Root Debridement

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease (advanced gum disease) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the supporting structures of teeth, including gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.

It’s primarily caused by plaque accumulation that hardens into calculus (tartar) if not removed.

The disease progresses from gingivitis (gum inflammation) to periodontitis, which can lead to irreversible damage such as bone loss and tooth loss.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Early Stage (Gingivitis):

Red, swollen, or tender gums
Bleeding during brushing or flossing
Persistent bad breath (halitosis)

Moderate to Advanced Stage (Periodontitis):

Receding gums or teeth appearing longer
Loose or shifting teeth
Pain while chewing
Pus between teeth and gums
Deep periodontal pockets
Bone loss

Causes of Periodontal Disease

The primary cause is poor oral hygiene, allowing plaque to accumulate. Other contributing factors include:

Lifestyle factors: Smoking, poor diet, stress
Systemic conditions: Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, puberty, menopause
Medications: Drugs reducing saliva flow (antihistamines, antidepressants)
Genetic predisposition: Family history

Diagnosis Methods

A dentist diagnoses periodontal disease through:

Clinical examination: Assessing gum health, measuring pocket depth, checking for bleeding
X-rays: Evaluating bone loss around teeth
Periodontal probing: Using a calibrated probe to measure periodontal pocket depth

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on severity:

Scaling and Polishing: For mild cases, removes plaque and calculus above and below gum line
Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): For moderate cases, smooths root surfaces to remove bacteria
Surgical Treatment: For severe cases, may include flap surgery, bone grafting, or guided tissue regeneration

Difference between scaling and root debridement

Scaling removes plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces.
Root debridement involves more thorough cleaning of root surfaces to remove bacterial toxins and infected tissue to promote healing and gum reattachment.