We are delighted to announce that Mullane Dental has now reopened for all aspects of dental care.
Please call us on 069 62703 or drop us an email at info@mullanedental.ie to arrange an appointment.
Please watch this video to learn how we provide a safe environment for staff & patients. To learn more about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice to keep patients and staff safe, click here.
We look forward to welcoming you back!
Exceptional Dental Care For All Ages
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious inflammatory disorder that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth.
It begins when the bacteria in plaque, causes the gums to become inflamed. Plaque is a sticky film, composed primarily of bacteria, which adhere to your teeth at and below the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth, even minutes after cleaning. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. Gum disease is divided into two categories: Gingivitis and Periodontitis. Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis and can eventually lead to tooth loss and other health problems.
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 stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
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. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
Factors that may contribute to periodontal disease include, diabetes, smoking, aging, genetic predisposition, systemic diseases and conditions, stress, inadequate nutrition, puberty, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, substance abuse, HIV infection, and certain medication use.
Gum disease is often silent, meaning symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease.
However, warning signs of gum disease include the following:
Periodontal health should be achieved in the least invasive and most cost-effective manner. This is often accomplished through achieving perfect oral hygiene and non-surgical periodontal treatment.Non-surgical periodontal treatment (NST) does have its limitations. When it does not achieve periodontal health, surgery may be indicated to restore periodontal health.
Scaling and Root Planing (NST)
Scaling and root planing is a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus [tartar] from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins. There will be a degree of sensitivity and some recession after this treatment.
Surgical Debridement
This is indicated once initial scaling and root planning is completed and the pockets do not resolve as expected. The purpose of this is to get better access to the root surface and reduce the pocket depth. Reducing pocket depth and eliminating existing bacteria are important to prevent damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease and to help you maintain a healthy smile. Eliminating bacteria alone may not be sufficient to prevent disease recurrence. Deeper pockets are more difficult for you and your dental care professional to clean, so it's important for you to reduce them.
Once periodontal health is restored. You will need to have meticulous oral hygiene and regular maintenance (Scale and polish) every 3-6 months to maintain the health of your gums.
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. They are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.
Some patients’ periodontal needs can be managed by the general dentist. 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 aging, periodontal treatment may necessitate a greater understanding and increased level of expertise by a trained specialist. Patients who present with moderate or severe levels of periodontal disease, or patients with more complex cases, will be best managed by a partnership between the dentist and periodontist.
If you have any queries please contact us.
If you would like to book a consultation with our Periodontist, Dr. John Crotty, please use our appointment form below.
If you have any queries please contact us at the Mullane Dental Practice, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. Alternatively, if you would like to book an appointment / consultation with one of our dentists, please use our appointment booking form below.
