periodontics

Regular brushing and flossing are great. Go a step further and add in an expert treatment for a healthier, happier smile.

 
OVERVIEW
SCALING & ROOT PLANING
DENTAL IMPLANTS
 

What is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Given that gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the bones and gums supporting the teeth, periodontists concentrate on the gums, bones, and connective tissue around the teeth. These specialists complete three years of dental school, followed by an additional three years of specialized training in the field of periodontics.

Superhero wearing tooth outfit
 

The Benefits of Periodontics

 

Periodontics offers comprehensive care for gum health. And caring for your gums contributes to the foundation of a healthier, happier smile. 

 

Healthy Teeth

icon of a smiling mouth

Treats Gum Disease

tooth and roots

Supports Overall Health

heartbeat with a yellow circle

Healthy Gums

sparkly tooth and gums
Reclining blue dentist chair
 

Periodontic Services

Managing periodontitis requires more than your daily oral care regimen – partnering with your dentist is essential. Effective treatment may involve procedures like scaling and root planing, flap surgery and bone grafts to halt the progression of periodontal damage under expert supervision.

Caring for your oral health involves more than preventing cavities and keeping your teeth white. Taking care of your gums is also essential for overall oral health.
 

 
 

What procedures does a periodontist perform?

Periodontal or gum disease (gingivitis) results in swollen and bleeding gums. During the onset of gingivitis, your general dentist may treat the condition. However, patients with advanced cases generally are referred to a periodontist for specialized treatment. A periodontist specializes in surgical and non-surgical procedures to treat the various stages of gum disease. Standard surgical procedures a periodontist may perform:

 

Pocket depth reduction:

Excess bacteria can harm gums and bone, causing deep pockets around the teeth. To prevent tooth loss, a periodontist gently lifts gum tissue, removes bacteria, and reattaches the tissue.

 

Soft tissue grafts:

This procedure repairs receding gums and prevents further bone loss by using gum tissue, often from the upper palate, to cover exposed tooth roots.

 

Dental implants:

For a permanent solution when a tooth is lost to infection, a dental implant can be placed by a periodontist. The implant becomes a lasting part of your smile, unlike dentures or bridges.

 

Non-surgical treatments:

A Periodontist offers scaling and root planing, laser treatments, and root surface debridement to remove plaque, repair gums, and restore oral health. Additionally, they can perform cosmetic procedures, including dental implants and tissue grafts.

Illustration of Dentist and Dental Hygienist on an orange background
 
individual with beautiful teeth flossing in front of the mirror
 

Book an Appointment Today

 

It’s always a good idea to have your next dental exam on the books. Find a trusted dentist near you and schedule today.

 

 

What causes periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is an infection of tissues that hold your teeth in place. As bacterial plaque along the gumline buildup, the plaque hardens into tartar which leads to inflammation and irritation of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, causing receding gums and tooth loss. Ultimately, poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, genetic predisposition, certain medical conditions, and a weakened immune system can contribute to the development and progression of periodontal disease. Moreover, it’s liked to health issues like Alzheimer’s, high blood pressure, and diabetes complications.
 

You may be at risk for periodontitis if you:
 

Do not practice good oral hygiene

Smoke or chew tobacco

Suffer from heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, or osteoporosis

Family history of periodontal disease

You are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant

 

In addition, certain prescriptions medications may heighten the risk of periodontal disease. Talk with your dentist if you’re taking:
 

Steroids

Cancer therapy medication

Oral contraceptives

Anti-epilepsy medication

Calcium channel blockers

confused tooth with a question mark
 
 

Got questions?

 

Browse our FAQs or call 1-800-SMILEGEN to learn more about caring for your gums.

Yes, periodontal specialists focus exclusively on treating inflammatory disease that destroys the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth.

If you have gum disease, you need to see a Periodontist because they specialize in diagnosing and treating gum disease. They are called periodontists because periodontal disease is the medical term for gum disease.

 

A Periodontist pays particular attention to the parts of the mouth surrounding the teeth, such as the gum, bone, and connective tissue. Wondering what else a Periodontist might do? They are known for performing pocket-depth reduction, soft tissue grafts, dental implants, non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing, along with various dental-related cosmetic procedures.

You may be surprised to know 47.2% of adults over thirty (30) have some form of periodontal disease. If you are 65 and older, the number increases to 70.1%.

Oral health is linked to whole-body health more closely than you might think. The health of your teeth and gums can have a big impact on your overall health. We call that the Mouth-Body Connection. Inflammation originating in your mouth due to tooth decay and periodontal disease can increase your risk of health conditions such as:

  • Stroke
  • Cognitive decline
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Pregnancy complications

Maintaining a proper dental hygiene regimen and making regular dental visits can help limit the impact that oral health issues have on your overall health.

 

Learn more in our blog article, "Link Between Periodontal Disease & Other Health Issues."

 
 

Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is known as a “silent” disease, not always displaying early signs. See your dentist if you experience:
 

Changes to your teeth, bite, or dental treatments

Your teeth begin to feel loose or separate

A change in the fit of your teeth when you bite down

Your bridges, implants, or partial dentures don't fit properly

Existing dental fillings are defective

Changes to your gums

Recurring redness, puffiness, gum recession, tenderness of your gums

Swelling and bleedings gums while brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods

Receding gums (your gums are pulling back from your teeth) causing them to look longer

A bitter or unpleasant aftertaste in your mouth

Chronic bad breath (halitosis)

Persistent metallic flavor in your mouth

Mouth sores

Pus between your gums and teeth

New sores or irritations that do not heal within two weeks

 

Types of Periodontal Treatment

There are many patient-specific variables involved with treating periodontal disease. For example, much depends upon the stage of infection and the amount of deterioration involving your gums, teeth, supporting tissues, and bone. Your periodontist reviews your x-rays after performing a thorough exam of your teeth and gums. Next, they will discuss non-surgical or surgical treatment options with you. Ask questions and know what to expect during and after any procedure(s):

 

The number of office visits required for treatment

What to do at home as your gums heal

Keeping periodontal disease under control after treatment is complete

 

Non-Surgical

The most well-known type of non-surgical treatment is scaling and root planing. This under-the-gum procedure involves the careful removal of plaque and tartar from the tooth roots. During this procedure, your periodontist smooths your roots to expose and remove harmful bacteria. Root smoothing, along with the practice of good oral hygiene, can help prevent plaque from accumulating again.

 

Surgical

Periodontal surgery may be needed to eliminate bone infections or to regenerate lost bone. The most common surgical treatments include:

 

• Pocket Reduction:

During this procedure, your periodontist applies a local anesthetic. Next, they fold back your gum tissue to expose deeper tissues. As a result, your dentist removes harmful bacteria. Often, the damaged bone requires the smoothing of irregular surfaces to reveal hidden areas of bacteria. Gum tissue is then closed and sutured in place.

 

• Bone Regeneration:

As mentioned above, your periodontist applies a local anesthetic. Next, they fold back your gum tissue to expose deeper tissues. The removal of disease-causing bacteria is a vital step. Our body's natural ability to reproduce bone and tissue requires membranes, bone grafts, or tissue-stimulating proteins. Your periodontist may reverse some of the damage through this procedure. The reshaping of excess gum and bone tissues exposes more of the natural tooth. Some patients require one or several teeth to even out the gum line. As a result, the surgery exposes a genuine, broad smile. Gum tissue is then closed and sutured in place.

Illustration of a tooth with a bandaid with a blue background
 
 

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