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Periodontal Treatment (Gum Diseases)

Gum Diseases

Gum diseases are inflammatory diseases that affect the tissues of the teeth and gums. When diagnosed early, they can be treated successfully and easily. Preventing gum diseases is actually quite easy. Maintaining oral hygiene, brushing teeth with the correct technique at least twice a day, and having a regular dental check-up at least every 6 months are highly effective in preventing gum diseases and ensuring early diagnosis. Prevention or treatment of gum diseases also brings additional benefits such as the protection of natural teeth, easier chewing, and better digestion.

 

Main Causes of Gum Diseases

The most important cause of gum diseases is bacterial plaque, and the main factors contributing to the formation of these plaques are as follows:

  • Not brushing teeth regularly and properly
  • Not using dental floss
  • Smoking
  • Hormonal changes during puberty and menopause
  • Diabetes
  • Stress
  • Poor nutrition

 

Symptoms of Gum Disease

  • Bleeding gums
  • Swelling and redness in the gums
  • Receding gums and sensitivity in exposed root surfaces
  • Black areas on the gums or between the teeth, caused by tartar
  • Inflammation coming from between the teeth
  • Loose teeth, elongation, shifting of teeth
  • Bad breath and taste in the mouth

What Causes Tartar?
Tartar, also known as calculus, is a substance formed by the hardening of plaque that accumulates on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky layer that constantly forms in the mouth and contains bacteria, food debris, and saliva. If plaque is not cleaned by regular tooth brushing and flossing, it hardens over time and becomes tartar. Tartar usually forms on the back and between the teeth and has a brownish appearance.

 

What Problems Can Tartar Cause?
The formation of tartar is one of the most important causes of dental diseases. Common dental diseases caused by tartar include gum swelling, redness, bleeding, and gum recession. The bacteria responsible for tartar can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, lung disease, and tooth loss. In general, unwanted situations caused by tartar include tooth decay, tooth loss, bad breath, tooth sensitivity, etc.

What is Tartar Cleaning? How is it Done?
Tartar cleaning is the process of removing plaque and tartar buildup from teeth using special ultrasonic tools by a dentist. Plaques that cause tartar formation can accumulate on the surface of the teeth over time, leading to tooth decay and various dental diseases. Tartar cleaning helps to remove these buildups and maintain overall dental health.

What is Air-flow?
Air-flow is a next-generation hygienic teeth cleaning procedure in which fine sodium bicarbonate particles are mixed with a controlled air flow and water spray and sprayed onto the teeth and hard-to-reach areas. This process removes bacteria plaque, food debris, discolorations, and stains from the teeth and gums.

What is Curettage?
Curettage is a method used to treat dental diseases. It is applied to eliminate inflammation that may occur in the gums due to tartar. While antibiotics are recommended for inflammation in other parts of the body, they are not sufficient to treat inflammation in the gums. This treatment, which begins with the separation of the gum from the tooth, involves cleaning not only the gums but also the root area of the teeth. Curettage, also known as deep cleaning, is necessary to prevent problems that may occur on the surface of the tooth roots.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Tartar Cleaning

Tartar cleaning is a procedure that does not damage the teeth. Regular cleaning can help prevent potential oral and dental health issues. Since tartar is a hardened substance formed from accumulated plaque, it cannot be removed by normal tooth brushing or flossing. The cleaning process, when performed by a professional dentist, does not cause damage to the tooth enamel or gums. However, after the procedure, rare occurrences of gum bleeding or tooth sensitivity may occur. These complications typically resolve on their own in a short period of time.

 

Teeth are not typically numbed unless deep cleaning or root surface smoothing is required.
 

Teeth cleaning is generally painless, but it can cause slight discomfort for those with gum disease or other dental problems.
 

Gum bleeding may occur in patients with swollen and inflamed gums, but it is not severe and does not continue after the procedure. After cleaning, inflammation begins to resolve, and the gums return to a healthy, firm pink state.
 

The procedure typically lasts between 30-45 minutes. If there is heavy tartar buildup or work needed below the gums, a second session may be required.
 

Plaque buildup and tartar formation vary depending on tooth alignment, saliva composition, brushing habits, and diet. 6-month check-ups are recommended.
 

Unless there is a systemic disease, teeth cleaning can help treat gum-related bleeding and bad breath.
 

During pregnancy, hormones cause gums to become more hyperemic and swollen. Bleeding may be slightly more than usual, but it is not harmful. It is preferable to have dental cleaning between the 3rd and 6th months.
 

Teeth cleaning is done without damaging fillings or crowns.

 

When plaque and tartar are removed, a fresher appearance is achieved, but teeth will not be lighter than their natural color. Whitening (bleaching) is required for that.