Terms related to gum disease

You may feel absolutely blank when your dentist uses certain terms. Here are some of the most commonly used terms of gum disease demystified!

When you visit your dentist for a gum problem he/she may use certain terms which you may not be familiar with. You may feel absolutely blank. Here are some of the most commonly used terms of gum disease demystified!

Abscess
Localized accumulation of pus within body tissue due to degeneration of tissues is called an abscess. Gingival abscess occurs when bacteria reach deep inside the gums due to any injury from toothbrush bristles or sharp piece of food and result in pus discharge. In most advanced stages of gum disease (periodontitis) the infection moves deeper into the supporting structures of tooth resulting in a periodontal abscess. (Read: That swelling on your gum could be a gum abscess!)

Alveolar bone
The jaw bone is called the alveolar bone. The alveolar process is that part of the jaw bone which forms and supports the tooth sockets. It is formed during tooth eruption and gradually disappears after the tooth is lost.

Calculus
Calculus is hardened dental plaque. When there is lack of good oral hygiene the plaque remains on the teeth and undergoes mineralisation to form a hard, flaky substance called calculus.

Cementum
Cementum covers the root of a tooth. It is hard as bone but is softer than enamel and dentin. It is the only supporting structure that is a part of the tooth. It helps the periodontal ligaments to attach to the tooth. When gums recede, they leave the cementum exposed and this can cause sensitive teeth.

Curettage
Curettage is a minor surgical procedure to treat gum disease. It involves removal of inflamed and dead gum tissues with special instruments to promote the development of healthy tissue. Under local anaesthesia, your dentist will reflect away the gum tissue from the teeth and remove the inflamed tissue surrounding it. While doing so, he/she will also remove the tartar deposits present on the root surface and correct the irregularities in the bone. The gum is then repositioned back against the teeth.

Flap surgery
Flap surgery is done to reduce the deep periodontal pockets. It involves lifting back a section of the gums. This enables visibility of and access to the root of the tooth and the bone surrounding it. After the area is thoroughly cleaned of all tartar and debris, the flap is placed at the desired position and sutured.

Gingivectomy (Gum excision)
Excision of the diseased pocket wall of the gums is known as gingivectomy. It provides visibility and helps access tooth root surface to remove deposits and smoothen the roots. Removal of the diseased gum enhances gum healing and helps reshape it.

Read: Surgical options to treat gum disease

Gingiva
The gingiva (commonly called the gums) is the pink-coloured soft tissue that lies over the jaw bones inside the mouth. Most part of the gingiva is tightly bound to the underlying bone and is firm and resilient. The unattached border of the gingiva, called the marginal gingiva, surrounds the teeth like a collar.

Gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of gingiva due to build-up of bacteria in plaque. It is the first stage and a mild form of gum disease. The gums become red and swollen, and bleed easily.

Periodontal ligament
Periodontal ligaments attach the root of a tooth to the alveolar bone. Apart from supplying nutrients to the cementum, bone and gingiva through the blood vessels, they also help our teeth feel sensations. They act as 'shock-absorbers' by transmitting chewing forces to the bone. They also play a part in tooth eruption. Their destruction in advanced gum disease causes tooth mobility and ultimately, tooth loss.

Periodontal pocket
In severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) the bacteria in the plaque build-up and invade the surrounding bone and supporting structure of the teeth. The gum pulls away from the teeth to form periodontal pockets.

Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease in which the surrounding bone and supporting structure of the teeth are destroyed by the invasion of built-up bacteria in the plaque. The gum pulls away from the teeth to form pockets.There may be pus formation and it could cause foul-smelling breath. The teeth may become loose and may shift or ultimately may be lost.

Periodontium
The supporting structures of a tooth gums, periodontal ligament and bone are collectively called the periodontium. Periodontium comprises both soft and hard tissues that surround the tooth. It helps keep the tooth in place, provides nourishment and protects it. It is also responsible for the sensations of touch and pressure felt by the tooth.

Plaque
Dental plaque is the pale yellow or white sticky substance that develops on the teeth throughout the day. A few minutes after brushing, a very thin layer made up of saliva, proteins, and bacteria (also called the pellicle) is formed on the tooth surface. While this pellicle acts as a protective barrier on the teeth, it also acts as a base for bacterial attachment and growth. Within a few hours the accumulation of various species of bacteria along with sugar from the food we eat results in formation of plaque.

Root planing
Root planing is the procedure to remove the residual embedded calculus and smooth the rough spots on the tooth root. It stops the progression of gum disease by decreasing bacterial accumulation and calculus formation.

Scaling
Scaling or professional cleaning is the basic and one of the most effective treatments of gum diseases. For this non-surgical procedure your dentist will use specialized instruments to gently remove plaque, calculus and stain from the surfaces of teeth above and below the gum line. The procedure does not harm your teeth. Various types of instruments (ultrasonic, scalers, curettes, etc.) are used for the purpose.

Read: Gum disease doesn't always need surgery

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