Gum disease refers to inflammation of the soft tissue (gingiva) and abnormal loss of bone that surrounds the teeth and holds them in place.

If the gum diseases are not treated in time, the infection from the gums can spread to involve the underlying bone and may cause loosening or migration or loss of the tooth. Sometimes the infection may cause pus formation that can involve adjoining tissues and may cause swelling, pus discharge, bone infection etc.

Chronic gum diseases where pus oozes out of the gum margins (pyorrhea)/Periodontitis can affect the general health of a person. Recent scientific studies have shown that the gum infections are associated with heart and lung diseases. In pregnant women, it can lead to low birth weight babies and pre-term labour. Therefore, it is very important that gum diseases are prevented and treated early.

Periodontitis is the number one cause of tooth loss after the age of 40 in our country.

Non surgical treatment includes:
    • Deep cleaning (scaling and root planning)
    • Antimicrobial medications

Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations, however, and when it does not achieve periodontal health, surgery may be indicated to restore periodontal anatomy damaged by periodontal diseases and to facilitate oral hygiene practices.

Surgical treatment:
Flap surgery involves lifting back the gums and removing the tartar. The gums are then sutured back in place so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth again.

Bone and tissue grafts Grafting is a way to replace or encourage new growth of bone or gum tissue destroyed by periodontitis. A technique that can be used with bone grafting is called guided tissue regeneration, in which a small piece of mesh-like fabric is inserted between the bone and gum tissue.