Periodontal treatment is the practice of preventing, diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. The symptoms usually include tender, bleeding or swollen gums, loose teeth or pain in the mouth. However, because in some cases the symptoms may not be obvious, diagnosis can only be made by your Dentist.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection in the gum and bone structures which hold your teeth in place. It is most often caused by poor oral health habits such as inadequate brushing and flossing which lead to a build-up of plaque. There can also be other contributing factors including hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy or menopause, diabetes or other chronic conditions. Gingivitis is an infection in the gums which is the earliest stage of periodontitis. This deteriorates into periodontal disease affecting all of the tissues when plaque recedes and begins to grow underneath the gum line, resulting in inflamed gums.
Diagnosis of periodontitis usually involves a thorough dental examination, x-rays, and measuring the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums to gauge bone loss.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
How periodontitis is treated, and by whom, depends on the severity of the disease. If it is caught early, your Dentist or Dental Hygienist can perform periodontitis treatment consisting of a thorough cleaning of the pockets around your teeth and scaling. In these cases it is possible that further damage can be prevented with regular dental hygiene appointments and by maintaining meticulous oral health routines at home.
If periodontitis is more advanced, treatment by a periodontist or Oral Surgeon may be necessary.
Our Periodontics Experts
At McIntosh Dental, our Dentists have advanced knowledge and training in the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. Dr Nitesh Gangadin, who completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Periodontics at the University of Otago, has a special interest in periodontics. As an experienced periodontal Dentist, he works with people of all ages to treat gum disease, which unfortunately is prevalent in New Zealand.
Contact us to find out more about our periodontal treatments.