Periodontist care focuses on the structures that support the teeth, including the gums and jawbone. This dental field addresses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting these tissues. Regular periodontal maintenance helps maintain oral health and restore functionality. Here is more information on periodontal services and their benefits:
Keeping Gums Healthy
Maintaining healthy gums is fundamental to preserving your natural teeth, as the tissues surrounding your teeth provide protection against bacteria. When these tissues become compromised, it can lead to other oral health issues. Periodontal care is specifically designed to manage and protect the health of these foundational structures.
What Is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who has completed several additional years of specialized training in the field of periodontics. This advanced education focuses on the complex conditions affecting the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. Periodontists diagnose and treat various stages of gum disease; they’re also skilled in performing cosmetic procedures and placing dental implants.
How Do These Services Reduce Disease?
Periodontal services are more intensive than a standard dental cleaning because these appointments manage the progression of gum disease. During a maintenance visit, a periodontist or hygienist will clean below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the root surfaces, so professional intervention is often necessary to control the condition. This process, known as scaling and root planing, disrupts bacterial colonies and helps the gums reattach to the teeth. Regular appointments allow the periodontist to monitor pocket depths and address any signs of recurring infection promptly.
Restoring Functionality
Advanced gum disease can lead to the loss of bone and tissue that support the teeth. This may cause teeth to become loose or shift. Advanved gum disease can also interfere with basic functions like chewing and speaking. Periodontists can perform procedures to regenerate lost bone and tissue, and these treatments help stabilize teeth and restore proper function. For those who have lost teeth, a periodontist can place dental implants to provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth.
Treating Serious Oral Conditions
Periodontal specialists manage a range of serious oral health conditions beyond typical gum inflammation. They treat aggressive forms of periodontitis and can address complex cases related to chronic health conditions, which can impact periodontal health. Periodontists are also trained to diagnose and treat oral pathology, including lesions or abnormalities found within the mouth.
Their specialized knowledge allows them to handle complex cases that may require surgical intervention, such as gum grafts to cover exposed roots or pocket reduction surgery to eliminate areas where bacteria collect. Some other periodontal surgical options include:
- Tooth Extractions
- Crown Lengthening
- Bone Grafts
Contact a Periodontist Today
Consistent periodontal maintenance is a key component of a comprehensive oral health strategy, especially for individuals who have previously experienced gum disease. These specialized services help manage the condition, and they work to prevent recurrence and preserve the structures that support your teeth. If you have concerns about your gum health, schedule a consultation with a periodontist for more information on your long-term gum health.