Periodontics

Periodontics refers to a dental field that focuses solely on the inflammatory disease that damages the gums and the supporting structures surrounding the teeth. A periodontist is a dentist specializing in periodontal disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as the implantation of dental implants.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two most common periodontal diseases. Gingivitis occurs in the gums, which are the soft tissues surrounding and protecting the teeth. Periodontitis is a complicated condition that leads to infections in the bone holding the teeth in position. It could also affect other tissues like the periodontal ligament and the root.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

The periodontal disease commonly occurs due to bacterial plaque buildup on the gums and teeth, eventually causing tissue damage. Periodontitis and gingivitis cause gum redness and bleeding, which can happen spontaneously or while brushing. Other factors contributing to these conditions are smoking, pregnancy, genetic inheritance, and certain disorders like diabetes.

Gingivitis can advance to periodontitis due to a number of factors, including:

Bacteria
Factors of origin (genetics)
Stress
Alcohol drinking
Overweightness
Smoking
Systemic health conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis
Medications that lead to gum overgrowth
Poor oral hygiene practices
Teeth that are not properly positioned
Poorly fitted fillings

Reasons for Periodontics

Certain gum problems are treatable by the general dentist. However, if you have advanced gum disease, a complicated situation, or are at risk of tooth loss, he or she will refer you to a periodontist. Consult your dentist to know if you need to see a periodontist if you have any of these widespread signs and symptoms of gum disease:

Swollen or puffy gums

Tartar-forming bacteria and plaque can lead to inflammation, which is frequently the first symptom of gingivitis. This inflammation, if left untreated, could cause pockets to form on the teeth. As a result, it increases the chances of getting an infection, which can cause tooth loss.

On the other hand, swollen gums can cause the teeth to appear small. They could be dark red instead of a healthy light pink. This inflammation is treatable during the early stages by visiting your dentist for deep cleaning and practicing good oral hygiene.

Bleeding gums

Whenever you brush your teeth, floss, or even eat, your gums may easily bleed due to inflammation. If the gums are somewhat tender to the touch, the toothbrush appears pink after you brush, or you spit out blood whenever you floss or brush, consult a dentist.

Poor breath

Bad breath is usually common, but it is not often a cause for alarm. However, if you care for your mouth and the bad breath persists, it might indicate infections or holes in the teeth.

Pain when chewing

Inflammation of the gum can cause pockets to form on the teeth, causing teeth to loosen and become much sensitive. You may also experience difficulty when chewing. If you detect any changes in the manner in which the teeth fit with one another or new gaps form between the teeth, see your dentist right away.

Gum line receding

Receding gums aren't always the result of gum disease. It can also be caused by brushing the teeth too hard, causing gum tissue damage. A periodontist can correct this problem for cosmetic reasons, potentially reducing the risk of future gum problems.

Gum recession that is not caused by excessive brushing, on the other hand, is normally a sign of advanced gum disease. During this stage, the periodontist can assess the problem and recommend the best course of action.

Why you Need to See a Periodontist

The keys to having good oral health are regular brushing and flossing. Routine visits to the general dentist for a systematic examination and cleaning also contribute to oral health. However, it only takes a small volume of unnoticed plaque and tartar to result in gum disease.

People who have serious or complicated gum disease are normally referred to a periodontist for treatment and prevention of recurrence. However, there are other cosmetic reasons one needs to consult a periodontist as well. Periodontal plastic surgery helps address various cosmetic problems with the smile, such as receding gums, excessive gums, and lost or missing teeth.

The specialty of periodontics encompasses a wide range of dental problems as well as periodontal disease treatment choices. Nevertheless, all periodontists strive for the same outcomes, which include;

Restoring damaged gum tissue to a better health
Improving the look and function of the smile
Assisting you in maintaining good oral health so that you can preserve your natural teeth for the long time possible.

What does Periodontics Involve?

Periodontics typically deals with the supporting structures surrounding the teeth. Therefore, you may need to see a periodontist if you experience any symptoms that may be associated with the teeth, gum, and structures. He or she might request personal information such as your medical history as well as the medications you are using.

Following that, the periodontist will do the following:

Examine your medical history for any factors that may be contributing to the symptoms.
Conduct an oral examination to look for bleeding gums and check for tartar and plaque accumulation.
Analyze the depth of your gum pocket or the gaps between the teeth and gums.
Look for any bone loss with x-rays.

These tests and procedures assist the periodontist in developing a suitable periodontal treatment plan. Your dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist can all be involved in your care.

The physician can manage the early stages of gum disease through thorough cleaning or antibiotics. More severe cases might necessitate surgery. The periodontist can also advise you on lifestyle changes as well as at-home care to help control gum disease and avoid any further problems.

You might be required to do the following:

Brush and floss your teeth at least twice each day or after meals.
Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Lightly brush your teeth
Consider an electric toothbrush to aid in the fight against plaque accumulation.
Rinse your mouth with a dentist-prescribed mouthwash.
Maintain routine dental cleanings.
Stop smoking or chewing tobacco.

Periodontics Nonsurgical Treatment Options

Nonsurgical treatment choices to remove tartar and plaque deep beneath the gum line involve scaling and root planing. Depending on the situation, these treatment procedures may be combined with antimicrobial or antibiotic medications.

A periodontist may also recommend that you wear a tray delivery system while at home. This is a custom-fit impression designed to apply the prescription medicines directly to the teeth.

Periodontics Surgical Treatment Options

Periodontitis and gingivitis can make the gums recede or pull back; hence it exposes the root of the teeth. The periodontist can perform a gum graft, which involves taking tissue from the roof of the mouth and using it to seal the receded gum line. Also, a healthy gum line could assist in preventing tooth decay, reducing pain and sensitivity, and improving the appearance of your smile.

A periodontist can also perform the following periodontics procedures:

Treatments with lasers
Regenerative procedures to promote the growth of new bone and tissue
Removal of the gum tissue and lengthening the dental crown
Dental implants; used to support a replacement tooth or bridge.
Periodontal pocket reduction surgery, also known as osseous surgery. This is used to help limit the gaps on the tooth's root in which bacteria can accumulate.

Some methods are designed specifically to treat gum disease. However, others are also offered mainly for cosmetic purposes. Periodontists frequently provide plastic surgery services such as:

Crown lengthening to correct a gummy smile or an irregular gum line
Gum grafting; used to conceal the look of long teeth caused by age-associated recession or previous gum disease.
Ridge augmentation; a procedure used to rebuild the gums and jaw natural curve after replacement of a missing tooth with an artificial or fake tooth.

What to Consider When Looking for a Periodontist

In case the general dentist advises you to see a periodontist, chances are they will refer you to someone. On the contrary, knowing what to look in a dental specialist can be beneficial.

Always consider someone with the necessary education and specialized periodontal training. It is also a great idea to select a dentist with years of experience, particularly experience conducting the kind of treatment you require.

In addition, keep logistics in mind when choosing a periodontist. Go for the one whose clinic or office is open during the times that are convenient for you. If you intend to use your insurance, it's a good idea to find a dentist who is part of that particular insurance network.

Conclusion

Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the gums and other tooth-supporting tissues (periodontium). It generally entails treating more difficult periodontal cases, like serious gum diseases or a complicated medical history.

Periodontists provide a variety of treatments, including scaling and root planing or root surface debridement. They might also use a variety of surgical procedures to treat people with severe gum issues. Furthermore, periodontists have specialized training in the placement, maintenance, and even correction of dental implants.