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Periodontic Dentistry
 Periodontists
are the dental specialists who treat gum disease and are known
as the plastic surgeons for your smile.
Periodontists are able to provide a simple surgical
solution that is done in the office with only a simple local
anesthetic. Normally, this minimally-invasive surgery does
not hurt when it is being done and usually does not cause
pain after the anesthetic has worn off.
The range of treatments in periodontics are:
Gingivitis and Periodontitis
The term "periodontal disease" or "gum
disease" in its strictest sense refer to both gingivitis
and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is and inflammatory
condition of the gingiva. Gingivitis is modified by several
factors such as smoking, certain drugs and hormonal changes
that occur in puberty and pregnancy.
Periodontitis follows gingivitis
and is also influenced by the individual's immune and inflammatory
response. It is initiated by microbial plaque. Periodontitis
involves the desruction of the supporting structure of the
teeth. Clearly, periodontitis is the most sinificant of these
diseases because it causes tooth loss, mouth odor or bad breath
or halitosis
About 85 to 90 percent of bad breath cases are related to
an oral problem. While another 8 percent to 10 percent of
cases may be caused by chronic postnasal drip.
Oral reasons for mouth odor may include
gum disease, broken down teeth and decay, prosthetic devices
that are ill-fitting or that cause food accumulation in hard-to-clean
areas and even smoking.
Perhaps the most common culprits of mouth odor are "dental
plaque and food debris. These allow bacterial growth and putrefaction
that can cause bad breath.
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Aesthetic
and Gingivectomy
Gums affected by periodontosis can be cured,
with treatment ranging from simple scaling and curettage up
to actual periodontal plastic surgery. The total duration
of periodontal treatment is varies for each individual.
"The GUMMY SMILE Project
"
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Gingival
recession and Gingival Graft
Gum recession is one of the
gum problems that patients can frequently identify. When the
recession is in the front of the mouth, it may be readily
seen, especially if it is on the upper front teeth.
Periodontal Plastic Surgery is
predictable in creating thick, tough gum tissue (called "attached
gingiva") which will prevent further recession, and in
some cases will also cover the existing recession. An important
point to understand is that these periodontal plastic surgical
techniques have the treatment of recession as their primary
treatment objective.
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Aesthetic
Periodontal Crown-Lengthening Surgery
The appearance of the gingival tissues surrounding the teeth
plays an important role in the esthetics of the anterior maxillary
region of the mouth.
Abnormalities in symmetry and contour can significantly
affect the harmonious appearance of the natural or prosthetic
dentition. As well nowadays, patients have a greater desire
for more esthetic results which may influence treatment choice.
Esthetic periodontal surgery
is sometimes performed to change the dimension of the front
teeth and to optimize the esthetic outcome of treatment with
new crown restorations or other esthetic dental care.
In some instances a simple procedure can increase the length
of the teeth to improve esthetics. Extensive dental work is
often necessary to restore oral health.
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