowing the risk factors

Tartar Cleaning

Tartar cleaning is the most common and preventive treatment for gum diseases. It involves removing tartar and plaque (which is also called calculus) from the root surface.

Dental plaque is a sticky substance composed mostly of bacteria. Plaque hardens over time and forms tartar. Plaque and tartar adhere to the tooth surface, especially below the gumline on the root surface. Since plaque has an affinity for rough surfaces, the root surfaces need to be smoothed. During this procedure, all tartar is removed, and irregularities on the root surface are corrected.

What to Do After Tartar Cleaning

Mild sensitivity to hot and cold and slight discomfort may occur for two to three days after the treatment. Painkillers can be used to alleviate the discomfort. In cases where oral hygiene is difficult due to discomfort, antiseptic mouthwashes can be used. Regular brushing and flossing should also be continued. Mild bleeding may occur on the first day after tartar cleaning.

It’s important to avoid consuming staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine for a few days after the procedure to maintain the brightness of your smile. For optimal results and to prevent future tartar buildup, it’s essential to schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleaning sessions with your dentist in Istanbul.

Effects of Gum Disease on the Body

Inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases the risk of developing other diseases in the body. Treating inflammation not only helps with periodontal disease but also aids in the treatment of other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Cancer: Scientific studies have shown that men with gum disease have a 49% or higher risk of kidney cancer, a 54% risk of pancreatic cancer, and a 30% risk of blood cancer.

Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease. The relationship between diabetes and gum disease is bidirectional. Severe periodontal disease raises blood sugar levels and increases diabetic complications.

Osteoporosis: There is a correlation between bone loss in the jaw and osteoporosis, as demonstrated in various scientific studies. Osteoporosis can lead to a decrease in bone density in the jaw, resulting in tooth loss.

Heart Diseases: Inflammation caused by periodontal disease has been found to increase the risk of heart disease. Periodontal disease can exacerbate existing heart conditions.

Respiratory Diseases: It has been found that bacteria in the mouth can settle in the lungs through breathing and contribute to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.

Surgical Periodontal Treatments

In surgical periodontal treatments, the gums are lifted from the teeth to gain access to the root surface and underlying bone. The goal is to eliminate the infection, remove inflamed tissues, clean bacteria from the pocket, remove calculus, and, if necessary, correct irregular and damaged bone surfaces. Regenerative procedures may also be performed, depending on the extent of bone loss.

Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments are crucial in reducing pocket depth and halting the progression of bacteria and periodontal disease. Adequate gum health alone is not sufficient. Daily proper oral hygiene practices and lifelong adherence to periodontal maintenance visits determined by the dentist are necessary to prevent disease recurrence.

Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty

Gingivectomy is the surgical removal of gum tissue. And gingivoplasty involves reshaping the healthy gum tissue around the teeth. These procedures are performed by periodontists who specialize in gum and gum disease. Gingivectomy was initially developed for the treatment of gum disease. Today, it is also used for aesthetic purposes.

Gingivoplasty helps reshape the gum tissue to achieve a more natural appearance. It can correct shape irregularities or asymmetry of the gums caused by genetics, disease, or trauma. It can also be performed for purely cosmetic reasons. Gingivoplasty is generally performed as a standalone procedure. However, it can also be done after gingivectomy or gum grafting in cases where the gum line needs to be enhanced.

Gum Flap Surgery

In gum flap surgery, the gums are temporarily folded back from the teeth. This way, the dentist can access the root and bone.

The purpose of gum flap surgery is to treat gum disease (periodontitis). This procedure is recommended for individuals with moderate to advanced gum diseases. If a gum infection cannot be eliminated with a non-surgical method, gum flap surgery is used. Gum flap surgery can be performed in combination with another procedure called bone surgery.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment

In non-surgical periodontal treatment, the plaque and tartar on the root surface and in the pocket are removed, bacterial toxins are eliminated, and the root surface is smoothed. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Local antibiotics, systemic antibiotics, host modulators, and dental lasers may be used as adjunctive treatments in some cases.

Non-surgical periodontal treatment in Istanbul, often referred to as scaling and root planing, is a conservative approach to managing gum disease in its early stages. This deep-cleaning procedure aims to remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline, smooth out rough root surfaces, and create a healthier environment for the gums to reattach to the teeth.

By eliminating the source of infection and inflammation, non-surgical periodontal treatment can halt the progression of gum disease, reduce pocket depths, and improve overall gum health. In Istanbul, skilled periodontists utilize advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to provide effective and comfortable non-surgical treatment options for their patients.

Gum Recession and Treatment Options

Gum recession due to periodontal diseases occurs as a result of bone loss. Sometimes, the gums are healthy, but recession still occurs. This can be caused by incorrect brushing techniques, teeth grinding habits, ill-fitting dental restorations or fillings, tooth misalignment or malpositioning, smoking, and aging. Another factor that determines the severity of recession is the thickness of the gum tissue.

Gum recession, a condition where the gum tissue pulls back from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth root, can have detrimental effects on oral health and aesthetics. When left untreated, gum recession can lead to tooth sensitivity, root decay, and an increased risk of tooth loss. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available in Istanbul to address gum recession, including minimally invasive procedures like pinhole gum rejuvenation and more extensive surgeries like gum grafting. Early detection and intervention are crucial for successful treatment and prevention of further complications.

Gum Growths

Gum growths in Istanbul, Turkey, also known as gingival hyperplasia, can develop due to a variety of factors, including bacterial inflammation, hormonal fluctuations (often seen during pregnancy and adolescence), certain medications like anticonvulsants and calcium channel blockers, or even benign and malignant tumors. These growths can manifest as painless, swollen bumps on the gums, sometimes interfering with oral hygiene or causing aesthetic concerns.

The treatment of gum growths typically involves a comprehensive approach. Dentists and periodontists in Istanbul will first diagnose the underlying cause of the growth to tailor the treatment accordingly. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, medication adjustments, or surgical removal of the excess gum tissue. Restoring the gums to their natural, healthy contours is a priority, ensuring both optimal oral health and an aesthetically pleasing smile.