Diagnosis and treatment of gum disease in Trieste
- “My gums bleed”
- “I have bad breath”
- “A tooth feels loose”
Periodontitis can be prevented and treated, as long as it is not neglected. It starts with a periodontal chart, then causal therapy with our dental hygienists, and regular check-ups to keep your teeth over time.
What it is
Periodontitis is an inflammation of the gums that spreads deep down and damages the bone that supports the tooth. That is why it causes bleeding gums and loose teeth; if neglected, it can lead to losing several teeth at once.
It is a sneaky, chronic disease, often without symptoms in its early stages, which makes early diagnosis a challenge. Bleeding gums and persistent bad breath can be the first warning signs.
The main symptoms
- Bleeding, swollen gums.
- Persistent bad breath.
- Loose teeth, in advanced cases.
Who it is for, and who it is not for
Who it is for
- People whose gums bleed, swell or recede.
- People with persistent bad breath or a loose tooth.
- People who already have periodontitis, or implants to keep under control.
When it is not done, or should wait
Treatment works only together with home hygiene: without it, the inflammation returns.
In the most advanced cases causal therapy may not be enough, and periodontal surgery is considered at the visit.
In most cases lost bone doesn’t grow back on its own: treatment stops the disease; for some badly affected teeth regenerative surgery can recover part of the support.
Tell us if you smoke, have diabetes, take medicines (some make the gums swell) or have conditions that lower your defences: they affect the disease and its treatment.
Step by step
How it works
- Periodontal chartAll the clinical measurements of the gums are recorded: the basis of the diagnosis and of the plan.
- Causal therapyThe dental hygienists clean teeth and gums in depth, with targeted local anaesthesia.
- Root planingPlaque and tartar are removed below the gum, without damaging the tissues.
- Home hygieneAt the end of each session: brushing technique, the right toothbrush, floss and interdental brushes.
- MaintenanceRegular check-ups and hygiene sessions, to follow the disease over time.
We believe prevention and conservation are always the better choice for the patient’s health.
The Kravos & Guadagno practice
Advanced periodontitis
When periodontitis reaches an advanced stage, often called pyorrhoea, the inflammation has seriously damaged gums and bone, making it hard to keep the teeth stable. The disease progresses slowly and silently: acting at the first signs avoids irreversible damage.
Before the session and in the days after
Before the session
- Bring the list of medicines you take, and tell us if you have diabetes or smoke: they affect the disease.
In the days after
- Gums can be tender for a few days, and teeth a little more sensitive to cold.
- Follow the hygiene instructions from the session: daily hygiene is 80% of the success of treatment.
- If you smoke, stopping helps healing and helps the results last: we can talk about it together.
Risks, explained honestly
After treatment the gums shrink and may recede a little: teeth can look longer and feel more sensitive.
Cleaning below the gum can let bacteria pass into the blood for a short time: for some conditions, heart conditions for example, this is assessed beforehand, so always tell us about your illnesses and medicines.
Periodontitis is chronic: without oral hygiene at home and regular check-ups, it can return.
No treatment can give certainty of success: the disease can be stopped, but teeth that are already badly affected can’t always be saved.
The alternatives
- Leaving it untreated is not an alternative: the disease advances silently until teeth are lost.
- In advanced cases, after causal therapy, periodontal surgery is considered.
When to call
Call the practice if:
- a gum suddenly swells and hurts;
- pus comes out near a tooth;
- a tooth becomes looser or shifts.
If you find it hard to breathe, swallow or speak, if the swelling spreads up towards the eye or down towards the neck, if you cannot open your mouth, or after a blow to the head, call 112 straight away or go to the emergency department. During opening hours call the practice. Out of hours, for severe pain or swelling, the two partners' mobiles; if they do not answer, the out-of-hours doctor on 116117, and the emergency department if bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes of pressure with gauze or if the swelling comes with a high fever. A piece that comes off or a wire that pokes, if there is no severe pain and no swelling, can usually wait until the practice reopens.
Questions
What you ask us
Is it normal for gums to bleed when I brush?
No. Healthy gums, like any mucous tissue, should never bleed. If they do, see your dentist to find out whether it is gingivitis, periodontitis or something related to your general health.
Can periodontitis affect titanium implants too?
Yes: titanium implants are more prone than natural teeth to this disease, so they need more frequent check-ups and professional hygiene sessions.
You may also find this useful
An appointment
We can talk it through at your appointment
Leave your name and phone number: the front desk will call you back in the time slot you prefer.
You will be called back by our front desk: Sara, Désirée, Giulia, Giovanni and Nicole.
Would you rather call us?
+39040660040Monday to Thursday 9:00-19:00, Friday 9:00-18:00