What Exactly Is Periodontics?

The term “periodontics” refers to the dental specialty that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease that affects the gums and jawbone.  The gum tissues surround and support the teeth and the underlying jawbone anchors the teeth in place.  Periodontists have completed several years of extra dental training and are concerned with the function, health, and aesthetics of the jawbone and tissues.

Reasons for periodontal treatment

This is a progressive condition that starts with mild gum inflammation called gingivitis.  It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the developed world and should be taken very seriously. gum disease is usually signified by red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums but in some cases has no symptoms at all. Mina family dentistry is the best gum disease treatment centre in Thornhill.

Periodontal disease starts when the bacteria in plaque causes an infection in the surrounding tissues of the teeth and they become irritated and painful.  Eventually, this infection will cause the jawbone to recede and the tooth to become loose.

There are several reasons why periodontal treatment may be necessary:

• Moderate/advanced gum disease – This is when the gums are bleeding, swollen, or red around most teeth and the jawbone has started to recede.
• Localized gum recession – The infection that causes moderate or advanced gum disease often starts in one area. Gum recession can also be caused by overbrushing with a hard bristle brush or a tooth that is not positioned properly.  Immediate treatment is required to stop further spread.
• Before crown lengthening – The periodontist may lengthen the crown of the tooth by removing surrounding soft tissue to expose more teeth.
• Ridge augmentation – This procedure is also called “recontouring” and may be required to correct an uneven gum line. Before treatment, the periodontist needs to treat any bacterial infections and periodontitis.

For mild/moderate periodontal problems the periodontist will focus on treating the underlying bacterial infection and then advise on the best home cleaning methods.

Sometimes a deep scaling is required to remove the bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar) from the teeth and tissues.  Where periodontal disease is advanced and the jawbone has receded significantly, more intensive cleaning may be required and teeth that cannot be saved will be removed.

The periodontist is trained in all aspects of dental implant procedures which can restore function to the mouth when teeth have been affected by periodontitis.

Since periodontal disease is progressive you need to remove the bacteria and calculus build up to stop the infection from spreading.  Your dentist will advise you on the best cleaning methods and treatment in Markham.

What is periodontics

Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease which affects the supporting structure of the teeth including gums bone, and connective tissues.

The goal of periodontics is to maintain the health of periodontium and manage diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontists are trained to perform a variety of tasks such as nonsurgical treatments like scaling and root planing. Periodontists are also able to do more complex tasks such as gum grafts or regenerative treatments.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease also known as gum disease is a disease that affects the supporting structures of teeth, it begins with inflammation and irritation of gum tissue that results from plaque buildup. If it’s untreated it leads to periodontitis a severe condition that involves a deeper infection and damage to the bone and connective tissues that support the teeth. Periodontal disease may include swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, and recession of gum.

Types of periodontal disease

There are three types of gingivitis, chronic periodontitis, and aggressive periodontitis. Gingivitis is the earliest form of periodontitis and it is characterized by inflammation and irritation without damage to the underlying tissues. It is usually caused by plaque build and it can be reversed meaning it is reversible by proper oral hygiene and professional treatment.

Chronic periodontitis is more advanced and it progresses over time leading to the gum tissue being destroyed. This condition leads to deeper gum pockets and gum recession. At Mina family in Thornhill, we manage this issue with scaling and root planing to remove plaque. The final goal is to stabilize the condition of the patient and prevent further damage.

Aggressive periodontitis, is a rare and severe form of this disease which progresses rapidly, often in adolescents or young adults. It can cause significant attachment loss and bone destruction. Advanced scaling techniques and antimicrobial therapy are done to manage this aggressive form of periodontitis.

Role of periodontist

A periodontist is a dental specialist with advanced training in the diagnosis and prevention of periodontal disease As well as the placement of dental implants. Periodontists focus on the treatment of issues with gums bone and connective tissues.

The expertise of a periodontist goes beyond general dental care enabling them to address complex issues such as gum disease, tissue problems, and specialized treatments like gum grafting and bone regeneration.

Periodontists play a crucial role in both restorative and preventive dentistry.

Diagnosis and treatment options

Periodontists employ a multistep approach to address your dental issues. Periodontists evaluate the health of gums, checking for signs of inflammation bleeding, or recession. The depth of pockets between teeth and gums is also measured. Deep pockets indicate a deeper stage of periodontal disease.

X-rays are often used to assess bone levels around the teeth, helping to determine if the bone levels around the teeth have changed or not. Helping to determine if any bone loss has happened due to the progression of the disease.

Once a diagnosis is made, the periodontist at mina family dentistry creates a plan based on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, non-surgical treatments can be used to reverse the condition. For more advanced cases, deep cleaning procedures may be necessary. The deep cleaning procedures involve the removal of plaque from the teeth.

FAQ

What is periodontics?

Periodontics focuses on treating diseases affecting the gums and supporting the structure of teeth.

What are the signs of periodontal disease?

Common signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums.

Why is periodontal treatment necessary?

If gum disease is left untreated it can lead to tooth loss bone damage or other complications.

What treatments are available for gum disease?

At mina family dentistry we offer a range of treatments depending on the severity of the condition.

Can periodontal disease be reversed?

The earliest form of periodontal disease is reversible with proper hygiene and professional care. However, once the disease progresses to periodontitis. It becomes a chronic condition.