Sillim-dong Dental Clinic - Causes and Treatments for Periodontitis

Hello. This is 연세유라인치과의원 신림동점, located near Exit 7 of Sillim Station in Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu.

Many people think that tooth decay is the leading cause of tooth loss,

but in reality, periodontitis is a more common cause.

Because periodontitis begins not in the visible crown of the tooth but inside the gums, at the root area,

it is difficult to see from the outside and detect in its early stages.

Tooth decay causes clear symptoms, such as noticeable black discoloration, sensitivity, and pain when eating sweet foods,

so patients can easily notice it themselves.

In contrast, periodontitis is often difficult to recognize because swollen gums

cover the root area.

It is uncommon for the roots to be visibly exposed from the outside;

in most cases, the disease progresses without being visible at all.

The typical symptoms of periodontitis include bleeding gums when brushing

and loose teeth.

If you have these symptoms, do not leave them untreated.

You should seek dental care.

Periodontitis begins when bacteria and tartar accumulate in the spaces between the teeth and gums because brushing is inadequate.

This area is particularly difficult for a toothbrush to reach, so tartar forms easily, and the bacteria gradually penetrate deeper into the gums in order to survive.

Tartar attached to the outer surface can be removed through scaling,

but tartar attached deep inside the gums

is difficult to reach with regular scaling.

When bacteria settle deep in the gums, they damage the jawbone, and more tartar accumulates in the resulting space, causing the disease to continue worsening.

As this cycle repeats, a significant amount of jawbone is eventually lost, and the teeth become severely loose.

The problem is that many patients do not visit the dentist until their teeth are so loose

that extraction is necessary.

By then, treatment is often delayed, making it difficult to avoid extraction.

That is why it is important to undergo scaling at least once a year

and have the condition of your gums checked.

If there is an area that bleeds heavily when you brush,

that area may require deeper periodontal treatment rather than scaling alone.

Periodontal treatment involves removing tartar attached deep inside the gums

after administering anesthesia.

Because the treatment reaches deeper than regular scaling, anesthesia is required, and after treatment, you may notice a reduction in gum swelling or bleeding.

However, if the gums are severely swollen or filled with pus, an incision and drainage procedure may be necessary.

If a significant amount of jawbone has been lost, periodontal surgery, such as artificial bone grafting, may also be performed.

In the past, these periodontal surgeries were performed frequently in an effort to preserve the teeth as much as possible,

but today, as dental implants have become more widespread and their cost has decreased, surgery is chosen less often.

More patients have begun choosing implants after considering the cost and time required to preserve the tooth, as well as the prognosis after treatment.

That said, having gum disease does not automatically mean that a tooth must be extracted.

If the condition of the gums stabilizes through periodontal treatment and regular care,

natural teeth can be maintained for a long time.

However, if the jawbone continues to deteriorate rapidly despite treatment, and tooth mobility and pain persist,

extraction followed by implant treatment may instead result in a better prognosis.

Ultimately, the most important aspects of managing periodontitis are early detection and early treatment.

Even if there are no noticeable symptoms, check the condition of your gums through regular scaling and examinations,

and begin treatment promptly if any problems are found.

This is the most reliable way to protect your natural teeth.