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What is periodontal scraping and what is it for?

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that can affect the gum tissue and the bone around the teeth. There are three stages of the disease: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.

It arises mainly from the accumulation of bacterial plaque and tartar on the teeth and if the disease is not controlled, over time it can lead to deterioration of the tissues that support the teeth. As a result, dental implants may be necessary due to tooth loss.

Red gums are a warning sign

Bacterial activity releases toxins that inflame the gums and cause redness and bleeding. If not initially controlled, the gums take on the shape of pockets (called periodontal pockets) and make room for plaque and tartar to form on the tooth root.

It is therefore at this point that periodontal scraping of this material becomes necessary to avoid more serious problems, such as the tooth softening and falling out.

dental scraping

Deep periodontal treatment

However, periodontal scraping is a procedure that aims to mechanically remove tartar buildup at the level of the tooth root and helps to control and prevent the progression of periodontal disease.

Periodontal scraping and smoothing of the tooth and root removes the material that causes bacterial activity, allowing the gums to heal and return to their normal position. It is therefore done manually with the aid of specific instruments or ultrasonic vibration.

In most cases, the procedure is carried out under local anesthesia to avoid pain and discomfort for the patient, who usually already has sensitive and inflamed gums. It may be necessary to carry out more than one session in order to remove them completely.

It all depends on the stage of the disease. However, after treatment, patients are advised to take care of their oral hygiene to prevent the disease from reappearing and to return to the dentist’s office more often.

Gum scraping serves as the basis for other dental treatments

However, before having dental treatment we need to make sure that the gums are healthy and that there are no more sources of infection in the teeth. That’s why a dental cleaning and often a gum scraping is always recommended before your main dental treatment:

If you have any questions about the treatment or the price, please make an appointment or contact us. We at ImplArt Dental Clinic will be happy to help you.

Periodontal disease: how do I know if I have it?

Periodontal disease is characterized by the formation of a space between the gum and the tooth, a periodontal pocket, which helps to accumulate food debris and bacteria. It is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. As in all cases, only a dentist can determine with certainty the patient’s condition and what treatment should be carried out.

Periodontal disease self-examination

But people can find out more quickly at home what their problem is. In the case of periodontal disease, the most characteristic sign is bleeding gums. In addition, changes in the position of the teeth, swollen gums, tooth mobility, receding gums, bad breath and food retention are signs that the disease may already be present.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacterial plaque adhering to the tooth. Bacterial activity in this area releases toxins that initially cause the gums to loosen, making room for infection inside. This infection leads to the progressive deterioration of the supporting tissues of the teeth and in advanced cases, they become soft and fall out.

However, changes in the gums can also be associated with emotional causes, medication or low immunity. That’s why it’s important to have a consultation to assess the causes.

periodontal disease stages

Treatments for inflamed gums

For treatment, the patient must go to the dentist who will remove the plaque by scraping and smoothing the roots of the teeth. Surgery may be indicated if the aforementioned procedures do not reach the entire area of the compromised root. Even with proper treatment, there may be sequelae such as displacement in the position of the tooth, bone loss and gum recession. Surgical and prosthetic procedures are available to reduce these effects.

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms of periodontal disease, make sure you schedule an appointment to start proper treatment as soon as possible, and thus avoid more serious problems such as tooth loss.

Types of dental prosthesis materials

First of all, there are different materials used to make dental prostheses. Tooth loss occurs due to various factors, which is why there are also various types of prosthesis that can be indicated for each patient’s needs. Dental prostheses can be made on full-arch dental implants, protocol prostheses or even on individual dental implants. Therefore, as there are many types of prostheses, from fixed prostheses to removable prostheses ( dentures ), we have decided to explain the types of dental prostheses in a very simple way.

The aim is certainly to help you learn more about all the options available and also to help you decide on the best treatment option. See more below.

Learn about the main types of dentures

First of all, teeth are very important for health, aesthetics and well-being. The absence of teeth therefore compromises speech, chewing, social interaction and even general health.

In addition, difficulty chewing can sometimes influence the poor intake of important nutrients.

The great news is that dental prostheses today are very advanced and increasingly resemble natural teeth, not only in appearance but also in function. What’s more, there are many options for prosthetic materials, from conventional teeth to fully computerized ones

Therefore, we will discuss the main types of dentures and dental crowns and the characteristics of each one below.

Classification by type of prosthesis. By size

single dental implant
Single or individual denture – This is a denture in the shape of a single tooth element.
partial implant fixed dental bridge
Partial or multiple prosthesis – This is a bridge-shaped prosthesis that contains three dental elements, the central one suspended over the gums. It is therefore used to replace teeth that have been lost sequentially.
total implant fixed dental prosthesis
Full dentures – These are used to replace all the teeth in a dental arch when the person has no teeth left.

Description by type of prosthesis . Fixation method

By method of attachment, dental prostheses can be cemented or screwed.

bridge over teeth
Cemented crowns on teeth
screwed crown versus cemented crown
Crowns on implants can be of the cemented or screwed type

Description by type of prosthesis . Type of support

mobile dentures - materials for dental prostheses
Gum-supported dentures – Full dentures that are supported on the gums and are held in place by the shape of the denture or with the aid of attachments.
cemented bridge over teeth - prosthetic materials
Supported on teeth – The single or partial denture can be bonded to teeth that can still be maintained, usually with a treated root canal and with part of the remaining structure prepared. In this way, the partial denture can also be attached to the lateral teeth using metal clips, but this technique has some disadvantages, such as exposed metal and a certain amount of discomfort.
fixed dental bridge on dental implants
Implant-supported fixed prosthesis Single, partial or total prostheses can be fixed on dental implants surgically installed in the jawbone or mandible. In the case of complete dentures, the implants are strategically distributed throughout the arch.

Classification by type of dentalprosthesis materials

resin fixed total dental prosthesis on implants
Resin dental prosthesis – Plastic material used to make a single prosthesis, partial or total, on gums or on an implant. The Branemark protocol is a total prosthesis with a metal framework and resin teeth and gums.
metal ceramic total prosthesis
Metal-ceramic prost hesis This is a single, partial or total prosthesis with a metal structure and teeth made of dental porcelain.
zirconia total prosthesis fixed implants, zirconia is one of the best materials
Applied zirconia dental prosthesis – Single, partial or total prosthesis with an internal zirconia structure and teeth made of dental porcelain. Extremely aesthetic and similar to natural teeth.

scraping
Pure zirconia dental prosthesis – Pure zirconia is also known as cubic zirconia, or translucent zirconia, monolithic zirconia, as well as multilayer zirconia.

On the type of gum characterization and materials

zirconia total prosthesis for aesthetic implants
Artificial gum prosthesis Artificial g um prosthesis is indicated for people who have had a lot of vertical bone loss, cases in which the gums have been reshaped and therefore the arch has lost its shape, or who have lost their gums for other reasons. In this case, the artificial gum mimics the shape and color of the natural gum so that the prosthesis looks more natural and the teeth don’t get too long.
full dentures without artificial gums
Without artificial gums (teeth only) – Dentures without artificial gums are indicated for people who maintain the volume and arch of their natural gums (for example, someone who has a tooth extracted and then has a dental implant placed). It is certainly not possible to make a gumless prosthesis in all cases, so please consult us.

Type of impressions and prosthesis planning

computerized dental prosthesis design for modern materials
Computerized impression taking – Technological advances allow us to take digital impressions with intraoral scanners and processes that are part computerized and part manual. This undeniably allows us to make faster, more personalized, more aesthetic prostheses with excellent adaptation.
scraping
Conventional molding – made with putty and the prosthesis manufactured using completely manual processes. The result can be excellent, but the work can take longer.

Some of the prostheses made at the ImplArt Dental Clinic

First of all, we know that images are important for seeing the results of a treatment and analyzing the differences in prosthesis materials. We have therefore included some images below so that you can see the different types of dentures made at Clinica Dentaria ImplArt.

First of all, this material has been prepared to educate you, so if you have any questions about the types of prostheses, please contact us. We at the ImplArt Dental Clinic are happy to help you and answer all your questions about dental prosthesis materials and dental implants! If you would also like to know what dental implant surgery is like , click HERE.

Periodontal disease – causes

Periodontal disease is a set of inflammatory manifestations caused by bacteria that affect the supporting tissues of the teeth, which in advanced cases leads to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. Bacterial action in these structures begins with the accumulation of plaque on the tooth surface.

Why gum disease occurs

The accumulation of bacterial plaque occurs mainly due to poor oral hygiene, poorly performed or hampered by the shape of the teeth (crooked teeth or teeth that are too close together) and long periods without visits to the dentist’s office for preventive treatment.

In early cases, the toxins released by the bacteria inflame the gums, which then become red, swollen and bleed easily. In moderate cases, the gums lose their attachment and form pockets, called periodontal pockets.

This condition is very worrying because when the gums lose their adherence it opens a door for bacterial activity below the gum line, meaning that tartar can build up on the surface of the tooth root and inflammation of the bone tissue and all the supporting structures of the teeth can occur.

Without proper control, inflammation leads to gradual bone loss and teeth become soft, fall out or need to be extracted. Look at your teeth and gums: some conditions can be signs of periodontal disease:

  • Plaque and tartar adhered to the teeth, mainly on the line between the gums and teeth. Plaque is colorless and viscous. Tartar is when the accumulated plaque calcifies and is yellowish or whitish in color;
  • Gums that are swollen, red or bleed easily when brushing, flossing or involuntarily;
  • Retracted gums, sagging or separated from the tooth;
  • Tooth sensitivity;
  • Part of the tooth root exposed;
  • Changes in the position or mobility of the teeth;
  • Tooth loss;

Periodontal disease: causes

Accumulation of plaque and tartar

Plaque is a viscous, transparent film that forms on the teeth near the gum line. The toxins released by the bacteria inflame and irritate the gums, which can turn red and bleed. Tartar is when this plaque becomes hardened (yellowish or whitish calculus) and can only be removed by a professional. When the gum becomes loose, it exposes the root and calculus can build up in this area. Bacterial activity in this area leads to the gradual deterioration of the bone around the tooth.

Medicines

Some medications can interfere with oral health and favor the onset of periodontal disease or make it difficult to cure. The main classes of these drugs are: contraceptives, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antihypertensives, some used to treat cardiovascular problems and drugs to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. It is important that patients inform their dentist of any medication they are taking.

Low immunity

Patients in this condition, in most cases as a result of AIDS or chemotherapy, find it more difficult to respond to infectious processes and are more susceptible to the progression of periodontal disease.

Diabetes

Diabetes can cause difficulty in healing, changes in blood circulation and a drop in immunity. Diabetics are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease than non-diabetics.

Bad habits and functional conditions

  • Smoking –smoking reduces vascularization and consequently oxygenation of the cells. This makes it difficult for the body to respond to any infection. It also hinders healing processes and reduces salivation (which is essential for removing and fighting bacteria on the teeth). Read more about the harmful effects of smoking on oral health.
  • Poor nutrition – a lack of intake of various nutrients, such as vitamin C, can reduce immune resistance and promote oral infections.
  • Poor oral hygiene – proper brushing is the best way to remove food residue that may stick to the teeth and gums. The accumulation of this waste serves as “food” for bacteria. In addition to brushing properly, flossing and antiseptic rinses are recommended.
  • Failing to visit the dental practice regularly – visits are essential for identifying problems at an early stage and for carrying out prophylactic professional cleanings.
  • Bruxism – the habit of grinding and clenching teeth can accelerate the process of destruction of bone and gum structures with active periodontal disease. Read more about treating and controlling bruxism.
  • Malocclusion and crooked teeth – conditions that can encourage food residue to accumulate on the teeth and make it difficult to remove.

Emotional causes

  • Stress – Stressed individuals may have an altered immune response to infectious conditions. Tension can also encourage bruxism.

Genetic factors

There are people who are genetically predisposed to periodontal disease, even if they maintain good oral hygiene habits and visit the dentist regularly. A test can be carried out to find the genetic marker that influences periodontal disease.

Hormonal factors

  • Pregnancy – During pregnancy there are intense hormonal changes and the woman’s body can be slow to respond to infectious conditions. In addition, there are studies that show that periodontal disease can influence premature birth.
  • Puberty and menopause – As with pregnancy, puberty and menopause are phases of intense hormonal changes that can certainly make the body more susceptible to infections.
stages of periodontal disease

How can periodontal disease be prevented?

  • Maintain proper and regular oral hygiene. Spend more time brushing. Don’t forget the inside. People tend not to brush the less visible areas of their teeth properly and it is precisely in these areas that plaque and tartar can build up;
  • Visit the dentist regularly for professional prophylactic cleaning (scraping off plaque and smoothing the tooth surface);
  • Avoid excessive consumption of sugar and refined foods (the bacteria present in plaque feed on these sugars).

Even if you don’t notice these signs, regular visits to the dentist should not be abandoned. A professional eye can identify problems in time to treat them. Preventive care is certainly very important. They prevent problems in the future and can save you time and money.

What is dental implant surgery like?

Dental implant surgery is not a complicated process. Certainly, with current techniques, it’s a common procedure with no unforeseen problems. Implant surgery can take as little as half an hour in the simplest cases, is done in the clinic, in the implant dentist’s own office, with local anesthesia and the patient feels no pain.

Here at the ImplArt Clinic, we get a lot of questions from patients, especially about how dental implants are done in practice. So, to answer this and other questions about implant surgery, we’ve prepared this article to answer all your doubts about the treatment.

What is the best dental implant?

Today there are various types of dental implant with different technologies and healing times. There are even implants that heal in 30 days, called fast-healing implants, such as the Slactive implant, from the Swiss company Straumann, which is a fast-healing dental implant. In addition to this implant, there is the option of the ceramic implant, the only zirconia implant available on the market that is titanium-free and more biological, making it an excellent option for those who don’t want to have metals installed in their mouths.

This ceramic dental implant option has been increasingly sought after at Clinica Dentaria Implart by patients who want metal-free implant treatment.

Dental implant surgery can also be performed with intravenous sedation, for those patients who have a phobia of dentists, or even for those looking for extra comfort.

Is it dangerous to have dental implants? Dental implant surgery is a more straightforward procedure than you might think

Dental implant surgery is a safe procedure, and increasingly has more modern resources to make it faster and more comfortable. Here at Clinica Dentaria ImplArt, we have modern systems and expertise.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the implant procedure:

  • Step 1 – The procedure consists of making a small incision in the gum in order to expose the bone bed. The dentist needs to have good access to the area in order to install the implant correctly. If the dental implant surgery is performed with a Surgical Guide, it will be a blunt dental implant surgery
  • Step 2 – Small drills are then used to perforate the bone. The process is carried out in such a way as to progressively expand the cavity so that it can receive the implant of the size selected by the dentist.
  • Step 3 – The implant is then inserted into the cavity and given a protective cap.
  • Step 4 – The area is sutured, or in cases of Guided Surgery, the surgery is completed without the need for stitches.

Are you afraid of dental implant surgery?

Find out what resources are available at the ImplArt Dental Clinic so that you can have a very smooth surgery.

Watch the video below explaining how dental implant surgery is performed:

Como é a cirurgia de implante dentário - dente unitário - Clínica em São Paulo - SP

In the classic implant treatment, the pin is surgically fixed into the bone and then the gum is sutured. The site is left to rest for around one to six months, depending on the type of implant used. The implant screw remains inside the bone tissue and must therefore undergo the osseointegration process, protected from chewing forces and food residue.

Shortly after the waiting period, a small cut is made in the gum and then the implant receives a piece called a healer, this process is called reopening. The implant cap can remain exposed in the mouth while the implant heals. Afterwards, the healer is removed without anesthesia (because it is not necessary), and a metal abutment is adapted to receive the prosthesis.

Recovery from dental implant surgery / after dentalimplants?

During the rest period, the patient can use a temporary prosthesis for day-to-day activities. This also helps prevent bone resorption, which would require the use of bone grafts in the future. In some selected cases, the implant can be inserted without cutting, through a small circular opening made in the gum.

This greatly favors the healing of the area as well as patient comfort. Implant surgery should be performed by a dentist specializing in implant dentistry, who certainly has the experience and knowledge in the field to determine the best treatment for each patient. In order to have a good post-operative period, people who undergo this procedure should follow the dentist’s instructions, take care of their oral hygiene and avoid smoking, which can compromise the success of dental implant treatment.

dental implant surgery
Photo of dental implant surgery showing implant being inserted into bone

After dental implant treatment, it is always important to carry out cleaning and prophylaxis every 6 months, as a way of looking after the results achieved and monitoring oral health.

Get in touch with us to schedule your appointment or ask any questions you may have. We at the ImplArt Dental Clinic are here to help you!

Gum grafting to improve the aesthetics of teeth

What is gum grafting?

Gum grafting is used to try and reconstruct an area of the mouth that has suffered from receding or lost gum tissue. Gum recession can occur due, for example, to brushing too hard, gum disease, bruxism or prolonged use of braces. To reduce the effect of the problem, gum grafting is usually indicated.

This is a surgical procedure that consists of removing a piece of mucosa from the patient’s own palate (roof of the mouth) and then placing it over the defect. The material is removed under local anesthesia and the person feels no pain, only slight discomfort.

Update: It is now possible to perform gum grafting without removing gum from the roof of the mouth, using a synthetic material for this purpose.

When healthy, the gums form a protective collar around the tooth. There are two types of gum: the inserted gum, which is a pink, thicker tissue that surrounds the tooth and is adhered to by the bone tissue, and the mucosa (non-inserted gum), a thin, soft and highly mobile tissue that forms the inside of the cheeks and lips. When the gums are unhealthy, we first need to restore their health by removing the bacteria with a periodontal scraping.

Gum defect needs grafting

A gingival defect (receding gums) usually occurs as a result of gum inflammation, caused by a tooth fracture for example. It happens when the gum tissue retracts, almost always due to excessive force when brushing the teeth. The retraction of the gum tissue leaves the tooth root exposed, causing tooth sensitivity and compromising the aesthetics of the teeth. In the case of dental implants, receding gums can expose the base of the implants.

There can also be gum loss due to trauma, accidents or periodontal disease. In these cases, the gums lose their original shape and the aesthetics of the smile can be compromised, especially in the area of the front teeth. In some cases, the placement of dental implants leaves the gums with an inappropriate shape, and this defect can also be corrected with the gum grafting technique.

It is important to note that the gingival grafting procedure does not guarantee success. Even if the procedure is carried out perfectly in terms of technique, there may be tissue necrosis and a consequent loss of the grafted tissue.

gum grafting

After gum surgery

To prevent pain, the patient uses medication (anti-inflammatories) before and after surgery. The dentist can also use “surgical cement”, a protective barrier that is fixed in place where the operation took place. It sticks to the teeth and gums for around five days.

The donor area is not left unprotected after the procedure, as it is sutured (stitched) and this protection helps to maintain its aesthetics and shape, even after a small piece has been removed. Among the main precautions after gum surgery, diet is the most important. The patient should follow the post-surgical recommendations, which are the same as for implant surgery, eating soft, cold food for the first few days to avoid bleeding, infections, and to help with analgesia and healing.

Acidic foods should also be avoided so as not to irritate or sting the gums. As an alternative to gum grafts, prostheses can be made to disguise the aesthetic problem, either with more favorable tooth shapes or with prostheses containing artificial gum. Each case is assessed individually.

If you have any questions about gum grafting, treatments or treatment prices, please contact our team. We at ImplArt Dental Clinic are happy to help you.

Gum surgery: what is it for?

Gum plastic surgery is an option for people who are dissatisfied with their smile and also with the shape and size of their gums, mainly due to the lack of gums.

Gingival plastic surgery and tooth reshaping with composite resin

When they are very apparent, they influence the harmony of the smile and the self-esteem of some people. Gingivalaesthetics influences the smile through its relationship with the teeth, color and thickness of the gums. With this procedure it is possible to correct gum deformities by removing excesses and reconstructing areas that have little gum using gum grafts. The surgery is simple, performed under local anesthesia and carried out in the dentist’s office.

How is gum grafting done?

In general, gum tissue is taken from another part of the mouth, such as the roof of the mouth or behind the wisdom teeth. However, today it is also possible to use an artificial gum graft, obtained from pig tissue. After the procedure, the patient is instructed on how to perform oral hygiene for the first few days, as well as the medication they should take (usually antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and painkillers).

cirurgia gengival
Caso a estética da gengiva não esteja ideal há recursos que podem ajudar a aumentar ou diminuir seu volume.

They also receive recommendations on diet, especially to avoid eating foods with potential irritant reactions, such as acidic, very salty or spicy foods. The healing period depends on each case, but total internal gum rehabilitation takes place after six months. Many patients resort to this surgery due to gum disharmony, which can be related to excess or lack of gums.

Can the gums grow?

Growth can be caused by the use of medication such as antihypertensive drugs based on alodipine, anticonvulsants based on hydantoin, and fixed braces associated with poor brushing.

Gum recession or retraction is a change in the position of the gums as the root of the tooth becomes longer and more sensitive. This situation can occur due to strong traumatic brushing, malocclusion, when the bite is overloaded on the tooth with recession, bruxism and periodontal disease.

For this type of correction, gingival grafting may be indicated. The tissue used is taken from the mucosa of the roof of the mouth (palate). Surgery is contraindicated for patients with untreated cardiovascular problems, active periodontal disease, blood problems and mouth cancer.