Symptoms

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the surface of the gums characterized mainly by bleeding, redness and swelling. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of all the tissues of the periodontal area (the gum and bone that supports the teeth) and is an advanced stage of gingivitis which has been left untreated. In periodontitis, fibres of the periodontal area and gum are destroyed, bone is absorbed and the gums detach themselves from the tooth. As the bone destruction progresses, teeth change position, abscesses are often caused and eventually teeth are lost.

Periodontitis and generally diseases of the gums are “silent” because, due to the chronic nature of the disease, acute symptoms (pain and swelling) do not appear and so, most of the time, the diagnosis is made at random while the patient is attending the clinic for another reason. Also smoking, which is very widespread in our country, helps to hide symptoms such as bleeding gums, which would encourage someone to search for treatment.

Risk factors which are involved in the formation and development of periodontal disease

Major risk factors in the formation and development of periodontal disease are:
• Smoking
• Diabetes mellitus
• Poor oral hygiene
• Immunosuppression
• Systemic diseases causing disorders of the immune system
• Crowded teeth

Treatment

In the initial stages of the disease, treatment, except for the teaching of correct oral hygiene and scaling, comprises mainly of root planing below the surface of the gums. Special tools are used by the dentist – periodontist for removing plaque, tartar and the inflamed tissues in the pockets surrounding the tooth .In this way, the microbial colonies and the mechanical and chemical stimuli that cause inflammation are removed. Advanced stages of damage often require surgical treatment.
In addition, a significant part of Periodontology is the plastic surgery and microsurgery of the gums in cases where they cause aesthetic problems with the smile and everyday communication of the individual.