Periodontics is the dental specialty that is responsible for studying everything related to the tissues that support the teeth, namely the gums (also called gingiva), periodontal ligament, root cement and alveolar bone.
The specialist in these issues is the Periodontist who deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect these tissues.
The Gil Clinic periodontist will gladly assist you at the Dental Clinic in Escazú or San Pedro in San José Costa Rica.
The main conditions treated by Periodontics are:
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the inflammation and bleeding of the gums that does not affect the bone and is usually reversible.
Manifestations of Gingivitis
Redness of the gums
It is important for patients to regularly observe the different parts of the mouth and tongue so that they can notice the changes that occur and can take action before they become serious conditions. If you notice that the part of the gum that surrounds your teeth is red, even if it does not hurt or bleed yet, you should consult a specialist.
Bleeding gums
Many people have bleeding from their gums when they brush their teeth. They believe this is normal, but it’s not. When the gums bleed, it is the symptom that you have a gingivitis problem. If the disease is not treated, the bleeding can progress in intensity and frequency and become a problem.
Gum Inflammation
Gum inflammation is another symptom of gingivitis that needs to be treated.
How to cure bleeding gums?
As we have seen, bleeding gums, as well as their redness or inflammation, is a gingivitis problem. The main cause is related to oral hygiene, brushing and flossing.
It may be that the person brushes their teeth regularly, but does not use the brush or the technique correctly. As a result, bacterial plaque remains around the teeth, solidifying and forming tartar. This attracts more bacterial plaque.
The is recommended to cure bleeding gums:
- A professional cleaning to remove tartar and bacterial plaque.
- Advice from a professional on brushing technique, the correct type of brush specifically for your gums, and the use of dental floss.
- If necessary, a professional will recommend a suitable mouthwash and medication.
In mild cases of gingivitis, a cleaning will suffice.
What is periodontitis?
If gingivitis is not treated, the process can continue and affect the bone. This is called periodontitis.
If left untreated, periodontitis can cause tooth mobility and gum retraction, leading to tooth loss.
Treatment of periodontitis
The treatment will depend on the state of progress of the periodontal disease; however, the treatment consists of:
- A periodontal cleaning: a deep cleaning of teeth and gums.
Complement with a pharmacological treatment (if necessary) to eliminate periodontal pathogenic bacteria.
- If the disease is advanced, the above may not be sufficient and surgery should be performed that includes a periodontal scaling and evaluation of the state of the bone.
- In severe cases, a bone graft must be performed to prevent loss of the piece.
Currently, with the replacement of pieces by dental implants, Periodontics is also responsible for the prevention and treatment of gum diseases associated with implants called peri-implantitis.
At Clínica Gil San Pedro as well as in Escazú, our Periodontics specialist Mariana Gil will assist you to avoid future problems.
How to Prevent Periodontal Disease: Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Because Periodontal Disease is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the tissue, bacterial plaque must be removed and good hygiene maintained. This can be achieved by:
- Brushing teeth at least 2 times a day. You should use soft brushes that do not damage the gums and use the technique recommended by your dentist. Remember to change the brush every 3 months.
- Use dental floss or interproximal brushes to remove bacterial plaque between the teeth where the brush does not reach.
- Use of rinses.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and regular check-ups.
If you are interested in learning more about caring for your gums to prevent periodontal disease, we invite you to read our article on caring for your gums to prevent periodontal disease.
Other treatments performed by a Periodontist
Clinical crown lengthening:
This procedure levels the margins of the gums so that they are even and a harmonious smile is achieved. This procedure is also used in cases where the teeth look very short because they are covered by gums.
Gum grafts:
This procedure tries to regenerate or recreate the gum that has been lost due to excessive brushing or other diseases. Gum grafts are used in some cases in which gingival recession occurs.
