Periodontics — Gum Treatment and Aesthetics
Periodontics focuses on the health of your gums and the bone that supports your teeth and implants. Our goal is to diagnose gum disease early, treat it effectively and help you maintain the results long-term.
Gum Diseases and Treatment
Gum diseases range from simple gum inflammation (Gingivitis) to severe infections where the jawbone erodes and teeth are lost (Periodontitis).
A bacterial layer (plaque) forms on all oral surfaces. When not removed through cleaning, it creates an ideal environment for harmful bacteria. These bacteria produce harmful substances that cause gum inflammation and bone erosion. Plaque becomes tartar when covered by minerals in saliva. The rough surface of tartar harbors more bacteria, accelerating inflammation.
Symptoms: Gums swell, redden, bleed, recede; teeth appear longer; bad breath develops; teeth shift, gaps open between them and eventually they are lost.
Treatment: Initial treatment involves patient-performed plaque removal using brushes, floss and interdental brushes, combined with professional deposit removal using special instruments. In advanced cases with significant bone loss, periodontal surgery (Flap Operation) is performed. Under local anesthesia, the gum is lifted, inflamed tissue removed, bone adjusted and if necessary, bioactive materials applied for new bone formation.
Gum Recession and Treatment
A condition where the gum margin sits below the enamel level, exposing root surfaces that lack protective enamel coating. This causes sensitivity and aesthetic loss.
Causes: Incorrect/aggressive brushing, gum disease-related bone loss, thin gum tissue type, long/strong muscle attachments (Frenulum), traumatic tooth contact, improper orthodontic treatment or ill-fitting fixed prosthetics.
Treatment: First, the causative factor is addressed. Recession is typically treated with Free Gingival Graft or Free Connective Tissue Graft. A tissue section matching the recession size is harvested from the hard palate and transferred to the recession area. Modern bioactive materials now enable treatment without requiring a donor site.
Frenectomy
Partial or complete surgical removal of strong/long muscle attachments (Frenulum) connecting the gum to adjacent oral tissues. Such attachments can cause gum recession, tooth separation/migration, brushing difficulty and supporting tissue loss.
Performed under local anesthesia, typically completed within minutes with minimal or no bleeding. Often requires no sutures.
Gum Aesthetics (Pink Aesthetics)
A modern term describing the harmony between teeth and gums according to accepted aesthetic principles. Misalignment of tooth positioning, gum form, gum color changes and tooth-to-gum ratio visibility during speech/smile negatively impact aesthetics.
Conditions such as Gummy Smile (excessive upper gum visibility) are addressed through similar procedures or Lip Repositioning surgery.