Periodontology
Periodontal disease is an infectious disease caused by microorganisms (bacteria, viruses and fungi) that are on the surface of a tooth above or below the gum, forming a biofilm. These micro-organisms are mainly members of the normal, natural human microflora. The patient's immune response to this biofilm plays an important role in the development of the disease- how active the patient's body's defense mechanisms are.
Symptoms that may indicate inflammation of the connective tissue or supporting tissue of the tooth:
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Swelling, tenderness and redness of the gums;
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Spontaneous bleeding of the gums or bleeding during brushing;
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Bad breath (halitosis);
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Gingival recession;
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Increased tooth mobility, increased teeth inclination and opening of the gaps;
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Loss of tooth / teeth;
The clinic employs a certified periodontist who deals with:
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treatment of periodontitis;
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treatment of periimplantitis;
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periodontal surgery - extension of clinical crowns with or without osteotomy;
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recession closure;
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gum thickening procedure.
Implant surgery and prosthetics have been practiced at “KlīnikaZinta” since 1998.
Implantation is performed by a certified surgeon and a certified periodontist.
Factors contributing to the development of gingivitis and periodontitis:
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Poor oral hygiene;
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Too aggressive teeth brushing using a toothbrush with hard bristles (in this way it is possible to achieve gingival recession and bone resorbtioneven by ~ 2mm);
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Places in the oral cavity, where the plaque builds up and calculus forms
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Missing teeth, which increase the load on the other teeth;
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Smoking;
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Diabetes mellitus (uncontrolled), osteoporosis;
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Medicines that affect the amount of saliva in the mouth by reducing it;
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Genetic predisposition (M> W);
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Age, increased stress (decreased saliva), obesity;
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If the inflammation only affects the gum tissue without loss of connective tissue attachment, it is called gingivitis. It is a reversible process and can be successfully cured. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis;
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If the inflammation has affected the supporting tissues of the tooth, causing a decrease in the connective tissue and bone around the tooth, this is called periodontitis. It is an irreversible process that cannot be cured, but can be stopped and controlled;
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If the inflammation has affected the soft tissues around the implant, it is called periimplant mucositis, but if the supporting tissue around the implant, it is called periimplantitis;
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Inflammation can affect one or more teeth in the mouth and can be acute or chronic.
Non-surgical methods of treatment of periodontitis:
If periodontitis has not progressed, treatment may include less invasive procedures, including:
Calculus removal:
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Plaque and calculus are removed from tooth surfaces with special curettes, an ultrasonic scaler or a laser.
Scaling and root planing:
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Root planing smoothens root surfaces, making them smooth and preventing further build-up of plaque and calculus, as well as removing bacterial by-products that promote inflammation and delay gum healing or gum re-attachment to tooth surfaces.
Antibacterial therapy:
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Topical antibacterial therapy or oral antibiotics may help control the bacterial infection. Topical antibacterial therapy may include the use of an antibacterial mouthwash or the insertion of antibiotics into the gum pocket after pocket cleaning. However, oral antibiotics may often be needed to completely eliminate the bacteria that cause the infection.
Surgical treatment methods:
If you have advanced periodontitis, treatment may be needed:
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Flap surgery (gum pocket reduction surgery): The periodontist makes small incisions in the gums, exposing the roots of the teeth and thus cleaning them more effectively. During flap surgery, bone tissue reconstitution can be performed more accurately and it is easier for the patient to clean the interdental space and root furcation areas after surgery.
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Soft tissue grafts: When you lose gum tissue, your gum line recedes. Partial recovery of these tissues is possible through surgical soft tissue transplantation. This is usually done by removing a small amount of gum from the palate or using tissue from another donor site and attaching it to the affected area. This surgical procedure helps reduce gum recession, cover exposed root areas and provide aesthetics.
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Bone tissue augmentation (grafts): This surgical procedure is performed if bone loss is observed around the root of the tooth. The graft may consist of small fragments of your bone, donor bone or bone pellets may be used. A bone graft helps prevent tooth loss by holding the tooth in place. It also serves as a place for your own bone to adapt.
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Guided tissue regeneration: It allows you to rebuild the bone destroyed by bacteria. In one session, the periodontist places a special biocompatible material between the root of the tooth and the existing bone tissue, which provides an area where new bone tissue can be formed more intensively.
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Tissue stimulating proteins (“Emdogain” etc.): This method involves applying a special substance to the affected tooth root. This medicine contains the same proteins found in the development of tooth enamel and stimulates healthy bone growth.
How to avoid getting gum and bone inflammation?
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Thorough brushing should be done at least twice a day - in the mornings, after the breakfast, and in the evenings before going to bed. Dental flossing should be done at least once a day. For better plaque control, it is possible to purchase special products (tablets and mouthwash “Plaque Agent”), which colors the plaque;
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A dental hygienist should be visited at least once every 6-12 months. The specialist can be the first to notice the change and suggest further treatment;
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