Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic bacterial infection around the tooth that affects the gums and bones. It can occur on one particular tooth or on many teeth.
If left untreated, this can result in bleeding gums, bad breath, shaky teeth, and eventual tooth loss. There have been studies that link gum disease to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Pregnant women with gum disease have a higher risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
Proper daily toothbrushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day are essential to prevent gum diseases, including fresh tips about choosing your toothbrush. Regular dental visits for professional cleaning once every 6 months are also necessary to remove tartar and to clean those areas you may have missed. This regular visit can help prevent gum and oral disease.
This is a fee estimate & subject to change. Please check with your clinician for an exact fee based on your unique clinical condition.
Gum Infection Therapy | S$ 280 - 350 per section (w/o GST) |
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Plaque causes the gums to become inflamed – red, swollen and bleed easily. This is known as gingivitis and there is usually no pain at this stage. This is caused by inadequate oral hygiene and can be treated with professional dental treatment and good oral home care.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, tissues and bones that support the tooth are destroyed. Gums will start to separate from the teeth, forming deeper pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums). As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen further, and more gum tissues and bones are destroyed. Eventually, teeth will become shaky and have to be removed.
Gum bleeding is usually the first sign of gum diseases. You may find your gums bleeding during brushing, flossing or even eating hard food. Other clinical signs/symptoms of gum disease include:
Sometimes, gum disease can get out of control to such an extent that even professional cleaning by a dentist can’t reverse the damage done. The best solution is always prevention. But what if the damage is already done? Is it too late? Not always. It’s time to see the gum specialist; the periodontist.
A periodontist is a dentist who specialises in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. They receive extensive education and training in these areas and are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating gum disease. Periodontists often treat more problematic cases, such as those with severe gum disease or complex medical history. They offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling, root planing and root surface debridement. Root planing is when the infected surface of the root is cleaned. On the other hand, root surface debridement refers to when damaged tissue is removed. The periodontist may also provide a range of surgical procedures which may be necessary for patients with severe gum problems.
For some, a visit to a general dentist will suffice. However, as more and more patients are exhibiting signs of periodontal disease, coupled with research that suggests a relationship between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases of ageing, periodontal treatment may necessitate a greater understanding and increased level of expertise by a trained specialist. It is best for patients with more severe levels of periodontal disease or with more complex cases to be managed by a partnership between the dentist and periodontist.
During a regular dental check-up, your dentist removes plaque and tartar that build up and harden on the tooth surface. The process of professional dental cleaning helps to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line of all your teeth.
Done under a local anaesthetic, this non-surgical deep-cleaning procedure scraps away plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. In order to help remove bacteria, rough spots on the tooth root are also smoothed. This provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth.
Antibiotics may be prescribed either in combination with surgery and other therapies or alone. Antibiotics help in reducing or temporarily killing the bacteria that cause gum infections. They also prevent the destruction of the tooth’s attachment to the bone.
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Smilepoint Dental Centre
Chip Bee Gardens (Opposite Holland Village)
43, Jalan Merah Saga #01-64
Singapore 278115