Healthy gum tissue is pale pink, completely fills the space between the teeth and doesn't bleed - either spontaneously or when you touch it.
Inflamed gum tissue is red, swollen and bleeds easily; gaps known as gingival pockets form between the teeth and gums. This inflammation is caused by plaque on the gums that hardens and turns into tartar. More plaque can easily form on these surfaces.
Inflamed gum tissue can be restored to health in just a few days if the plaque is completely removed, leaving no residue, and the patient makes sure than no new plaque can form (oral hygiene!). If left uncleaned, the inflammation spreads to the deeper regions under the gum, affecting the entire area around the tooth including the surrounding bone. This condition is called periodontitis, commonly known as "gum disease" (this is not a medical term!).
Cleaning the teeth and roots under the gums, if necessary under local anaesthetic. If the gingival pockets are very deep, the gum must be opened microsurgically to reach the contaminated root area. Lasers can also be very useful for cleaning roots, as they can do away with the need to open the gum. After such a treatment, the patient must undergo preventive check-ups for the rest of his life. This is the only way to prevent the accumulation of plaque and the formation of new pockets.
In some cases, we can rebuild missing bone substance.
Periodontitis causes the teeth to loosen and white fluid to appear at the edge of the gums; this condition is often accompanied by bad breath (halitosis).
Treatment
Cleaning the teeth and roots under the gums, if necessary under local anaesthetic. If the gingival pockets are very deep, the gum must be opened microsurgically to reach the contaminated root area. Lasers can also be very useful for cleaning roots, as they can do away with the need to open the gum. After such a treatment, the patient must undergo preventive check-ups for the rest of his life. This is the only way to prevent the accumulation of plaque and the formation of new pockets.
In some cases, we can rebuild missing bone substance.
X-ray of gingival pocket
Opening the gum microsurgically
Filling the bone pocket with Bio-Oss®
Covering the filling
Wound closure
X-ray of filled bone pocket
We specialise in this treatment.
Healthy gum tissue requires a good bone foundation. If the gums shrink even though no inflammation is present, exposing the sensitive roots, this is recession rather than periodontitis.
