The periodontium refers to the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth. Periodontium includes the gum (GINGIVA), the jaw bone (ALVEOLAR PROCESS), the DENTAL CEMENTUM, and the PERIODONTAL LIGAMENT.
Retaining your teeth is directly dependent on proper periodontal care and maintenance. Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth, like a frame around a painting. When your gums become unhealthy, they become inflamed, swollen, and red. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth will shift, loosen, or fall out. These changes not only affect your ability to chew and speak. They also spoil your smile.
Periodontal diseases are ongoing infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Plaque-induced inflammatory processes make up the majority of periodontal issues and are divided into two categories: gingivitis and periodontitis. While gingivitis, the less serious of the diseases, may never progress into periodontitis, it always precedes periodontitis. When daily brushing and flossing is neglected, plaque hardens into a rough and hard substance called calculus (or tartar). This can occur both above and/or below the gum line.
Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. As a result, Gums become inflamed, red, swollen, and bleed easily. In time, the gums separate from the teeth causing pockets (spaces) to form. When gum pockets exceed 3mm in-depth, the risk for periodontal disease increases. As pockets deepen, more bacteria are able to colonize, eventually causing a chronic inflammatory response by the body to destroy gingivally and bone tissue.
If gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, the supporting gum tissue and bone (which hold teeth in place) deteriorate. The progressive loss of this bone support can lead to loosening and subsequent loss of teeth.
Periodontal disease is dangerous in that it is often painless and symptomless. Eighty percent of Americans will be afflicted with periodontal disease by age 45, and 4 out of 5 patients with the disease are unaware they have it. It is important to maintain proper home oral care and regular dentist visits to reduce the risk of obtaining this disease.
Scaling and Root PlaningÂ
The initial stage of treatment for periodontal disease is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling or root planing. The objective of these non-surgical procedures is to remove dental plaque and tartar buildup. They are commonly performed on cases of mild, moderate, and severe periodontal disease. When scaling and root planing is performed, calculus and plaque that attaches to the tooth surfaces are removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Root planing is the process of removing unwanted microorganisms from the portion of the tooth which is below the gum line. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed, which promotes healing, and also helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.