GUM DISEASE TREATMENT

Gum disease may occur with or without the symptoms, which is why regular dental check-ups are highly recommended. If you spot the following signs, it is best to visit our clinic and see a specialist periodontist

• Red, tender and swollen gums
• Shifting teeth
• Mouth sores
• Receding gumline
• Gums that easily bleed after brushing, flossing, eating hard food
• Pus and pockets between gums and teeth
• Metallic taste in the mouth

For gum-related problems, you should see any of our specialist periodontists who are among the best in Dubai. A periodontist specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of periodontal diseases. Our specialist periodontists at Micris Dental Clinic are well-equipped in the latest techniques in gum disease treatment as well as performing cosmetic periodontics procedures such as dental implants.

During your initial consultation, our specialist periodontist will examine your gums for any swelling or pockets around the teeth. For cases that have gone to its advanced stage, an X-ray may be taken to check if there is any bone loss.

You may also be probed about your medical history and lifestyle which could be the reason behind any gum problems. Once the diagnosis is made, the periodontics treatment options or surgery (if needed) will be discussed by our gum specialist.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two stages of periodontal diseases depending on the severity of the infection. Gingivitis (gum inflammation) occurs before periodontitis (gum disease).

Gingivitis, in its early stage, is due to plaque buildup which causes the gums to swell and easily bleed during tooth brushing. The gums are irritated, but no irreversible bone or tissue damage has happened, and the teeth are still firm in their sockets.

If gingivitis is not addressed early on, it can lead to periodontitis. At this stage, the gum’s inner layer and bone pull away from the teeth and form spaces or pockets. As these spaces are exposed, plaque spreads and grows below the gum line and your immune system fights the bacteria. In its worse condition, the teeth are no longer anchored in place, become loose, and fall out.

Gum disease treatment aims to reduce the inflammation of the gums, recede the depth of the pockets, minimize the risk of infection, and reattach healthy gums if needed. Treatment for gum-related disorders at Micris Dental Clinic would vary based on the severity of the gum disease and could be non-surgical or surgical procedures.

• Non-surgical treatments – This could include (1) professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup or (2) scaling and root planning which is a deep cleaning procedure for hardened plaque and calculus done under local anesthesia.
• Surgical treatments
  • Flap surgery – Gums are lifted back and tartar is removed. When the gums are placed back, they are fitted tightly around the tooth to reduce the pockets.
  • Bone grafting – This treatment is done when there is bone loss due to gum disease. Fragments of your bone or a synthetic bone will replace any lost bone to facilitate regrowth.
  • Soft tissue grafting – It is the reinforcement of thin gums or filling the areas or receded gums. Grafted tissue (commonly taken from the roof of the mouth) is stitched on the affected area.
  • Bone surgery – This for patients who suffer from bone loss. Using the flap surgery procedure, the bone is reshaped to minimize the craters than can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
  • Guided tissue regeneration – Performed with the flap surgery procedure, a mesh-like fabric is placed between the bone and gum tissue to help the bone and the tissue regrow properly. This procedure is for patients whose bones supporting the teeth are destroyed by the disease.

Several studies on periodontics link gum disorders to certain health conditions. While not all bacteria from the mouth are harmful when they reach the bloodstream, some microorganisms are related to severe illnesses such as heart disease and stroke.

Since plaque is the primary cause of gum disease, proper plaque control can prevent its occurrence. Professional cleaning is recommended at least twice a year to avoid plaque buildup. Daily brushing and flossing are also important to prevent food bits from getting stuck on and in between your teeth. If you must rinse your mouth, be sure to use an anti-bacterial mouth wash.

Other lifestyle changes could reduce your risk of getting any gum-related disorders. Avoid smoking, stay away from stress, keep a balanced diet (food rich in antioxidants recommended) and stop habits such as teeth clenching and grinding. It is best to have regular visits to your dentist to maintain the overall health of your teeth and gums.