Aims of periodontal treatment
Educate patients on how to clean their teeth really well
Thoroughly clean all tooth surfaces including those beneath the gumline if deep pockets exist
Try and reduce the depth of pockets and change the shape of teeth/ restorations and root surfaces to produce a more cleanable situation
Remove teeth that are hopeless as very deep pockets can act as a reservoir of aggressive bacteria to cross contaminate the rest of the mouth
Reduce or eliminate any risk factors for periodontal disease progression that can be changed
Regularly reassess the situation and ensure any changes are dealt with appropriately
What is a periodontal chart?
A Periodontal Chart is a graphic chart dental professionals use for organising the information about your gums. The area between your gum and tooth is known as the “pocket”. Periodontal charting is simple and relatively painless, during the procedure you will hear your dentist or hygienist call out a series of numbers for each tooth. This is measuring, in millimetres, the cuff of your gum line and the point at which the gum actually attaches to your tooth.
Know your peridontal measurements
0-3mm without bleeding: Great! No problems and you’re doing great with your oral health!
1-3mm with bleeding: Signs of gingivitis. Improved at-home oral care, as well as further professional cleanings, are in order.
4-5mm pockets with no bleeding: This means there is the potential for gum disease. Routine cleaning cannot go below 3mm, so further in-depth visits to the dentist will be needed.
4-5mm pockets with bleeding: Early stages of gum disease, the beginnings of Periodontitis. This may require additional treatment, better home care, and three to four visits to the dentist per year.
6mm with bleeding: This means soft and hard tissue damage, as well as bone loss. Definitive treatment is required, over several visits, greatly improved home care, and many more hygiene visits to prevent tooth loss. This is the advanced stage of periodontal disease so aggressive treatment is needed. Surgery could be needed to slow down the bone loss. Periodontal maintenance is definitely required very frequently (Ideally 3 monthly).
If you are worried about gum issues, please contact the surgery on 01748 850607 or email and book in for a check-up.
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