PERIODONTISTS IN TROIS-RIVIÈRES
Consulting a
periodontist;
it’s the first step towards
a healthy smile
Our mission is to provide compassionate care while offering the highest standards of quality specialized dental treatments to our patients.
Periodontology
Periodontology is a subdivision of dental medicine specializing in diagnosis and treatment of all structures supporting the teeth in the jaw, such as gums and bone. This specialty also addresses the surgical placement of dental implants to replace missing teeth.
The periodontium represents the supporting hard and soft tissues around teeth, such as gums, bone, cement (covers the root surface) and periodontal ligaments (attaches the root to the bone). The discipline of periodontics treats the diseases affecting the periodontium. Gingivitis is the condition present when only the gums are affected by the disease, whereas periodontitis is the condition affecting all periodontal structures.
Periodontal disease; gingivitis, periodontitis
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth in the jaw.
Dental plaque, which continuously forms itself on the tooth’s surface, is composed of food debris and bacteria. The accumulation of pathogenic bacteria under the gum line contributes to the development of inflammation of the gums and breakdown of the bone around the teeth. This condition can occur when there is an imbalance between the bacteria and the immune response generated by the genetically susceptible individual. Infection of the bone and gums can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the primary cause of adult tooth loss, but with prompt treatment, this outcome can be avoided.
Often, the deterioration of bone and gums around teeth will not cause any symptoms and can go unnoticed. It is therefore very important to be proactive and seek treatment immediately when the disease is just beginning to prevent serious damage to the periodontium.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease.
It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this early stage. Luckily, gingivitis is reversible with adequate professional treatment and good at-home oral care.
Periodontitis :
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line.
Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums and stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body essentially destroys itself, and starts to breakdown the gums and bone around teeth. Gums separate from the teeth, forming periodontal pockets between the teeth and gums that can become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets become deeper and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may fall out or need to be extracted.
Periodontitis diagnosis is typically classified by stage and grade. After your periodontist conducts a thorough assessment of your unique case, he or she may assign a stage ranging from initial to severe that describes the severity of disease. Additionally, your periodontist may assign a grade, which communicates the rate of disease progression and anticipated response to treatment.
Gum recession
Gum recession is the result of gum disease that causes the root to become exposed because of receding gums. A multitude of factors can cause gum recession and root exposure. In certain cases where gums are very thin, inflamed due to the presence of dental plaque, or if traumatic brushing habits exist, gingival tissue can slowly be lost around teeth. When the root of a tooth is exposed, it can become very sensitive to cold, and can even become decayed. A lack of gum around a tooth can predispose to a periodontal infection, cause pain, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
Link between periodontal disease and general health
Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the supporting bone and tissues around the teeth.
The inflammatory reaction is your body’s way of removing the toxins released by bacteria in dental plaque. However, when the inflammation lasts for too long, it starts to break down the tissues around your teeth, including your gums and supporting bone. That is what we call periodontitis.
Unfortunately, inflammation doesn’t only occur in your mouth. Several other serious conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease are caused by the same chronic inflammation that causes periodontal disease. Studies have now shown clear evidence of associations between gum disease and many other inflammatory diseases.
By performing a scaling and root planning, your periodontist can reduce the inflammation in your mouth. But you can also help to reduce the inflammation in your mouth and even in your entire body right at home by remembering these tips: eat healthy foods, exercise, don’t smoke, and brush and floss your teeth. Don’t forget to visit your dentist for your exams and professional hygiene appointments.
Implantology
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth (crown) or bridge. A dental implant is made of biocompatible titanium alloy. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to decay, periodontal disease, or injury. Sometimes, there may not be sufficient bone in the jaw to place the implant immediately, therefore a bone graft, performed at the time of extraction or later, can help increase bone volume and permit later implant placement.
