Many children and adults suffer from periodontal diseases. Swelling of the gums and bleeding during brushing are the first signs. There are many types of periodontal diseases, but the most common are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums which, if left untreated, can reach the bone and develop into periodontitis—a more severe condition that may progress slowly until teeth begin to loosen. Periodontitis not only affects the appearance of the smile but also increases the risk of heart attack and premature birth in pregnant women.
What periodontal (gum and jaw) prevention and treatment procedures are performed at OZO Aesthetic Dentistry and Implantology Clinic?
- Professional oral hygiene;
- Treatment of gum recession;
- Curettage – deep cleaning of periodontal pockets;
- Gingivectomy – surgical removal of overgrown, inflamed gum tissue;
- Clinical crown lengthening procedure;
- Flap surgery;
- Gum plastic surgery.
- What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums that, if untreated, can spread to the bone and develop into periodontitis—a much more serious inflammatory disease. In periodontitis, deep periodontal “pockets” form between the gums and teeth, where bacteria accumulate. These bacteria can cause inflammation and spread infection throughout the mouth.
As periodontitis progresses, the bone and connective tissue supporting the teeth begin to deteriorate. As a result, teeth become loose and may eventually fall out. These changes are irreversible, which is why early diagnosis is crucial.
What are the main causes of periodontal diseases?
The primary cause of periodontal diseases is dental plaque and tartar. Tartar forms when soft plaque hardens and cannot be removed by brushing alone—it must be removed by a professional. If left untreated, tartar can cause gum inflammation, which may lead to tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss.
Other contributing factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, stress, nutritional disorders, genetic predisposition, and hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause.
At what age do periodontal diseases occur?
Periodontal diseases can occur at any age. Studies show that nearly half of individuals over the age of 18 exhibit signs of periodontal disease.
What are the main symptoms of periodontal diseases?
- bleeding gums;
- redness;
- suppuration;
- sensitivity or pain;
- bad breath;
- tooth mobility or even tooth loss.
- When should you consult a specialist?
If you notice bleeding gums while brushing your teeth, you should immediately visit a dental clinic.
How are periodontal diseases treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Initially, professional oral hygiene is essential—removal of plaque and tartar, proper oral care at home, and rinsing with antiseptic solutions.
In more advanced cases, deep cleaning of periodontal pockets (curettage), flap surgery, bone defect reconstruction with bone substitutes, or treatment of gum recession may be required.
Periodontal diseases are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack. If left untreated, they may also lead to serious health complications and premature birth in pregnant women.
Is deep curettage painful?
Deep curettage is used to treat more advanced periodontal conditions. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so no pain is felt.
During the procedure, the dentist removes tartar, polishes the tooth and root surfaces, and removes inflamed gum tissue. After treatment, teeth may be temporarily sensitive, but this usually subsides within 2–3 weeks. Curettage helps reduce or completely eliminate gum bleeding and sensitivity.
After treatment, specialists at OZO clinic will recommend appropriate oral hygiene products for home care.
If periodontal pockets are deeper than 5 mm, curettage may not be sufficient, and surgical treatment may be required.
When is gingivectomy performed?
Gingivectomy is performed in more severe cases of periodontal disease. During this procedure, inflamed gum tissue is surgically removed.
The procedure may be performed using a scalpel, electrosurgical instruments, or a laser. It is carried out under local anesthesia, so no pain is experienced. The procedure duration ranges from a few minutes to an hour, and full healing usually occurs within two months. After gingivectomy, gum pockets are reduced, making them easier to maintain and clean.
Gingivectomy may also be performed for aesthetic purposes—for example, when excessive gum tissue affects appearance, chewing, or speech, or when a “gummy smile” is present. Gum plastic surgery helps achieve a natural and aesthetically pleasing smile.
What other surgical procedures are performed in the treatment of periodontal diseases?
Clinical crown lengthening (or root exposure surgery) is performed when the hard tissues of the tooth are damaged or excessive gum tissue interferes with proper prosthetic treatment. The procedure exposes more of the tooth root and adjusts the surrounding bone structure.
The goal is to reveal more healthy tooth structure above the gum line and ensure that the crown restoration covers as much healthy tooth tissue as possible while shaping the gums naturally.
Flap surgery is performed in advanced stages of periodontitis. During the procedure, a section of the gum is lifted, and severely inflamed and damaged tissues are removed. In some cases, bone and gum structures are surgically reshaped using bone substitutes.
Flap surgery is performed under local anesthesia and usually lasts 1–3 hours. After the procedure, painkillers and antibiotics are prescribed, and sutures are removed after 7–10 days.
Clinical crown lengthening and flap surgery should only be performed by well-trained, professional oral surgeons. Specialists at OZO Aesthetic Dentistry and Implantology Clinic ensure that all procedures are performed efficiently, effectively, and painlessly.
After these procedures, patients must strictly follow the dentist’s instructions and maintain excellent oral hygiene. This ensures faster healing and helps prevent the recurrence of periodontal diseases.
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ) TREATMENT
Are you experiencing jaw joint pain or pain near the ear? Do you feel or hear clicking or cracking sounds when opening or closing your mouth? Dizziness, headaches, ringing or buzzing in the ears, difficulty opening the mouth, or teeth grinding—all of these symptoms may be caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders that require treatment.
TMJ disorders can arise from various causes, including neurological, psychological, or anatomical factors. For example, a past injury to the joint may cause pain even after a long time, and inflammation resulting from trauma may develop into arthritis. On average, every third adult experiences unconscious teeth grinding (bruxism) and its consequences, including malocclusion. An improper bite is also a common cause of jaw joint pain and dysfunction.
Function of the TMJ
The masticatory system consists of many components, which makes TMJ treatment a complex process. Both chewing and teeth grinding involve not only the teeth, jaw joints, and masticatory muscles, but also the skull bones and overall spinal alignment.
The temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles maintain the position and movement of the lower jaw, including opening, closing, biting, and chewing. These movements function smoothly when there is proper interaction between the joint head and disc, ligaments, muscles, and teeth.
When the system does not function properly, disorders may occur, often accompanied by jaw clicking. The most common symptoms are headaches and facial pain, usually caused by excessive tension in the chewing muscles.
Symptoms indicating TMJ disorders:
- clicking or cracking of the jaw when chewing, opening, or closing the mouth;
- limited mouth opening (e.g., difficulty biting into food);
- jaw dislocation during wide opening;
- pain in the face, temples, or neck, unexplained headaches;
- teeth grinding or clenching, especially at night.
TMJ disorders are also referred to as CMD (craniomandibular dysfunction), which includes:
- Cranium – skull;
- Mandibula – lower jaw;
- Dysfunction – impaired function.
This term describes dysfunctions involving teeth, jaw joints, masticatory muscles, cervical spine, and skull structures.
What causes TMJ disorders?
Ideally, teeth should align like gears. If the jaw clicks, it indicates misalignment. In a healthy system, muscles, joints, and teeth function harmoniously. Disturbances such as high fillings, crowns, or misaligned teeth can disrupt this harmony and require TMJ treatment.
When misalignment occurs, the lower jaw shifts to a new position to maximize contact between upper and lower teeth. This compensatory mechanism leads to muscle strain, jaw clicking, and teeth grinding. In this altered position, muscles cannot function in a relaxed manner and become overloaded.
Because masticatory muscles are connected via nerves to other parts of the musculoskeletal system, dysfunction in the chewing system may cause additional problems elsewhere in the body. Conversely, TMJ disorders may also result from issues such as misaligned hips, knees, feet, or spinal curvature.
Psychological factors also play a role. Chronic stress increases muscle activity in the jaw and head. During sleep, when conscious control is absent, stress is processed through continuous muscle activity, leading to teeth grinding and eventually jaw clicking.
What to do if symptoms occur?
If you notice symptoms of TMJ disorders, you should consult a dentist specializing in this field as soon as possible. These disorders rarely resolve on their own. Only a professional evaluation of function and structure can determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
In most cases, treatment with a special occlusal splint is sufficient. If the issue is caused by malocclusion, orthodontic treatment with braces may be recommended. Patients are also advised to perform jaw exercises at home. If necessary, treatment may involve collaboration with other specialists, such as physiotherapists, neurologists, or ENT doctors. Surgical intervention is required only in rare cases.
Why is TMJ treatment necessary?
TMJ disorders can cause significant discomfort—from difficulty opening the mouth to unpleasant sensations such as jaw clicking or teeth grinding, which may also affect dental aesthetics. If left untreated, these conditions may worsen and lead to more serious complications.
By consulting a dentist specializing in TMJ disorders, you can effectively treat these issues. Pain and clicking will be relieved, allowing you to forget the discomfort associated with jaw problems.
Restoring proper chewing function enables you to enjoy eating without discomfort. Morning tension in facial and neck muscles will disappear. You will be able to smile freely, eat comfortably, and avoid future complications related to untreated malocclusion.
If you are experiencing these symptoms and want to eliminate them, do not delay—seek professional TMJ treatment. Register for a consultation and treatment at “Ozo” Aesthetic Dentistry and Implantology Clinic.
Forget what it feels like to grind your teeth or hear your jaw click—early treatment is faster and simpler, so there is no reason to wait.
You can register for a consultation by phone +370 614 47777, by email info@ozoklinika.com, or by visiting our clinic at Šeškinės sodų g. 7, Vilnius. We look forward to welcoming you!
