Gum Treatment

Why do gum diseases occur?

In each individual, a soft bacterial layer, called microbial dental plaque, is accumulated on all tooth surfaces, between teeth and at the tooth-gum junction. When this plaque is not cleaned sufficiently with toothbrush and dental floss, an environment that allows harmful bacteria species to live is formed and harmful bacteria gradually multiply. Harmful substances produced by bacteria cause inflammation of the gums and melting of the bone surrounding the teeth. In addition, microbial dental plaque hardens over time and turns into tartar. More plaque accumulates on the calculus, which has a rough structure, and the progression of gum disease accelerates.

What are gum diseases and how are they determined?

Gum disease always starts with simple gingivitis. Bleeding in the gums is the most prominent finding. If left untreated, it can progress to serious infections (periodontitis), in which the jawbones melt and the teeth are lost by shaking. With the disease, the gums swell, redden, bleed and recede. Tooth lengthens, teeth change places, gaps form, teeth begin to shake, bad breath occurs. In smokers, bleeding is less felt due to the effects of nicotine on the vessels, which can mask the disease and prevent it from being noticed.

How is the treatment done?

The first step of the treatment is the removal of hard deposits on the teeth with special tools by your doctor. You will be taught how to clean the disease-causing microbial dental plaque with the right technique with a brush and floss in order for the treatment to be successful. In simple gingivitis, this treatment alone may be sufficient. In more severe infections, periodontal treatment under local anesthesia and in some cases with auxiliary biomaterials (such as bone powder, membrane) is used to treat inflamed, enlarged or sunken gingiva, cavities called 'pockets' between teeth and gums. Surgical procedures are applied due to bone resorption. In some cases, enlarged gums are removed painlessly, without bleeding and without stitches with state-of-the-art devices such as laser. After all these applications, patients are taken for 3-6-12 month check-ups to protect their gingival health. How often you will come for control will be determined by your doctor according to the severity of the disease and the presence of certain risk factors. Your brushing and interface cleanliness will be re-evaluated at each check-up. The success of gingival treatment is directly related to the patient's compliance and motivation to the treatment.