Periodontology
Periodontology is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. Common treatments provided by periodontists include scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), gum grafts, and dental implants. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are important for preventing periodontal disease.
What Does Periodontology Do and What Does It Look For?
Periodontology is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. Periodontists are dental professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease.
When a patient visits a periodontist, the periodontist will typically perform a thorough examination of the mouth, including the teeth, gums, and surrounding structures. The periodontist will look for signs of periodontal disease, such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums, receding gums, loose teeth, or pus around the teeth and gums. The periodontist may also take x-rays to assess the health of the bone around the teeth and to identify any areas of infection or damage.
Based on the findings of the examination, the periodontist will develop a treatment plan to address any periodontal issues. This may involve a variety of procedures, such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums, gum grafts to repair damage to the gums, or dental implants to replace missing teeth. The goal of periodontal treatment is to prevent further damage to the supporting structures of the teeth and to restore the health of the gums and other structures.
What are the diseases?
Periodontal diseases, also known as gum diseases, are infections of the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
There are several different types of periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, and is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It is caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth, and can usually be reversed with proper oral hygiene and professional cleaning.
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease that occurs when the gums and bone supporting the teeth become infected and start to break down. It is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and can only be treated with professional intervention. Risk factors for periodontal disease include poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, certain medications, and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are important for preventing periodontal disease.
How is Periodontology Treatment?
Treatment for periodontal disease typically involves a combination of professional dental cleanings and at-home oral hygiene measures.
The first step in treating periodontal disease is typically a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. This procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums, both above and below the gum line. The dentist or periodontist may also smooth the roots of the teeth to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
After the initial deep cleaning, the dentist or periodontist will work with the patient to develop a plan for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing further gum disease. This may involve regular professional cleanings, the use of special mouth rinses or toothpastes, and at-home oral hygiene measures such as brushing and flossing. In some cases, the dentist or periodontist may recommend gum grafting or other procedures to repair damage to the gums or bone