Periodontics is a branch of dentistry associated with managing diseases and aesthetic issues of the gums.
Periodontics
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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 Hygeine
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 hygeine and root surface debridement?
Dental hygiene refers to the routine practices that individuals and dental professionals perform to keep the teeth and gums clean and healthy. This includes daily activities such as brushing and flossing, as well as regular professional cleanings at the dentist’s office. The goal is to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Root surface debridement, on the other hand, is a more intensive procedure performed by dental professionals to treat advanced periodontal disease. This process involves the thorough cleaning of the roots of the teeth below the gum line to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria. It is often necessary when gum disease has progressed to a point where simple cleanings are insufficient to restore gum health. Root surface debridement helps to smooth the root surfaces, making it more difficult for bacteria to reattach and promoting healing of the gum tissue.
Gum Grafting
If gum disease is allowed to progress over a period of time, it can result in the recession of gums which can make the teeth look longer, result in gaps (black triangles) between teeth and increased sensitivity of the teeth. The management of this problem has advanced considerably with new and different ways to replace lost gum tissue.
This can be done by using unique 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, a surgical procedure that reshapes the gum tissue and bone to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This not only enhances the appearance of the smile but can also improve oral health by making teeth easier to clean.
Another option is laser gum contouring, a less invasive method that uses a dental laser to precisely remove excess gum tissue and reshape the gums. This technique often involves less discomfort and a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgery. For some patients, Botox injections may be used to reduce the activity of the upper lip muscles, thereby reducing the appearance of a gummy smile without altering the gum tissue itself.
In cases where the gummy smile is due to jaw structure, orthognathic surgery may be recommended. This procedure realigns the jaw and can significantly improve the smile’s aesthetics. Consulting with a periodontist or cosmetic dentist can help determine the most appropriate treatment based on the individual’s specific condition and aesthetic goals.
Peri-implantitis
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, a surgical procedure that reshapes the gum tissue and bone to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This not only enhances the appearance of the smile but can also improve oral health by making teeth easier to clean.
If dental implant health is not maintained over a period of time, gum disease can occur around the implant which can result in bone loss, mobility of the implant and eventual loss of the implant.
The treatment usually involves deep cleaning of the implant and the supporting gum around it. Further bone regeneration and gum grafting procedures may be required also if there is bone loss.
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Periodontics FAQ
What is periodontics?
Periodontics is 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?
You should see a periodontist if you have symptoms of gum disease, such as swollen, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth. Periodontists are experts in treating complex gum issues and can provide specialized care that general dentists may not offer.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is typically caused by poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup. If untreated, it can progress from gingivitis (mild inflammation) to periodontitis, a more severe condition that can result in tooth loss.
What treatments do periodontists offer?
Periodontists offer a range of treatments, including scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), periodontal surgery, gum grafts, bone grafts, and dental implants. They also provide cosmetic procedures like gum contouring to improve the appearance of your smile.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure to treat gum disease. It involves cleaning the surfaces of the teeth and their roots to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, which helps gums heal and reattach to the teeth.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They provide a stable foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth, improving both the function and appearance of your smile.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Preventing gum disease involves maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, attending regular dental check-ups, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco use. Professional cleanings are also essential to remove plaque and tartar that can’t be eliminated by brushing alone.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
Periodontal treatments are generally performed with local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Post-treatment pain varies depending on the procedure but can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and proper aftercare.
How often should I see a periodontist?
The frequency of visits to a periodontist depends on your individual condition and treatment plan. Some patients may only need annual visits, while others with ongoing periodontal issues may require more frequent check-ups and maintenance.
What are the signs that I might need periodontal treatment?
Signs you might need periodontal treatment include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, loose or shifting teeth, receding gums, and discomfort or pain in your gums. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a periodontist.
