Specialist Impacted Teeth & Wisdom Teeth Removal
July 30, 2024
Specialist Management of Periodontal Diseases
Periodontitis is a severe form of periodontal disease which can affect both young and old individuals. When left untreated, it will lead to destruction of supporting bone and gums and the eventual loss of all teeth. The common signs and symptoms are bleeding gums, swellings, bad breath, shaky teeth, teeth moving out of alignment and loss of teeth due to shakiness.
Gingivitis is a milder form of periodontal disease but when severe can, in some individuals progress into periodontitis. The common signs and symptoms are bleeding gums, swellings and bad breath.
Diagnosing and managing these conditions are key in returning and maintaining periodontal health long-term. This is achieved through both non-surgical (root surface debridements) and surgical (open-flap debridement or minimally invasive periodontal regeneration surgeries) modalities. Ideal management is not a one-off treatment but rather an entire management strategy performed in multiple phases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during my first visit of periodontal consultation?
Our specialist periodontist will first get to know you and understand your concerns and expectations. He will then perform a detailed periodontal assessment and examination. He will need to take focused and current xray(s) to better diagnose and prognose. He will then discuss with you about the condition you are having, why is it happening, what to expect moving forward and also the different phases of proposed treatments and costs. You are able to ask him the doubts and questions you might have. We spend over an hour on these visits.
What is non-surgical periodontal therapy?
Non-surgical periodontal therapy includes subgingival (beneath the gum surface) cleaning up to root surface debridement (depth of pockets > 4mm). It is usually performed under local anaesthesia.
What is surgical periodontal therapy?
Surgical periodontal therapy includes the removal of diseased periodontal tissues (gums and bone) surgically and also minimally invasive surgeries such as periodontal regeneration surgeries (including Guided Tissue Regeneration - GTR) where a minimal portion of gum tissues is exposed, cleaning is done and biomaterials promoting regeneration and repair (Emdogain/ CGF/ bone graft/ collagen membrane) is placed. This is performed under local anaesthesia or sometimes even under general anaesthesia if the patient requires it.
Is the treatment painful?
We place good topical anaesthetic gel before giving the local anaesthesia and are consciously gentle throughout. There will still be a small “pinch” while local anaesthesia is placed but once the anaesthesia has started working, both non-surgical and surgical procedures should be relatively pain-free. Post-operatively, you might experience some increased sensitivity after the root surface debridement procedures while for surgical procedures, you might experience a down-time (slight pain and swelling) of 3-5 days, which is well controlled with the anti-inflammatory and painkillers we provide. The experience differs from person to person but our specialists and dentists will advise you prior and are conscious of any changes or cues you give during the procedure.
How many times do I need to come?
Periodontal therapy is not a one-time off treatment. During the first visit, our periodontist will formulate an individualised plan for you. Management is done in phases with attention placed on your medical health, active periodontal therapy (visits every 6-8weeks) and supportive periodontal therapy (visits every 3-4months). If you were referred to us by a regular dentist whom you regularly see, once you are stable periodontally, we will refer you back for supportive care and see you for evaluation once a year.
Can I be cured?
Gingivitis is reversible but unfortunately periodontitis is irreversible.We can however stabilise periodontitis and maintain health for a long period with good home care and good professional recalls. Studies show that periodontally compromised teeth can still be retained and can function well.
Please contact us for an appointment for a more detailed and comprehensive consultation in relation to your condition.
