Periodontics

The dental speciality of “periodontics” is concerned with the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, which affects the gums and jawbone. The jawbone beneath the gums keeps teeth firmly in place while also supporting and encircling them. The function, health, and appearance of the jawbone and tissues are of significance to periodontists, who have completed several additional years of dental school.

The early stage of periodontal disease, known as gingivitis, is marked by a minor gum irritation. It should be handled very seriously because it is the main reason why adults in the developed world lose their teeth. Periodontal disease, often known as gum disease, is frequently characterized by red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums, although it can also go undetected for long periods of time.

Periodontal disease often starts when the bacteria found in plaque infect the tissues that surround the teeth, causing them to swell and hurt. This infection will eventually cause the jawbone to shrink and the tooth to loosen.

Related Links

Soft Tissue Grafting

Soft Tissue Grafting Soft tissue grafting is often necessary to combat gum recession. Periodontal disease, trauma, aging, over brushing, and poor tooth positioning are the leading causes of gum recession which can lead to tooth-root exposure in severe cases. When the...

Sinus Augmentation

Sinus Augmentation A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root which is attached to the jaw bone. Eventually, a replacement tooth or bridge will be firmly fixed to this root, restoring complete function to the tooth. The key to a successful and...

Root Amputation

Root Amputation Root amputation is a specialized dental procedure, whereby one root is removed from a multi-root tooth. The tooth is then stabilized and rendered fully functional with a crown or filling. The multi-root teeth best suited to the root amputation...

Ridge Modification

Ridge Modification Ridge modification is an effective procedure for treating deformities in the upper and lower jaws. These deformities can occur as a result of periodontal disease, trauma, injury, wearing dentures, or developmental problems. Such defects can leave...

Regenerative Procedures

Regenerative Procedures Periodontal disease is an extremely serious progressive condition which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Periodontal disease occurs when a bacterial infection in the gum pockets causes the bone and gum tissue to recede away from the...

Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)

Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning) A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning procedure performed to thoroughly clean the teeth. Prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for halting the progression of periodontal disease and gingivitis. Periodontal disease and gingivitis occur...

Pocket Reduction Surgery

Pocket Reduction Surgery Pocket reduction surgery (also known as gingivectomy, osseous surgery and flap surgery) is a collective term for a series of several different surgeries aimed at gaining access to the roots of the teeth in order to remove bacteria and tartar...

Pocket Irrigation

Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing The objective of scaling & root planning is to remove etiologic agents which cause inflammation to the gingival (gum) tissue and surrounding bone. Common etiologic agents removed by this conventional periodontal therapy...

Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing

Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing The objective of scaling & root planning is to remove etiologic agents which cause inflammation to the gingival (gum) tissue and surrounding bone. Common etiologic agents removed by this conventional periodontal therapy...

Oral Cancer Exam

Oral Cancer Exam According to research conducted by the American Cancer society, more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. More than 7,000 of these cases result in the death of the patient. The good news is that oral cancer can easily be diagnosed...

Gum Recession

Gum Recession Gingival recession (receding gums) refers to the progressive loss of gum tissue, which can eventually result in tooth root exposure if left untreated. Gum recession is most common in adults over the age of 40, but the process can begin in the teenage...

Gum Grafting

Gum Grafting A gum graft (also known as a gingival graft or periodontal plastic surgery), is a collective name for surgical periodontal procedures that aim to cover an exposed tooth root surface with grafted oral tissue. Exposed tooth roots are usually the result of...

Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatments

Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatments There are many reasons why the gums and jawbone may require corrective treatment, including periodontal disease, trauma and birth defects. Periodontal disease particularly, can greatly disfigure the natural appearance of the...

Crown Lengthening

Crown Lengthening Crown lengthening is generally performed in order to improve the health of the gum tissue, or to prepare the mouth for restorative or cosmetic procedures. In addition, crown lengthening procedures can also be used to correct a “gummy” smile, where...

Bruxism

Bruxism Bruxism refers to an oral parafunctional activity which occurs in most humans at some point in their lives. The grinding of the teeth and the clenching of the jaw are the two main characteristics of this condition, which can occur either during the day or at...

Antibiotic Treatment

Antibiotic Treatment Periodontal disease is a progressive condition which leads to severe inflammation and tooth loss if left untreated. Antibiotic treatments can be used in combination with scaling and root planning, curettage, surgery or as a stand-alone treatment...

When to See a Periodontist

When to See a Periodontist A periodontist is a dentist specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infections and diseases in the soft tissues surrounding the teeth, and the jawbone to which the teeth are anchored. Periodontists have to train an...

What is a Periodontist?

What is a Periodontist? A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the soft tissues of the mouth and the underlying jawbone which supports the teeth. A dentist must first graduate from an accredited dental school before undertaking an additional three years of...

Bone Grafting

Bone Grafting Bone grafting is often closely associated with dental restorations such as bridge work and dental implants. In the majority of cases, the success of a restoration procedure can hinge on the height, depth, and width of the jawbone at the implant site....

Skip to content