Dentistry has a wide range of specialties, and periodontics is one of them. Periodontal treatment can significantly reduce pain, alleviate symptoms, and prevent more dental complications from emerging. At Calabasas Smiles Dentistry, we provide expert periodontics services.
We can assist you in curbing symptoms and keeping oral disease under control. This article explores periodontics, periodontists’ roles, prevalent periodontal diseases, the available treatments, and preventive steps against periodontal problems. To learn more about this field of dentistry or set up an appointment, please call us today.
Periodontics Overview
Periodontics is an essential branch of dentistry focusing on structures supporting and surrounding the teeth. This includes the jawbone, gum, periodontal ligaments, and cementum that attaches the teeth to the ligaments. The term “periodontics” comes from two Greek terms, “period,” which means “around,” and “odons,” which means “teeth.”
A periodontist is a dental professional specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases affecting the structures supporting and surrounding teeth. To qualify as a periodontist, one must graduate from dental school before undergoing specialized training for three more years. This training gives them the skill to handle non-surgical and surgical treatment procedures for gum-related diseases. Common conditions periodontists address include the following:
- Gingivitis. This is mild gum inflammation. It can result in more severe issues if left untreated.
- Bone loss. This is when the bone deteriorates, impacting tooth stability
- Periodontitis. This is a more serious type of gum disease that could lead to tooth loss
The periodontics specialty has evolved considerably over the past years. Originally, dental care centered mainly on teeth. However, as the comprehension of gum-related diseases grew, the significance of treating the adjacent tissues became more explicit. Today, periodontics has become a vital aspect of comprehensive oral care.
It is essential to understand this specialty of dentistry to help prevent severe dental problems like tooth loss and maintain general dental health.
General Dentists vs. Periodontists
Both general dentists and periodontists care for the teeth. However, periodontists have undergone advanced training, particularly in gum-related issues and health. Here are some of the differences:
- Education. General dentists attend four years of dental school. Periodontists attend four years of dental school plus three years of residency.
- Focus. General dentists specialize in general dental health and care. Periodontists specialize in gum-related diseases and dental implants.
- Treatments provided. General dentists conduct basic dental treatment procedures, while periodontists offer advanced gum-related treatments.
Generally, periodontists are crucial for anyone with gum problems or who wishes to maintain maximum dental health. They usually work with general dental professionals to provide extensive patient care.
Common Gum-Related Diseases Periodontists Address
There are two primary types of gum disease:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis refers to the mildest type of gum disease. It happens when plaque accumulates on teeth, leading to gum inflammation and irritation. Symptoms of gingivitis include foul breath, bleeding when flossing or brushing, and red, swollen gums. If not treated, gingivitis can advance to more serious kinds of gum-related diseases.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is also called periodontal disease. This is the more severe form of gum disease that develops from gingivitis that is left untreated. Periodontal disease involves the tissues supporting the teeth being infected. Key causes of this disease include tobacco use and cigarette smoking, poor dental hygiene, and accumulation of tartar and plaque. The effect of periodontal disease can often be severe, resulting in tooth loss, loose teeth, and the loss of bone surrounding teeth.
According to research, periodontitis can impact more than dental health. This disease has been associated with various systemic illnesses, including respiratory diseases, diabetes, and heart disease.
Periodontitis can also progress to advanced periodontitis, characterized by pain and severe gum recession. Possible effects of advanced periodontitis include an increased heart disease risk.
How Periodontics Treats and Prevents Gum Diseases
Periodontics offers various preventive strategies and treatments to fight gum diseases and maintain optimum gum health. Providing non-surgical treatments and advanced interventions, periodontists work with patients to personalize treatment plans that meet their unique needs. Periodontics’ expertise and skill extend beyond addressing existing issues. They also center on averting future problems and equipping patients with tools and knowledge to have healthy gums in the long term.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Periodontics offers a wide array of non-surgical interventions to manage gum-related diseases effectively. These non-surgical treatments include the following:
- Teeth Cleaning
This is the most common procedure in periodontics. It involves the periodontist removing tartar and plaque from the tooth surfaces and then polishing the surface afterwards. Cleaning safeguards teeth against tooth decay and gum disease, the two common dental issues. The ADA (American Dental Association) suggests undergoing teeth cleaning no less than twice yearly. Doing so can assist in reversing the initial stage of periodontitis, which is gingivitis.
- Antibiotic Therapy
Periodontists may apply medications underneath the gums to reduce inflammation and treat infection.
- Periodontal Maintenance
This is a form of dental cleaning to prevent the progression of gum disease and monitor gum health. It is similar to the routine cleaning at the dental office. However, apart from cleaning teeth, a hygienist or periodontist measures the pockets near or around teeth (loss of bone around teeth leads to deeper pockets). The hygienist or periodontist will also check gum health. Many patients requiring periodontal maintenance must undergo the cleaning every three or four months. Your periodontist will suggest a cleaning plan that suits your needs.
- Periodontal Cleanings (Root Planing and Scaling).
Root planing and scaling procedures are non-surgical and are more in-depth versions of a regular teeth cleaning. The procedures are usually the most common treatment for gum disease. Root planing and scaling entail all the steps done during the routine teeth cleaning. In addition to these steps, the procedure involves removing tartar or plaque buildup from underneath the gum line and tooth roots and smoothing those tooth roots to avert further bacterial buildup.
Root planing and scaling assist in reducing inflammation and creating a healthier surrounding for the healing of the gums. The procedures are generally divided into several treatments since recovery entails dealing with gum soreness for a few days.
Surgical Treatments
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to treat deep pockets, reshape gums, and repair damaged tissue. Surgical procedures to address these issues may include guided tissue regeneration, flap surgery, and other special techniques. Prevalent surgical procedures conducted include the following:
- Gum Grafting
Periodontitis causes symptoms such as gum recession. Gum recession is when the gum tissue pulls back from teeth, exposing their roots and creating various issues. Tooth roots are less resistant to acids from mouth bacteria since they lack the enamel to safeguard their external layer. Rather, they are concealed by cementum, which is less durable than enamel. Consequently, exposed tooth roots are susceptible to decay.
A periodontist can conduct gum grafting where gum recession has occurred to recover lost tissue. The procedure necessitates minor mouth surgery and entails transferring tissue from a different mouth area (or utilizing donor tissues) and attaching it to the impacted area, concealing the exposed tooth roots and enhancing aesthetics. Periodontists also perform gum grafting to restore damaged gum structures due to periodontitis.
- Gingival Flap Surgery
Gingival flap or pocket reduction surgery treats severe and moderate disease (periodontitis). During this surgery, the periodontist incises the gums and slowly moves them away from the teeth. Doing so enables the periodontist to view the infection deep underneath the gum line. Once they have rigorously cleaned the tooth roots, the periodontist will reposition the gum tissues and stitch them back together and into place.
- Bone Grafting
If the gum-related disease has caused considerable bone loss or damage, you may undergo bone grafting to restore the supporting jawbone structure. Bone grafting entails putting bone materials (from a donor source or the patient’s body) into the impacted area. This stimulates new jawbone growth, providing stronger tooth support. Bone grafting can also be conducted on patients with missing teeth. It can thicken the bone so the dentist can replace the missing teeth with a dental implant.
- The Smile Lift Procedure
Some patients have excessive gum tissues that cover a section of their teeth whenever they smile. Individuals who wish to enhance their smiles can undergo a smile lift. This procedure entails the periodontist removing gum and often a small quantity of jawbone from around the affected teeth. The periodontist can conduct the smile lift procedure separately, or they could suggest that it be combined with veneers.
- Surgical Crown Lengthening
At times when a tooth has broken off close to the gum line, there is not enough space to insert a tooth crown. In this case, the periodontist can remove some bone and gum tissue around the broken tooth so a crown can fit appropriately.
- The Frenectomy Procedure
A frenum is a bundle of connective tissues that join one body part to another. A person has two kinds of frenum in the oral cavity: labial and lingual. The labial frenum links the gums to the lip. The lingual frenum links the gums to the tongue, just behind the bottom front teeth. At times, a frenum tightens too much, which could cause problems such as gum recession and tongue-tie. In a frenectomy procedure, the periodontist makes a surgical cut to loosen the tight frenum.
Many periodontists place implants, too. However, the procedure is not exclusive to periodontics. General dentists and oral surgeons place tooth implants, too.
Many periodontists provide sedation dentistry, keeping patients comfortable during their procedures. These options could include oral sedation, intravenous (IV), or nitrous oxide.
Innovative Periodontics Techniques
Periodontics is constantly evolving with the newest technologies and techniques. Examples of the most recent advancements include the following: 3D imaging. This is an enhanced imaging technique for better treatment and diagnosis Regenerative procedures. These techniques enhance the growth of new tissue and bone around teeth. Laser therapy. This is a less invasive treatment procedure that hastens recovery and minimizes discomfort. Based on the seriousness of the gum disease, it can be efficiently treated by both surgical and non-surgical methods. Prompt intervention is vital to averting further complications.
Long-Term Maintenance and Care
Visiting a periodontist is crucial for long-term gum health. The following are some lasting care tips:
- Discuss any change in your dental health with your general dentist or periodontist promptly
- Stick to a strict dental hygiene habit, including flossing and brushing daily
- Schedule routine checkups with your general dentist or periodontist
Preventive Practices in Periodontics
Preventing disease is key in periodontics. Usually, periodontics work with involved patients to personalize preventive measures that manage their specific risk factors, enhancing lifelong gum health. Some of these measures include the following:
Routine Dental Checkups
Seeing your dental professional regularly can enable you to detect problems early. Dentists recommend the following:
- Scheduling dental checkups twice yearly
- Undergoing professional cleaning to rid of tartar and plaque
- Discuss with your dental professional all the concerns regarding your gum health
Daily Dental Hygiene Practices
Practicing good dental hygiene is crucial for gum disease prevention. Here are key practices to note:
- Use floss once daily to rid the teeth of plaque and food particles
- Brush your teeth a minimum of twice every day, preferably after you have had your meal.
- Consider utilizing antibacterial mouthwash, which assists in reducing plaque
Lifestyle Adjustments to Stop Gum-Related Diseases
Making particular lifestyle changes could significantly reduce your likelihood of developing gum-related diseases:
- Quit utilizing tobacco products or smoking
- Remain hydrated to assist in maintaining saliva flow
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in minerals and vitamins
Preventing gum-related diseases is easier than treating them. Observing simple steps could maintain the health of your gums and prevent severe dental issues. By maintaining these preventive steps, you can assist in ensuring your gums remain healthy and lower the probability of diseases.
Note that the primary measure for preventing gum disease is to remove the attachment of periodontal pathogens to the epithelium and the teeth surface to stop the onset of gingivitis.
When to Visit a Periodontist
Understanding the symptoms and signs of gum disease is essential for seeking prompt treatment. Whereas some individuals do not experience any discomfort during the onset of the disease and early stages, others might notice some changes. Pay attention to these prevalent symptoms:
- Persistent foul breath. Various issues can cause foul breath, but persistent halitosis can indicate gum disease. This is particularly so if other symptoms are present.
- Receding gums. These are characterized by gums pulling back from teeth, exposing more of them. Receding gums may make teeth look longer. They also create sensitivity.
- Changes in the fitting of teeth. This could be an indication of shifting teeth and bone loss.
- Bleeding gums. If you bleed during flossing or brushing, even if the bleeding is only slight, it can be a prevalent symptom of gum inflammation.
- Tender, swollen, red gums. Usually, pink is the color of healthy gums. Healthy gums should also be firm. Any changes in texture or color, particularly accompanied by tenderness, require attention.
- Loose teeth. Since tooth-supporting structures are damaged, the teeth can shift or loosen.
- Pus between gums and teeth. This is an indication of infection, requiring immediate attention.
- Related health conditions. Periodontitis is linked to other medical conditions, including diabetes, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and heart disease. When the periodontal-causing bacteria are not addressed, they can impact other body parts.
- Gangrene. Detecting gangrene by yourself can be tricky. However, a periodontist can check for its presence in the alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and soft tissues.
Referral from General Dentist
Your general dentist can refer you to a periodontist for different reasons. These include the following:
- Periodontitis or advanced periodontitis that necessitates specialized treatment
- A family or personal history of health conditions like diabetes or heart disease
- If you smoke. Smoking increases the likelihood of gum problems
Importance of Periodontics
Periodontics plays an essential role in oral health for various reasons:
- Tooth loss prevention. Treating gum-related diseases effectively can avert tooth loss.
- General health improvement. Gum-related diseases have been associated with other health problems, like diabetes and heart disease.
- Aesthetic considerations. Healthy gums contribute to a healthy smile.
Periodontics is not only about gum-related diseases. It is also about ensuring the health of the whole oral cavity and the supporting structures. Periodontics’ primary focus areas include dental implants, bone support, and gum health. Regarding gum health, periodontics maintains healthy gums to avert disease. And for bone support, it ensures that bone anchors teeth effectively.
It is essential to understand periodontics to maintain your oral health and avert severe complications associated with gum disease.
Find an Experienced Periodontist Near Me
Periodontal treatments can assist in preventing, curbing, or treating gum diseases and help you maintain a healthy dental cavity. If you need to undergo any of these treatments, you want to contact an experienced periodontist promptly.
At Calabasas Smiles Advanced Dentistry, we boast dental professionals specializing in periodontics. These dental professionals are committed to providing detailed periodontal services to maintain the health of your gums and the brightness of your smile. Whether you are experiencing signs of gum disease or just want to keep your gums’ condition intact, we are here to assist.
Do not wait until issues arise. Take proactive actions to safeguard your dental health today. Call us at 818-878-7300 to set up a dental consultation and learn how our dental professionals can assist you in achieving and maintaining a healthy and confident smile.
