No matter how white or straight your teeth may be, unhealthy gums can place them at risk. Periodontology is the branch of dentistry that diagnoses and treats diseases affecting the soft tissues, meaning the gums, and the hard tissues, meaning the supporting bone, around the teeth.
Bleeding, recession and symptoms around implants may require different assessments. Diagnosis and treatment planning depend on examination.
What Are Your Gums Trying to Tell You? Signs and Symptoms
Gum colour varies between people. Persistent bleeding, swelling, recession or tooth mobility should be assessed.
- Bleeding: Bleeding while brushing or spontaneous bleeding, which is one of the most common signs.
- Changes in Color: Redness, dark discoloration, or swelling of the gums.
- Bad Breath: Persistent unpleasant breath that does not resolve.
- Gum Recession: Teeth appearing longer and root surfaces becoming exposed.
- Mobility: Teeth shifting position or becoming loose in advanced stages.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease often progresses quietly and may be noticed late because it does not always cause pain.
1. Gingivitis (Early Stage)
Gingivitis is inflammation caused by plaque accumulating on the tooth surfaces. At this stage, only the soft gum tissue is affected. The gums may appear red and bleed easily.
- Treatment: Gingivitis can improve with plaque control and necessary professional cleaning. Gum findings need reassessment.
2. Periodontitis (Advanced Stage)
Periodontitis affects supporting tissues and bone. Pocket depths, bleeding and bone support are assessed; not every case of gingivitis progresses to periodontitis.
- Treatment: Deep cleaning, including root planing, and surgical procedures when necessary.
Treatment Methods We Provide
At Saatçi Dental Clinic, gum treatments are broadly divided into non-surgical and surgical approaches.
Initial Non-Surgical Treatments
- Scaling: Hard deposits are removed from tooth surfaces with suitable instruments. Sensitivity may follow treatment.
- Subgingival cleaning: Deposits on root surfaces are removed, with local anaesthesia where needed. Tissue response is reassessed at follow-up.
Surgical Procedures for Advanced Cases
When gum disease has caused bone loss, flap surgery may be performed. The gum tissue is carefully lifted so that the bone surface can be cleaned. When indicated, bone-graft material may be added to support areas affected by bone loss.
Gum Recession and Its Treatment
Gums may recede because of incorrect brushing techniques or periodontal disease. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and affect the appearance of the smile.
Soft-tissue grafting may be considered for selected recession defects. Root coverage depends on tissue loss and individual findings; complete coverage cannot be guaranteed.
The Relationship with Systemic Health
Research examines associations between gum disease, diabetes and other conditions. An association does not establish that gum disease alone causes heart attack, stroke or preterm birth, or that treatment prevents them. General health needs assessment with the relevant clinician.