Gum Health and Fresh Breath Advice from Malta Dental
In our experience, periodontal disease (gum disease) is an extremely common cause of problem breath. Malta Dental, Cosmetic and Implant Clinic considers periodontal (gum) health to be the foundation for long-term dental treatment. Without healthy gums and supporting bone, dental treatment will eventually fail. Periodontal pockets (a measure of periodontal ill health) can be measured and recorded periodically. If you have tooth mobility and / or bleeding gums you should seek attention.
Smoking is very strongly linked with periodontal disease and can also hide some of the signs / symptoms meaning that the problem can remain unchecked and only be noticed when it has progressed too far.
If periodontal problems are noted at your initial examination, further investigations would normally be recommended including:
- A detailed Periodontal chart-up to record the depth and extent of your gum pocketing.
- Bitewing Radiographs (X-Rays) are usually done as a routine examination. They can show bone levels and support around the back teeth.
- A Panoral Radiograph (X-Ray) allow general assessment of your whole mouth and bone support at once.
- Panoral Radiograph (X-Ray) - Taken from outside your mouth, this X-Ray will provide a comprehensive view of all upper and lower teeth, jaws and jaw joints to highlight problem areas. Problem areas may include; degree of bone loss, defects and other abnormalities, cysts, abscesses, un-erupted (buried) teeth/ roots, root canal treated teeth, decay.
Treatment of Periodontal (Gum) Problems
Mouthwashes, irrigators, electric toothbrushes, medicaments and even our surgical intervention can then be considered gradually and as necessary to help you regain your periodontal health and fresh breath.
De-scale and polishes
De-scale and polishes help to reduce plaque, calculus/ tartar (hard mineral deposits) and tooth staining.
Elyzol Treatment
Elyzol treatment is an option which helps promote gum healing in milder cases of gingivitis/ periodontal disease. Initially an extensive de-scale and polish (with root cleaning) is carried out then Elyzol (Metronidazole Gel) is placed into the gum pockets. This procedure is carried out on two separate occasions about one week apart. This will improve all areas, however some regions may only need regular de-scale and polishes from then on.
Surgical Treatment
A more proactive treatment approach may be considered to remove overgrown (inflamed) gum, which will allow easier cleaning and maintenance of the gum health. Normally sedation will be used in conjunction with surface and local anaesthetic to maintain comfort. The infected excess gum pocketed area is removed (gingivectomy) and then the remainder re-contoured to encourage future gum health (gingivoplasty).
A "low level laser therapy unit" and special medicaments can be applied to immediately start up the healing process. A dressing is placed for comfort (removed approximately 7-10 days later) to ensure an uneventful healing phase and maintain correct gum contour during the healing period.
Periodontal Medications
Periodontal medications can be considered to promote the effectiveness of other treatments. These are available from the practice e.g. Periostat.
