Periodontics

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Periodontics in Belmont

Periodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases that affect the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It encompasses various conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and impact overall oral health. Periodontists, experts in this field, provide comprehensive care and treatment options tailored to address individual patient needs, ensuring the preservation of healthy gums and optimal oral well-being

Reasons Why Periodontal Treatment May Be Necessary:

Moderate/advanced gum disease

This occurs when the gums are bleeding, swollen or red around most teeth and the jawbone has begun to recede.

Localized gum recession

The infection which propagates moderate or advanced gum disease often begins in one area. Gum recession may also be caused due to over brushing with a hard bristle brush, or due to a tooth that is not positioned properly. Immediate treatment is required to prevent further spreading.

Before crown lengthening

The periodontist may lengthen the crown of the tooth by removing surrounding soft tissue to provide more tooth exposure.

Ridge augmentation

This procedure, often called “recontouring” may be required to correct an uneven gum line. Before embarking on treatment, a periodontist needs to treat any bacterial infections and periodontitis.

Dental Implant Service
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What Are Dental Implants
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The onset and progression of periodontal disease

Often referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease can escalate from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis, resulting in irreversible damage to oral tissues. This progression is influenced by factors like plaque accumulation, lifestyle habits such as smoking, as well as systemic conditions and medications that may increase susceptibility to gingivitis.

Certain oral bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusibacterium nucleatum, alongside the body’s host response, play critical roles in the progression of periodontal disease. Chronic periodontitis involves inflammation and irreversible destruction of supporting oral tissues, while aggressive periodontitis triggers rapid and severe tissue damage, possibly even in the presence of good oral health. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and bone loss, as bacteria infect the tissues around the teeth, including the gums and the periodontium.

At Belmont Dental Group, We Offer a Number of Periodontal Procedures 

Antibiotic Treatment

Bone Grafting

Bruxism

Crown Lengthening

Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatments

Gum Grafting

Gum Recession

Oral Cancer Exam

Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing

Pocket Irrigation

Pocket Reduction Surgery

Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)

Regenerative Procedures

Ridge Modification

Sinus Augmentation

Soft Tissue Grafting

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WHY CHOOSE US

The Aesthetic Side of Periodontics

Beyond improving your oral health, periodontal treatments can also enhance your smile’s appearance. Procedures like gum contouring, which involves reshaping the gum line, can create a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Gum grafting is a technique for replacing lost tissue to protect roots and improve aesthetics, while crown lengthening can correct a gummy smile by adjusting the excess gum tissue and bone tissue to reveal more of the tooth crown. Periodontists are highly trained in procedures that adjust the aesthetics of the gum line, utilizing tools such as lasers and radiosurgery devices for precision and effectiveness.

Smile you deserve

Conditions Treated by a Periodontist

The periodontist is mainly concerned with preventing the onset of gum disease (periodontal disease), diagnosing conditions affecting the gums and jawbone, and treating gingivitis, periodontitis and bone loss. Periodontal disease is a progressive condition and the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the developed world. The periodontist is able to treat mild, moderate and advanced gum disease by first addressing the bacterial infection at the root of the problem, providing periodontal treatment, then providing information and education on good oral hygiene and the effective cleaning of the teeth.

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Treatments Performed by a Periodontist

The periodontist is able to perform a wide range of treatments to halt the progression of gum disease, replace missing teeth and make the appearance of the smile more aesthetically pleasing. The periodontist is a highly skilled dental health professional who is able to diagnose and treat many commonly occurring soft tissue and bone problems in the oral cavity.

Here are some of the treatments commonly performed by the periodontist:

Single Tooth Implants

Implant placement

When a tooth or several teeth are missing, the periodontist is able to create a natural-looking replacement by anchoring a prosthetic tooth to the jawbone.

Multiple Teeth Implants

Osteoplasty (hard tissue recontouring)

Once periodontitis has been treated, the periodontist can recontour the hard tissue to make the smile both natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Gingivoplasty (soft tissue recontouring)

As gums recede due to periodontitis, the teeth may appear longer; causing a “toothy” smile. The periodontist can remove tissues or straighten the gum line to make the teeth look more even.

All-On-4 Dental Implants

Bone grafting

Dental implants can only be positioned if there is sufficient bone to attach the prosthetic tooth to. If bone loss has occurred, bone grafting is an excellent way to add or “grow” bone so that an implant may be properly secured.

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Deep pocket cleanings

As gingivitis and periodontitis progress, it becomes more difficult to cleanse the pockets between the soft tissues and the teeth. The periodontist can scale and root plane the teeth (sometimes under local anesthetic) to remove debris and infection-causing bacteria.

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Crown lengthening

In order to expose more of the natural tooth, the periodontist can remove some of the surrounding gingival tissue.

WHAT WE OFFER

Your path to Periodontal care with belmont dental group

Our passion at Belmont Dental Group is periodontal health. We bring over 25 years of specialized experience in periodontal treatments to the dental field. Our team includes clinical instructors at Harvard Dental School, ensuring top-tier professional expertise in periodontics.

 

Patient education and open communication are cornerstones of our philosophy to help patients make informed oral health decisions. We are also aware of dental anxiety, and we are committed to creating soothing and comfortable dental visit experiences. Contact our office to learn more and get started on your treatment today.

 

Located in Belmont, MA, we extend our services to the surrounding communities, including Watertown, Arlington, Cambridge, Waltham, and Medford.

Recognizing the Signs of gum disease

The first step in seeking treatment and maintaining healthy gums is recognizing the signs of gum disease. Common signs of gum inflammation associated with periodontitis include swollen gums, gums that appear bright red, dark red, or purple, and tender gums that are sore when touched.

Other symptoms of periodontal disease include:

  • Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing

  • A change in how teeth fit together when biting

  • The development of new spaces between teeth

  • Painful chewing

  • Persistent bad breath

  • Pus between teeth and gums

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A blue gradient background with curved lines and dots, forming a wave pattern. The top-left and bottom-right corners are rounded, evoking a calming sense of home reminiscent of Belmont Dental Group's welcoming ambiance.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Before initiating any dental treatment, the periodontist must extensively examine the gums, jawbone and general condition of the teeth. When gingivitis or periodontal disease is officially diagnosed, the periodontist has a number of surgical and non-surgical options available to treat the underlying infection, halt the recession of the soft tissue, and restructure or replace teeth which may be missing.

Gingivitis/mild periodontal disease

When the gum pockets exceed 4mm in depth, the periodontist or hygienist may perform scaling and root planing to remove debris from the pockets and allow them to heal. Education and advice will be provided on an effective cleaning regime thereafter.

Gum pockets in excess of 6-7mm are usually accompanied by bone loss and gum recession. Scaling and root planning will always be performed as the initial nonsurgical treatment. In addition to those nonsurgical treatments, the periodontist may recommend surgical treatment to reduce pocket depth.

If the gum pockets reach 4-6mm in length a more extensive scaling and root planning cleaning might be required. This cleaning is usually performed under local anesthetic.

Where one or several teeth are missing due to periodontal disease, dental implants are an effective option. If the bone is strong enough to provide a suitable anchor for the prosthetic tooth, the implant can be placed. However, if the bone is severely eroded, bone grafts may be performed by the periodontist to provide a suitable anchor for the new tooth/teeth.

Regular Check-Ups and Cleanings

Ideally, regular dental check-ups, preferably twice a year, are essential for early detection and monitoring of potential oral health issues. Regular dental check-ups after periodontal treatment are crucial for detecting and addressing any potential issues early before they become more serious.

 

Some individuals may require more frequent visits to the dentist or periodontist depending on their specific health needs. These regular visits are an integral part of maintaining periodontal health and preventing the recurrence of gum disease..

Maintaining periodontal health heavily relies on at-home oral hygiene practices. Regular brushing and flossing are foundational practices for maintaining periodontal health, and an electric toothbrush can be more effective at removing plaque than manual brushing.
Using mouthwash can decrease bacterial presence in the mouth, aiding in plaque control, while cleaning the tongue can minimize bacteria that cause bad breath and could contribute to periodontal disease.
To ensure effective oral cleaning, replace toothbrushes every three to four months, or sooner if bristles are worn out, to maintain effective plaque removal and gum health.

Maintaining Periodontal Health After Treatment:

To prevent the recurrence of the disease and ensure long-term success, it is crucial to maintain periodontal health after treatment. Our oral health therapists play a key role in post-treatment care by providing treatment for gingival and periodontal diseases, conducting maintenance, and promoting good oral health.

To maintain periodontal health, it’s crucial to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and interdental cleaning. Regular periodontal check-ups, which should occur every 3 to 6 months, are also essential to monitor plaque control and eliminate any risk of the disease reoccurring.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly does a periodontist do?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease, as well as addressing issues such as gum recession, bone loss, and placement of dental implants. They are experts in managing conditions that affect the tissues around the teeth, such as gum disease and oral inflammation.

A periodontist may treat gingivitis, periodontitis, and bone loss, along with preventing the onset of gum disease and diagnosing conditions affecting the gums and jawbone.

In periodontics, a periodontist can perform treatments such as periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planing, and various types of periodontal surgery to address gum disease and related conditions. These procedures aim to thoroughly clean the pockets around teeth and prevent damage to surrounding gum tissue and bone.

The main difference between periodontics and endodontics is that endodontists specialize in dental pulp and nerve health, while periodontists focus on gum and teeth supporting structure health.

Periodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the supporting structures of the teeth, including gums, cementum, periodontal membranes, and the alveolar bone. It is important for maintaining oral health.