PERIODONTICS 101

Posted on Feb 22, 2018

Dentistry is broken down into different fields of specialty, and one of them is periodontics. A periodontist near Belmont is a dental professional that specializes in the gums and jaws. He or she will help you prevent issues like gingivitis and periodontal disease, so you can enjoy top-notch oral health. The appropriate type of treatment will depend on the nature of the problem and the needs of the patient, but dental implants are one of the most common. Make sure your gums and jaws are taken care of, and read on for a crash course in periodontics.

What a Periodontist Does

General dentistry involves cleaning your teeth, checking you for symptoms of conditions like oral cancer, and making sure you’re sticking to a good dental hygiene routine. If your dentist notices a problem with your gums, he or she may refer you to a periodontist. A periodontist has undergone specialized training in dealing with the soft tissues in the mouth as well as the jawbone that supports your teeth. These professionals go through an extra three years of schooling through a residency training program, so you can trust that yours will know what’s best for your gums and jaw.

Conditions a Periodontist Treats

Gum disease is among the most common oral health conditions, but it doesn’t just affect your mouth. Gum disease starts as gingivitis, which is when your gums may bleed and become red and swollen. If left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, which is the presence of pockets between your teeth and the soft tissue in your mouth. At this point you may also experience shifting of the teeth as well as bone loss, and the inflammation has been connected to health issues like cancer and diabetes. Gum disease is reversible though, and your periodontist can help.

Treatment Options

Periodontists can perform cosmetic dentistry treatments like dental implants, but they also help reverse gum disease. Deep pocket cleanings remove bacteria and debris from the pockets between the teeth, and deep cleanings get rid of the plaque and tartar that cause the disease in the first place.