Periodontics

Deals with the supporting structures of teeth, known as the periodontium. Literally taken, it means study of that which is “around the tooth”. Periodontal diseases take on many different forms, but are usually a result of bacterial infection of the gums.

Oral Prophylaxis (Scaling):

Sometimes regular brushing and using dental floss will not always assist you in getting rid of deposits on teeth. Occasionally you might need professional dental cleaning to remove such unseen and unwanted deposits that cause bad breath, bleeding or receding gums or tooth decay.
It is advisable to get a scaling done twice a year or al least once a year.

Gum Diseases:

Gum Diseases including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is usually caused by a build-up of plaque (contains bacteria), an invisible sticky layer of germs that forms naturally on the teeth and gums.

Flap Surgery:

In advanced periodontal disease, when scaling and root planning have been unsuccessful in eliminating the entire pocket of decay, or when there has been bone loss that needs to be surgically corrected, then a dentist may perform periodontal flap surgery.

Gum Contouring:

Gum Contouring is a surgical procedure where in the gums are shaped by surgical incisions, under local anaesthesia to a more aesthetically balanced appearance. This is called a simple cosmetic gum lift.

Chronic periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis is a common disease of the oral cavity consisting of chronic inflammation of the periodontal tissues that is caused by accumulation of profuse amounts of dental plaque.

Scaling and Root Planning

The objective of scaling and root planing, otherwise known as conventional periodontal therapy, non-surgical periodontal therapy, or dental prophylaxis is to remove or eliminate the etiologic agents which cause inflammation: dental plaque, its products and calculus,thus helping to establish a periodontium that is free of disease.

Plaque is a mixture of bacteria, minerals and some food leftovers. It irritates the gums, or gingiva, and causes inflammation over time: gingivitis. The bacteria make it stick, the minerals make it hard, and the longer plaque is left on the teeth, the harder it gets.

Symptoms of Chronic Periodontitis

Redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth, using dental floss or biting into hard food (e.g. apples) (though this may occur even in gingivitis, where there is no attachment loss).
Gum swelling that recurs.
Halitosis, or bad breath, and a persistent metallic taste in the mouth.
Gingival recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth. (This may also be caused by heavy handed brushing or with a stiff tooth brush.)
Deep pockets between the teeth and the gums (pockets are sites where the attachment has been gradually destroyed by collagen-destroying enzymes, known as collagenases).
Loose teeth, in the later stages (though this may occur for other reasons as well).