Oral, Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery
Periodontology
Periodontology is the branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions that affect the health of the supporting structures of the tooth (gums, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone). Gum diseases are among the important health problems that directly affect dental health and are often not recognized in the early stages. However, when left untreated, it can have serious consequences that can lead to tooth loss. In addition, gum diseases can affect not only dental health but also general health. Studies show that periodontal disease can be associated with heart disease, diabetes and other health problems. Therefore, maintaining gum health is also extremely important for general health.
Periodontal Diseases
Periodontal diseases start with inflammation of the gums, usually due to bacterial infections. These diseases are divided into two main groups:
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and is usually caused by the accumulation of dental plaque. At this stage, the gums show symptoms such as redness, swelling and bleeding. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress and lead to loss of alveolar bone (the bone that supports the tooth).
Periodontitis: Periodontitis, which develops with the progression of gingivitis, leads to the loss of gums and supporting tissues of the tooth (bone and periodontal ligament). Symptoms of periodontitis include tooth mobility, gum recession and bad odor. In advanced stages, the risk of tooth loss increases.
Treatment Methods of Gum Diseases
Periodontology uses various methods to diagnose and treat gum disease. These methods vary according to the stage and severity of the disease:
Oral Hygiene Education: Maintaining oral hygiene is one of the most important stages. Patients undergoing gum treatment are trained in brushing techniques and intermittent hygiene so that they can maintain proper oral hygiene at the end of treatment.
Tooth Surface Cleaning: Professional cleaning to remove dental plaque and calculus attachments is an important step in the prevention of periodontal disease. This procedure performed by a dentist protects the health of the teeth and gums.
Root Surface Smoothing: In advanced periodontal diseases, it may be necessary to clean the root surfaces of the teeth. Curettage is performed to thoroughly clean the tooth roots and flatten the root surfaces to reduce bacterial accumulation.
Flap Surgery: Periodontal surgery, curettage of tooth roots in advanced cases of periodontitis can be performed by opening a flap. Surgical treatment aims to stop the progression of the disease and restore the health of the teeth.
Frenectomy: The muscle connections between the gums, lips and cheek are called frenulum. If it is long, it can cause gum recession and diastema (tooth spacing) that may need to be treated orthodontically. In the frenectomy operation, the long muscle connection is adjusted under local anesthesia.
Gum asymmetry: If the gums are not smooth and symmetrical, it can negatively affect the smile aesthetics. In this case, the gums are made symmetrical with gingival aesthetics. At this stage, smile design can be made for patients with the photographs and digital data taken. In addition, this procedure called gingivectomy is performed with a surgical guide prepared before the procedure.
Gum grafts: Gum grafts are used in the prevention and treatment of gum recession. Gum grafts are usually taken from the patient’s palate and transplanted to the area with gum problem. Depending on whether the gingival graft is epithelial or not, it is called free gingival graft or connective tissue graft. While connective tissue graft is used in the treatment of gingival recession, free gingival graft is preferred to prevent gingival recession by thickening the adherent gum band.
Gum discoloration: Discoloration of the gums can create an unhealthy and unaesthetic appearance. These color changes can be removed with procedures performed under local anesthesia.