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Periodontology is the branch of science that deals with the treatment of the soft tissues around the teeth, namely the gums and the hard tissue underneath, the bone tissue; It is known as gum disease and its treatment. Periodontal diseases are inflammatory diseases that also affect the gums and bone tissues that support the teeth. Periodontal diseases respond easily and successfully to treatment when diagnosed at an early stage.
The most important cause of gum diseases is bacterial plaque, which has a transparent and sticky feature caused by poor oral hygiene. Food residues left on the teeth as a result of insufficient cleaning of the teeth or various factors that may prevent them from being cleaned cause this plaque to form. In case of not brushing and flossing regularly, the minerals in the saliva are deposited on the plaque and structures known as tartar. In addition, some systemic diseases such as diabetes, drugs used, poorly made coating and filling edges, vitamin deficiencies, smoking, genetic factors, hormonal changes, external factors such as pregnancy, radiotherapy, etc., can be counted.
The initial stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Gums may be slightly red, sometimes bleeding and swollen. In this period of gum disease, treatment includes effective daily oral care after removing the attachments (plaque and tartar) on the teeth and providing a smooth root surface. This process ensures the removal of bacteria and irritants that cause inflammation in the gums. In the advanced stages of gingival diseases, curettage and, if necessary, flap operations are planned on the cleaning of calculus and gum disease is taken under control. The aim of this treatment is to clean the tartar in the deep periodontal pockets surrounding the teeth, to eliminate the pocket by shrinking and providing a smooth root surface and create a more easily cleanable gingival form. After periodontal treatment, patients should be regularly examined by a dentist, should control whether there is a tartar formation and even if new tartar deposits should be removed from the diseased part. Gum diseases can be self-medicated with antibiotics, mouthwashes, vitamins, etc. do not improve with treatment. It must be treated by a gum disease specialist.
In cases where the bacterial plaque cannot be removed from the tooth surface, tartar formation can be seen on the tooth surface. It originates as a result of hardening after precipitating of minerals at saliva.
Teeth cleaning (detertrage) is not a process that harms the teeth. The main damage to the teeth is tartar, and if they are not cleaned, they cause gum diseases up to tooth loss. Losses that begin with gingival recession continue with the melting of the jawbone.
All the foods and beverages that are consumed leave various residues on our teeth. These residues harden on the surface of the tooth over time and form a layer. These residues, which accumulate between the tooth and the gum, harden over time and cause the appearance of lime-like stone formations. Tartar can cause gingival recession depending on the structure of the mouth, and advanced gingival recession can be observed if cleaning is not applied.
It is very important to have the Tartar Cleaning process done regularly once in 6 months in order to protect you from more extensive problems.
Subgingival curettage (deep gingival treatment) or root surface treatment is the process of removing plaque, calculus and other factors that cause disease under the gingiva. It is normal to have bleeding in the gums during the application of these procedures. During these treatments, local anesthesia can be applied if necessary. In order to eliminate the sensitivity that may occur after the procedure, A desensitizing agent can be applied to the teeth, loose teeth can be attached to each other with white filling material, and curettage can be applied with the help of ultrasonic devices or curettes. If necessary, antibiotics, painkillers (analgesic/anti-inflammatory) drugs and mouthwashes can be prescribed before and after the treatment. In order for the applied treatments to be successful, oral care must be at a high level and regularly. If good oral care is not provided, the treatments to be applied are unlikely to be successful. Your systemic diseases may adversely affect the results of periodontal treatment. Tissue response to treatment and speed of recovery may vary.
The primary purpose of the flap operation is to eliminate or minimize the pockets formed in the gums as much as possible. To access the pockets, a flap-like incision (from which the English word flap means flap) is made in the gingival tissue. Diseased tissues are removed through this incision so that the roots of the teeth are exposed for a thorough cleaning. After removing plaque, tartar and similar unwanted layer formation, the flap is closed and the area is sealed. Then, the healing process, which will take place quickly, is started.
Another purpose of the flap operation is to restore the periodontal ligaments and bone tissue lost due to inflammation. To fulfill this goal, it is treated with biomaterials such as bone powders (bone grafts) and membranes. Indeed, it is useful to work with a periodontologist who is an expert in the field to determine whether the patient is suitable for this type of advanced procedure. These approaches can restore the gums to their standard form and function and help create healthier and safer dental protection.
Another frequently asked question about the flap operation is how long the post-operative recovery period lasts. Although it is a short-term and simple procedure, it is recommended that patients rest for at least one day after flap surgery, as it is an operation. However, after the flap operation, the patient will need a period of 10-12 days to fully recover.
When you smile your gums appear too much, then you have a gummy smile! Even if your tooth size is normal, if the gingiva covering the tooth is excessive, it will make the length of your tooth look short, thus causing a low and uneven gingival level.
The gummy smile is not a dangerous situation and it is common. However, patients often decide on gummy smile treatment because they damage their self-confidence and feel uncomfortable. Gingivectomy is the surgical removal of gum tissue. Gingivoplasty is the shaping of healthy gum tissues around the teeth.