• In advanced periodontitis, there is usually considerable bone loss. Tissue regeneration involves the grafting of new bone in the area of bone loss to give a better chance of bone regeneration. Through soft tissue grafts, gums can also be re-contoured where there is excessive gum recession.

• Guided tissue regeneration involves the insertion of a membrane to help in the bone regeneration process. This is sometimes useful during periodontal surgery.

• Periodontal flap surgery may be performed to reduce the pocket gap between the teeth and gums.

• If the jaw bone has craters housing bacteria and contributing to gum disease, the bone may be reshaped through bone surgery to eliminate the craters and help prevent future re-colonization of bacteria growth.

Gum disease (also known as periodontitis) is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding a tooth, and is the leading cause of tooth loss. Gingivitis is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and if left untreated can lead to periodontitis. Once gum disease sets in, the toxins produced by the bacteria damage the teeth’s connective tissue and bone, effectively destroying them and fostering tooth loss.
 

• Bleeding gums during tooth brushing or otherwise.
• Sensitive, red or swollen gums.
• Bad breath (Halitosis)
• Teeth that are loose or appear to have shifted.

Periodontitis (gum disease) is a bacterial infection which involves the bone and supporting tooth structure. Receding gums can lead to increased tooth sensitivity. Due to the infection pus may be produced, and pockets may form between the gum and tooth and provide a site for bacterial proliferation. The dentist can diagnose the onset of periodontitis through a periodontal examination. Oral hygiene instruction and scaling procedures can prevent the progression of this disease.

Causes of Periodontitis
There are a number of causes of gum disease, each of which can be corrected and controlled. The causes of gum disease include:

• Improper Dental Hygiene
  If plaque is not removed through daily dental hygiene practices and regular professional dental cleanings, bacteria may set in and cause gingivitis, which may eventually result in gum disease.

• Organic Changes in the Mouth
  Puberty, pregnancy and hormonal changes can affect the organic balance in the mouth and this increases the chance of gum disease.

• Medical Conditions
  Systemic conditions such as diabetes, anemias and kidney disease may have an affect on the teeth and its supporting structures and the oral mucosa. Furthermore, the Center for Disease Control has found an association between certain illnesses (including diabetes, stroke and heart attack) and gum disease. Medications used to treat medical conditions may produce the overgrowth of gums (gingival fibramatosis) which leads to accumulation of bacteria and this will start the cyclical process of gum disease.

• Saliva Flow Inhibitors
  Saliva has a number of protective functions one of which is the maintenance of gingiva (gums) and periodontium (gums and supporting structures). A reduction of saliva in the mouth can lead to gum disease. Older people may be more susceptible to dry mouth syndrome because of the natural reduction of salivary flow associated with age. Certain medications can also lead to reduction in salivary flow.

• Poor Functional Habits
  The pressure that is exerted during teeth grinding or clenching may damage the tissues supporting the tooth. This may contribute to the development of gum disease.