Periodontics
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What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on maintaining the health of your gums as well as your jaw bone and other structures that support your teeth. Periodontal treatment removes plaque and other harmful substances from around the gum line (a key indicator and cause of gum disease) preventing infection and decay from compromising the surrounding soft tissues leading to potentially dangerous complications later on.
Restore Your Gum Health With Periodontal Treatment
Gingivitis Therapy
When dental plaque accumulates at the gum line and goes untreated, it can result in chronic inflammation and decay of the teeth and gum tissue referred to as gingivitis. While exceedingly common, gingivitis is a serious dental concern as it can quickly develop into more advanced decay and oral problems. We treat gingivitis by cleaning the gum line to remove the bacteria and dental plaque. Depending on the extent of the condition, gingivitis therapy may take multiple appointments to achieve the desired results.
Laser Treatment
Dental lasers are an advanced therapy proven to be highly effective in periodontal treatment. Dental lasers have been shown to sterilize the areas between the tooth and gum tissue that form in the presence of periodontal issues—called “pockets”—removing hard-to-reach bacteria while stimulating new bone growth in places where it has decayed.
Periodontal Therapy
Basic periodontal therapy is performed by specially trained dental clinicians to halt the progression of infection and inflammation the gum. It consists of detailed therapy using irrigation devices and ultrasonics above and below the gum line to remove deposits of tartar, where bacteria collect and wear away at important structures like teeth, gum tissue, and even bone. In some advanced cases laser therapy is utilized to disinfect and treat infected tissues around the teeth. Depending on the extent of the decay or buildup, multiple treatments may be required to successfully stop the progress of the disease and restore your optimal oral health. This treatment is non surgical and less invasive than traditional periodontal care.
Schedule an Appointment Now
Even though healthy teeth are important, preventing soft tissue decay and gum disease treatment through periodontal therapy is a crucial part of maintaining your oral—and overall—health. Schedule an appointment today and let our expert dentists ensure that your gums and teeth are healthy for years to come!
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a common condition that occurs in millions of people around the world every year. When the gum tissues surrounding the gums (“gingiva”) are exposed to plaque and other bacteria-laden debris for an extended time, bacteria begin to attack the gum tissue, resulting in inflammation, puffiness, and redness around the gums. This condition is called gingivitis, and even though it is common and not particularly harmful on its own, it is an early indicator of a potentially more serious affliction called periodontitis.
If left untreated, gingivitis that progresses into periodontitis can result in severe infection and decay of the gum tissue, leading to the loss of both gum tissue and teeth, and even the decay of the underlying bone. In advanced stages, infection in the gum tissue can even spread to other parts of the body, including the heart, where it can eventually lead to fatal conditions like heart disease and sepsis. Gingivitis itself is relatively easy to treat through daily oral health habits like brushing and flossing, but it remains crucial to find treatment in the process to avoid potentially serious consequences later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Periodontics and Why Is It Important to Take Care of Your Gums?
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and other conditions that affect the supporting structures of teeth. Taking care of your gums is important because healthy gums are essential to maintaining good oral health. The gums play a critical role in supporting and protecting your teeth, and they also help to keep harmful bacteria and debris from entering your bloodstream.
Whom Should You Approach When You Have Periodontal Problems?
If you have periodontal problems such as gum disease, it is important to seek the help of a dental professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases. This is typically a periodontal specialist or a gum specialist.
Periodontal specialists are dentists who have completed additional training in the field of periodontics, which focuses on the supporting structures of teeth, including the gums, bones, and ligaments. They are trained to diagnose and treat gum diseases and other conditions that affect these structures.
What Is Laser Gum Treatment and for Whom Is It Important?
Laser gum treatment, also known as laser periodontal therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment for gum diseases that uses a laser to remove bacteria and infected tissue from the gums, promoting healing and regeneration. This treatment is especially important for individuals who have moderate to severe gum disease, as it can effectively remove the infection without the need for traditional gum surgery. It is also beneficial for those who may have dental anxiety or fear of surgery, as laser gum treatment is often less painful and requires less downtime than traditional gum surgery.
Are Implant and Periodontal Professionals the Same Thing?
While implant professionals and periodontal professionals share some similarities in terms of their focus on the supporting structures of teeth, they have different areas of expertise. Implant professionals specialize in the placement and restoration of dental implants, while periodontal professionals focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases.
When Do You Know You Need Laser Periodontal Therapy?
Laser periodontal therapy may be recommended for patients with moderate to severe gum disease. If you have symptoms such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth, you may be a good candidate for this treatment.
During your evaluation with a periodontal specialist, they may recommend laser periodontal therapy if traditional non-surgical treatments have not been effective in treating your gum disease. This treatment uses a laser to remove diseased tissue and bacteria from the gums, promoting the healing and regeneration of healthy tissue.
Who Is a Periodontal Hygienist?
A periodontal hygienist is a licensed dental hygienist who has received additional education and training in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease and other conditions that affect the gums and supporting structures of teeth. They work closely with periodontal specialists and other dental professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients.
What Are Some Common Periodontal Diseases?
Common periodontal diseases include gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease and involves inflammation of the gums. Periodontitis is a more severe form of the disease that occurs when the inflammation spreads to the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth. Advanced periodontitis is a further progression of periodontitis and can lead to tooth loss.
What Are Some Risk Factors for Developing Periodontal Disease?
Risk factors for developing periodontal disease include poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetics, age, certain medical conditions (such as diabetes), and certain medications (such as those that cause dry mouth).
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