Periodontics is a branch of dentistry associated with managing diseases and aesthetic issues of the gums. Healthy gums are essential for a confident smile and the long-term stability of your teeth.
1,100+ reviews (4.8 of 5)
Now Available
What is Periodontics?
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems and if not treated can result in damage to the supporting structures of the teeth. This can lead to gum recession, sensitivity and even mobility or loss of teeth.
Periodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry dedicated to the health of your gums and the structures that support your teeth.
This field plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall oral health by preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum diseases. Healthy gums are essential not only for a beautiful smile but also for the overall stability and functionality of your teeth.
Periodontists are dental professionals who receive extensive training beyond general dentistry. They are experts in treating various gum-related issues, from mild inflammation to more serious conditions like periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated.
Their expertise also includes cosmetic procedures to enhance the appearance of your gums and the placement of dental implants to replace missing teeth.
Periodontal treatment
Treatment in periodontics encompasses a range of procedures. For early-stage gum disease, treatments like scaling and root planing can remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line, promoting healing and preventing further damage.
For more advanced cases, periodontal surgery might be necessary to restore the health of your gums and the underlying bone.
Periodontists also work closely with patients to develop personalized care plans that include regular cleanings and maintenance to keep their gums healthy over the long term.
Understanding the importance of gum health is vital for maintaining a healthy and confident smile. By seeking the care of a periodontist, you can ensure that your gums and teeth remain strong and healthy, contributing to your overall well-being.
Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being. It involves daily practices like brushing and flossing to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential to catch and treat issues early.
Good dental hygiene not only keeps your teeth and gums healthy but also contributes to fresh breath and a confident smile, and can prevent more serious health problems linked to poor oral health.
Root Surface Debridement
RSD is the process of cleaning the teeth below the gum line. This involves using delicate and intricate instruments which vibrate and flush away the deposits of plaque and calculus from the root surface. RSD is usually performed in situations where gum disease does not respond to normal brushing and cleaning with the hygienist.
The aim is to clean deep below the gum line and remove the bacteria responsible for gum disease. For your comfort, the procedure is nearly always carried out with local anaesthetic and depending on severity, it can be used together with antibiotics. RSD is normally carried over a few appointments to allow the gums to heal and respond adequately.
What is the difference between hygiene and root surface debridement?
Dental hygiene
Routine practices that individuals and dental professionals perform to keep the teeth and gums clean and healthy — daily brushing and flossing, plus regular professional cleans. The goal is to prevent plaque and tartar buildup that leads to decay and gum disease.
Root surface debridement
A more intensive procedure to treat advanced periodontal disease: thorough cleaning of the roots below the gum line to remove plaque, tartar and bacteria. It smooths root surfaces so bacteria struggle to reattach and the gums can heal.
Gum Grafting
If gum disease progresses over time, it can result in recession which makes teeth look longer, creates gaps (black triangles) between teeth and increases sensitivity. Management has advanced considerably with new ways to replace lost gum tissue.
This can be done using bone substitute materials to replace the supporting structure of the gums. Furthermore, gum tissue can be surgically repositioned and transferred from one part of the mouth (usually the palate) to another to correct these recession defects.
Gummy Smile
Treating a gummy smile — where an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible when smiling — can be addressed through various procedures.
One common treatment is crown lengthening, which reshapes gum tissue and bone to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This enhances appearance and can make teeth easier to clean.
Laser gum contouring is a less invasive method using a dental laser to precisely remove excess gum and reshape the gums, often with less discomfort and shorter recovery than traditional surgery.
For some patients, Botox may reduce upper lip muscle activity and the appearance of a gummy smile without altering gum tissue. Where jaw structure is the cause, orthognathic surgery may be discussed. A periodontist or cosmetic dentist can advise the most appropriate option.
Peri-implantitis
If dental implant health is not maintained over time, gum disease can occur around the implant which can result in bone loss, mobility of the implant and eventual loss of the implant.
Treatment usually involves deep cleaning of the implant and the supporting gum around it. Further bone regeneration and gum grafting procedures may also be required if there is bone loss.
Periodontics FAQ
What is periodontics?
A dental specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and other conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and bone. Periodontists also perform cosmetic periodontal procedures and place dental implants.
Why should I see a periodontist?
If you have symptoms of gum disease such as swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth. Periodontists treat complex gum issues that may need specialist care.
What is gum disease?
An infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth, typically from plaque buildup. Untreated, it can progress from gingivitis to periodontitis and tooth loss.
What treatments do periodontists offer?
Scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, gum grafts, bone grafts, dental implants, and cosmetic procedures like gum contouring.
What is scaling and root planing?
A non-surgical deep clean of tooth and root surfaces below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar so gums can heal and reattach.
What are dental implants?
Titanium artificial tooth roots placed into the jawbone to support fixed or removable replacement teeth.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Brush and floss daily, attend regular check-ups, eat a balanced diet, avoid tobacco, and have professional cleans to remove what home care can’t.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
Usually performed with local anaesthetic. Post-treatment discomfort varies and is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
How often should I see a periodontist?
It depends on your condition — from annual reviews to more frequent maintenance if disease is active.
What are the signs that I might need periodontal treatment?
Red, swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, loose or shifting teeth, receding gums, or gum discomfort.
Start Your Smile Journey Today
At Rüh Dental, we do things differently. We call it the Rüh difference.
We believe in better than the traditional dentistry of yesteryear that’s left a legacy of fear and therefore neglect because of historic experiences.
