Visit a Periodontist in Singapore
Preventative and restorative care for your gums.
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Our periodontics team in Singapore
Our team is dedicated to keeping the foundations of your teeth going strong.
What is Periodontics?
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the treatment of gum diseases and the foundation structures around the teeth. Without proper treatment, gum disease could pose serious health issues, and eventually a person could suffer tooth loss and bone loss in the jaw.
At Specialist Dental Group, we have a team of periodontists and dental surgeons who have had years of experience in periodontics and practice. Our team is determined to offer personalised treatments to preserve the health of your gums and overall oral health.
Common periodontal procedures include scaling (careful cleaning above and below the gum line to remove any plaque and tartar) and root planing (smoothen roots of teeth to allow gums to reattach), periodontal surgery, dental implants, gum plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures (crown lengthening, soft tissue grafts, ridge augmentation).
Periodontists also work closely with other specialists such as prosthodontists, oral & maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, endodontists and paedodontists to ensure a comprehensive and seamless approach to your dental treatment.
Our periodontists recommend regular check-ups and treatments to preserve as well as improve gum and overall oral health. With years of expertise, you can get the needed dental treatment in Singapore for your gum health
Types of periodontics procedures
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, medically known as periodontal disease, is a common but often preventable condition that affects the gums and the bone structure that supports the teeth. It is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If not properly cleaned, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to inflammation and infection in the gum tissues.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease mainly occurs due to the buildup of plaque. However, several other factors can contribute to the development and progression of gum disease, including:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Body changes during pregnancy or menopause.
- Obesity
- Not eating well, especially not getting enough vitamin C.
- Family history of gum disease.
- Certain medicines make the mouth dry or affect the gums.
- Having weak immunity from conditions like leukaemia, HIV/AIDS, or cancer treatments.
- Diseases like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease.
What is involved in Gum disease treatment in Singapore?
If you are experiencing the following symptoms of gum disease:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
It is timely to visit a periodontal specialist in Singapore. The initial consultation is a comprehensive process to understand existing gum health, identify any issues, and develop a treatment plan. Here’s what you can generally expect during this appointment:
Patient history
The periodontist will start by asking about your dental and medical history. It is important to mention any medications you’re taking, existing health conditions, and any dental concerns or symptoms you’re experiencing.
Oral examination
The specialist will thoroughly examine your mouth, focusing on your gums, teeth, and jawbone. They’ll look for signs of gum inflammation, gum recession, and any areas where the gum is pulling away from the teeth to form pockets.
Measuring gum pockets
A vital part of the examination is measuring the depth of the pockets around your teeth using a unique tool called a periodontal probe. Healthy gums usually have pocket depths of 1-3 millimetres. Deeper pockets may indicate gum disease.
X-rays
The periodontist may take X-rays to check the health of the bone below your gum line. This helps in detecting any bone loss that often accompanies advanced gum disease.
Diagnosis
Based on the examination and X-rays, the periodontist will diagnose the condition of your gums.
Treating gum disease involves professional care from a periodontal specialist in Singapore and diligent self-care at home. The treatment approach depends on the severity of the disease. Here’s an overview of the common treatments for gum disease:
Non-invasive methods
- Professional dental cleanings: Regular cleanings are crucial for removing plaque and tartar to address gum disease.
- Scaling and root planing: For more severe cases, this deep cleaning method cleans below the gum line and smoothens tooth roots.
- Medications: Antibacterial mouthwash can control infection and inflammation.
- Lifestyle modifications: Good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and quitting tobacco are essential for managing gum disease.
- Laser gum therapy: An alternative to conventional cleaning methods, laser gum therapy helps to remove diseased tissue and bacteria with minimal discomfort.
Invasive methods
- Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery) might be recommended if inflammation persists despite deep cleaning. It involves lifting the gums back to remove tartar deposits, then stitching the gums snugly around the tooth.
- Bone and tissue grafts help regenerate bone and tissue in cases of bone loss. Grafting materials can come from the body, synthetic materials, or donated tissue.
- Guided tissue regeneration involves placing a small piece of fabric between the bone and the tooth. This barrier helps the bone and connective tissue to regrow and better support the teeth.
Soft tissue grafts cover exposed roots, reduce gum recession, and protect vulnerable tooth roots from decay.
Black triangles are known as triangle-shaped gaps between your teeth. Gum grafting of black triangles between teeth is unpredictable. It is best to consult a dental specialist/dentist before any gaps between the teeth become obvious.
Follow-up care is critical to managing gum disease and maintaining oral health. After treatment, regular visits to a periodontist in Singapore are essential. These checkups with the specialist involve assessing gum health, measuring gum pocket depths, and checking for plaque or tartar buildup. Professional cleanings during these visits are crucial for preventing the recurrence of gum disease.
Monitoring gum recession and periodic X-rays may also be part of follow-up care with the periodontal specialist, especially if bone loss was initially present. These visits provide an opportunity for ongoing education on proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing techniques, flossing, and using specific oral hygiene products.
