Periodontitis is an advanced gum disease that may occur if gingivitis is not treated. The gum margin, the part of the gum that seals to the tooth, is weakened and spaces form between the tooth and the gum. These spaces are called ‘periodontal pockets.’ Bacteria become trapped in these pockets causing further inflammation (redness and swelling).
Periodontitis can affect the covering of the tooth root (cementum), the bone and the fibres that connect the cementum to the bone (periodontal ligament). As the disease progresses and bone is lost, larger spaces begin to form between the tooth and the gum.
Like many conditions, early intervention to treat gum diseases can ensure the longevity of your teeth. If you have swollen or bleeding gums or your teeth feel loose, you may require a periodontal treatment.
We will examine your gums with a probe to measure the spaces between the tooth and gum. This will determine the health of your gums and supporting structures. We will instruct you in tooth cleaning techniques and clean your teeth professionally with specialised instruments to remove any plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) from teeth and also from deep under the gums.
