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Periodontics focuses more on the surrounding teeth structure rather than the teeth. The treatment is mainly for gum disease that typically manifests as infection or chronic swelling of the surrounding tissue. If left untreated, the disease can damage the soft and hard tissues supporting the teeth, resulting in tooth loss. Scaling and root planning are some of the treatment options for periodontics. Severe cases may require a surgical procedure to rectify. In case of tooth loss, implants can fill the space.
Periodontics treatment can restore the health of gums and teeth and minimize the risk of the infection spreading. Our dentist can recommend flap surgery or any other suitable treatment plan depending on the magnitude of the damage.
Pocket reduction involves making small incisions in the gums to lift a section of the area to expose the root. The dentist then scales and performs planning. If there is severe bone loss, the dentist will recontour them then suture the gum tissue. Other treatment alternatives we can try include guided tissue regeneration, soft tissue grafts, and bone grafting.
We may develop a different treatment plan depending on your overall health, responsiveness to treatment, and disease progression. The other options may include non-surgical procedures to control bacterial growth and infection rate.
The cause of gum disease is bacteria that form invisible plaque at the tooth and gum margins. The longer the plaque remains unattended, the more the biofilm grows and penetrates to reach the underlying bone. Several factors can facilitate the disease’s progression. Examples include smoking, certain medications, health conditions like diabetes, poor nutrition, insufficient dental care, etc.
Early detection is crucial and is possible through regular dental checkups. Most people never experience the symptoms until the disease progresses and becomes more challenging to manage. Contact our clinic if you notice your teeth shifting or becoming loose, reddening, increased sensitivity, or bleeding gums. Most of those signs are painless.
A deep cleaning process to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smoothen the tooth root surfaces to promote gum reattachment.
Surgical procedures aimed at repairing and regenerating damaged gum tissue and bone. Examples include flap surgery, bone grafting, and guided tissue regeneration.
Periodontists are skilled in placing dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots used to support replacement teeth.
A procedure to treat gum recession by grafting tissue from another area of the mouth onto the exposed root surface.
Regular follow-up visits to monitor and maintain gum health after periodontal treatment.
Good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings, play a crucial role in preventing periodontal diseases. Regular visits to both a general dentist and a periodontist (if necessary) are essential to maintain optimal oral health.
If you suspect any gum-related issues or have concerns about your oral health, it’s best to seek advice from a qualified dentist or periodontist. They can assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options to help you maintain a healthy smile.
A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth, collectively known as the periodontium. Their expertise lies in managing various gum-related issues and maintaining the health of the gums, periodontal ligaments, cementum (tooth root covering), and alveolar bone.
Here are some of the key responsibilities and procedures that a periodontist performs:
Diagnosis of Gum Disease: Periodontists are experts in diagnosing different stages of gum disease, ranging from mild gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) to advanced periodontitis (severe gum and bone loss). They conduct thorough examinations and use various diagnostic tools, such as X-rays and periodontal probing, to assess the condition of the gums and supporting structures.
Treatment of Gum Disease: Periodontists provide a range of treatments for gum disease, which may include:
Dental Implant Placement: Periodontists are skilled in placing dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots used to support dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implants are a popular and effective option for replacing missing teeth.
Periodontal Plastic Surgery: This involves surgical procedures to enhance the appearance of the gums and create a more aesthetically pleasing smile. It may include gum contouring or reshaping procedures.
Management of Complex Cases: Periodontists often handle challenging cases involving severe gum disease, complex dental and medical histories, and compromised periodontal health.
Maintenance and Follow-up Care: After treatment, periodontists schedule regular follow-up visits for periodontal maintenance to monitor the gum health and ensure the long-term success of treatments.
Collaboration with Other Dental Specialists: Periodontists work closely with general dentists, prosthodontists (specialists in dental prosthetics), and other dental specialists to coordinate comprehensive dental care for patients.
Overall, the role of a periodontist is to provide specialized care for patients with gum-related issues and support the maintenance of healthy gum and periodontal tissues. They play a crucial role in preserving the teeth and overall oral health of individuals by addressing diseases that affect the supporting structures of the teeth and promoting the longevity of natural teeth and dental implants.
Periodontics encompasses a variety of procedures aimed at preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth, collectively known as the periodontium. Here are some of the common procedures considered as part of periodontics:
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): This is a non-surgical procedure performed to remove plaque and tartar (calculus) that have accumulated below the gumline and on the tooth roots. It helps to eliminate bacteria and toxins, promoting gum reattachment and reducing inflammation.
Periodontal Surgery: Periodontal surgery may be necessary for more advanced cases of gum disease or when non-surgical treatments are insufficient. Some common periodontal surgical procedures include:
Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery): This involves lifting back the gum tissue to access and clean the roots of the teeth thoroughly. The gum tissue is then repositioned to reduce the pocket depth and promote healing.
Bone Grafting: In cases where periodontal disease has caused bone loss, bone grafting is performed to regenerate and restore the lost bone. This procedure provides a stable foundation for dental implants or helps support the natural teeth.
Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR): This technique uses barriers or membranes to promote the growth of new bone and gum tissue in areas affected by bone loss due to periodontal disease.
Dental Implant Placement: Periodontists are skilled in placing dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots used to support dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Gum Grafting: This procedure involves taking tissue from one area of the mouth (often the palate) and grafting it onto areas with receding gums to cover exposed tooth roots and prevent further recession. Gum grafting can also improve the appearance of the gums.
Crown Lengthening: This procedure involves removing excess gum tissue or bone to expose more of the tooth structure. It may be performed for functional or cosmetic reasons, such as when a tooth needs a crown or if there is a “gummy smile.”
Gum Contouring: Also known as gum reshaping, this cosmetic procedure involves removing excess gum tissue to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing gumline.
Periodontal Maintenance: After completing periodontal treatment, patients are often placed on a regular maintenance schedule to monitor their gum health and ensure the long-term success of the treatments.
These are just a few examples of the procedures that fall under the domain of periodontics. Periodontists are highly trained specialists who can assess your specific oral health needs and recommend appropriate treatment options to improve and maintain the health of your gums and supporting structures of the teeth. If you have concerns about your gum health or have been diagnosed with gum disease, consulting a periodontist can provide you with specialized care and personalized treatment plans.
In dentistry, periodontics refers to the specialized field that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth, known as the periodontium. The periodontium includes the gums (gingiva), the periodontal ligament, the cementum covering the tooth root, and the alveolar bone that surrounds and holds the teeth in place.
The primary concern of periodontics is the management of periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease. Periodontal disease is caused by the buildup of bacterial plaque and tartar on the teeth, leading to inflammation and infection of the gum tissues. If not treated promptly and effectively, it can progress and cause damage to the periodontium, eventually resulting in tooth loss.
Periodontists are dental specialists who have undergone additional training beyond general dentistry to specialize in periodontics. After completing dental school and earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, they undertake an additional three years of specialized training in periodontology during a residency program.
Some of the key aspects of periodontics include:
Diagnosis and Treatment of Gum Disease: Periodontists are experts in diagnosing various stages of gum disease and providing appropriate treatments to manage and halt its progression. This may include deep cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline.
Periodontal Surgery: Periodontists are skilled in performing surgical procedures to treat advanced gum disease, regenerate damaged gum and bone tissues, and address other periodontal issues.
Dental Implants: Periodontists are involved in the placement and maintenance of dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots used to support dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Gum Grafting: This procedure involves taking tissue from one area of the mouth and grafting it onto areas with receding gums to cover exposed tooth roots and prevent further recession.
Bone Grafting: Periodontists may perform bone grafting procedures to augment and regenerate the alveolar bone, providing a stable foundation for dental implants.
Periodontal Maintenance: After treatment, periodontists often schedule regular follow-up visits for periodontal maintenance to monitor the gum health and ensure the long-term success of treatments.
Periodontics plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health and preserving the teeth by addressing diseases and conditions that affect the support structures of the teeth. If you have concerns about your gum health or have been diagnosed with gum disease, consulting a periodontist can provide you with specialized care and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
The main difference between a dentist and a periodontist lies in their areas of expertise and the scope of their practice within the field of dentistry.
Dentists can also refer patients to specialists, such as periodontists, when more complex or specialized treatments are required.
In summary, a dentist is a general oral healthcare provider who treats a wide array of dental issues, while a periodontist is a specialist who focuses specifically on the diagnosis and treatment of gum-related problems and the supporting structures of the teeth. If you have concerns about your gum health or need specialized periodontal care, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for further evaluation and treatment.
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