Periodontics dentistry focuses on the health of the gums and the underlying structures supporting the teeth. This specialized field addresses conditions affecting tissues like the gums, jawbone, and periodontal ligaments. Its goal is to maintain the integrity and function of these oral components.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease, often known as periodontal disease, is an inflammatory condition resulting from bacterial growth. It typically begins with gingivitis, the mildest form, where plaque buildup irritates the gums. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and food particles, can harden into tartar if not removed daily. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and tender gums that may bleed easily. At this stage, the condition is generally reversible with appropriate treatment and consistent oral hygiene.
If gingivitis remains untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease. In periodontitis, the infection spreads below the gumline, forming pockets between the teeth and gums. Bacteria accumulate in these pockets, causing the body’s immune response to break down the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. This destruction can result in receding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and eventually, tooth loss.
The Periodontist’s Expertise
A periodontist is a dental specialist with extensive training beyond general dental school. After earning a dental degree, they undergo an additional two to three years of focused education in periodontics. This specialized training provides in-depth knowledge of the gums, jawbone, and other supporting structures of the teeth.
Periodontists are skilled in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and the placement of dental implants. They use diagnostic tools like periodontal probes to measure pocket depths and X-rays to assess bone loss. Their expertise allows them to manage complex cases of gum disease and related conditions beyond the scope of a general dentist.
Common Periodontal Treatments
Periodontists perform a range of procedures to address gum disease and restore oral health. Non-surgical treatments often serve as the first line of defense, especially for earlier stages. Scaling and root planing, commonly called a deep cleaning, removes plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline. Root surfaces are then smoothed to discourage bacterial reattachment and promote gum tissue reattachment.
For more advanced cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to repair damage and regenerate lost tissue. Gum grafting involves taking tissue, often from the roof of the mouth, to cover exposed tooth roots caused by gum recession. This procedure helps reduce tooth sensitivity, protect roots from decay, and improve the aesthetic appearance of the gumline. Bone grafting is performed when significant bone loss has occurred due to periodontitis, using bone fragments from the patient, a donor, animal sources, or synthetic materials to regenerate jawbone. This helps to stabilize teeth or prepare the jaw for dental implants.
Periodontists also frequently perform dental implant placement, leveraging their understanding of bone and gum health for successful integration. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as a stable foundation for replacement teeth. These procedures, along with pocket reduction surgery, are tailored to the specific needs of each patient.
Preventing Periodontal Problems
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is important in preventing periodontal disease. This includes brushing teeth twice a day and flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, typically every six months, are also important for early detection and removal of tartar buildup that cannot be eliminated by brushing alone.
Lifestyle choices influence gum health. Avoiding tobacco products is beneficial, as smoking doubles the risk of gum disease and impairs healing. Managing systemic conditions like diabetes and maintaining a balanced diet also contribute to overall oral health. If symptoms such as persistent bleeding gums, increasing gum recession, or loose teeth are noticed, seeking a referral to a periodontist is advisable. Early intervention prevents the condition from advancing and requiring more extensive treatments.