Help to keep your gums healthy: Let's learn about the dental specialist service called (Periodontics)!

Have you ever heard the term `(Periodontics)`? Maybe your dentist has told you about it, or maybe you have been thinking about it because you have a gum problem. What is `(Periodontics)`? How can it help your oral health? Let's talk about it all in a simple way that you can understand.

What exactly is `(Periodontics)`?

Simply put, `(Periodontics)` is another specialty of dentistry. The word is made up of two Greek words: `peri` means `around` and `odont` means `tooth.` Then, `(Periodontics)` is the branch that treats damage and diseases to the tissues around your teeth, such as the gums and the bone that supports them. For example, things like bone loss, gum recession, and `(periodontal)` means `gum disease`.

What is the difference between a regular dentist and a Periodontist?

Think about it, if you usually need to have your teeth cleaned, have a cavity filled, or have a crown or bridge put in your teeth, you go to your regular dentist. They are the ones who do these basic and preventive treatments. To become a general dentist, you need to complete a four-year dental degree.

But, what does a `(Periodontist)` say? A specialist in gum disease . They focus on treating conditions that affect the tissues that support your teeth, which are the gums and jawbone. To become a Periodontist, you need to complete a four-year dental degree and then complete three years of specialized training. This means they have in-depth knowledge and experience in this field.

Why would someone need to see a Periodontist?

There are several reasons why you might see a Periodontist. Some people only need the services of a Periodontist for a short period of time. This means they may need a more complex treatment that a regular dentist cannot do. For example, you may need a gum graft, bone graft, or frenectomy. The Periodontist will perform the procedure and refer you back to your regular dentist after you recover.

There are others who need the services of a periodontist on a long-term basis. This is especially true for those who are prone to gum disease. For those who are genetically predisposed to gum disease, in addition to regular cleanings by a dentist, a periodontist may also need special periodontal cleanings. In these cases, your periodontist and your regular dentist will work together to help you maintain good oral health.

What exactly does a Periodontist do?

A periodontist treats oral health problems that affect the tissues around your teeth called the periodontium. The periodontium includes:

• Gingiva: The pink tissue around your teeth.
• Periodontal ligament: This is the strong connective tissue that connects your teeth to the jawbone.
• Cementum: A hard, calcium- containing layer that covers the root of the tooth.
• Alveolar bone: The hollow part of your jawbone where your teeth are attached.

If there is a problem with these parts, there is a Periodontist to treat it.

What treatments does a Periodontist perform?

A Periodontist performs a variety of periodontal treatments . These include gum care, deep cleanings such as scaling and root planing, and various types of periodontal surgery. Let's take a closer look at each of these.

Periodontal maintenance

This is also a teeth cleaning procedure. It's just like going to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned. However, in addition to cleaning your teeth, your periodontist or hygienist will examine the health of your gums and measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth. These pockets become deeper as the bone around your teeth recedes. Most people who need gum care will need to have this cleaning done every three to four months. Your periodontist will recommend a schedule that works best for you.

Deep cleaning (`Scaling and root planing` - SRP)

This is what we call a "deep dental cleaning." The main difference here from a regular cleaning is that your gums are numbed with local anesthesia before the procedure. This allows the dental hygienist to clean deep under the gums, where harmful bacteria can hide. It also smooths the surface of the teeth's roots, which reduces the chance of bacteria and plaque building up again.

Periodontists usually recommend this (scaling and root planing) treatment for people who are in the early (mild) stages of gum disease.

Periodontal surgery

A `(Periodontist)` often performs gum surgery. There are different types of surgery, let's see what the main ones are:

• Gingival flap surgery: This is also called pocket reduction surgery. This surgery is performed on people with moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis). In this procedure, the Periodontist makes an incision in the gums and carefully lifts the gum tissue away from the teeth. This allows them to see the infection deep below the gum line. After thoroughly cleaning the roots of the teeth, the Periodontist will move the gum tissue back into place and stitch it up.

• Gum grafts: This is used to treat gum recession. People with receding gums do not have enough healthy gum tissue around their teeth. In this procedure, a Periodontist will add new tissue to the area where your gums have thinned. The tissue can be taken from the roof of your mouth, or it can be tissue purchased from a licensed bone and tissue bank.

• Tooth extractions: Sometimes, periodontists have to remove teeth that are difficult to remove, especially those that have broken off at the gum level.

• Dental bone grafts: Gum disease can cause the bone that supports your teeth to dissolve. If this happens, a periodontist can insert a bone graft into the area and allow new bone to grow. Most often, this bone graft material is purchased from a bone and tissue bank. However, sometimes a piece of your own bone taken from another part of your mouth can be used.

• Surgical crown lengthening: If a tooth is broken close to the gum line, there may not be enough room for a dental crown. In that case, a Periodontist can remove a few millimeters of gum and bone tissue around the tooth to make room for the crown to fit properly.

• Smile lift: Some people have excess gum tissue covering their teeth when they smile. People who want to improve their smile can have a smile lift. In this procedure, a periodontist removes excess gum tissue – and usually a small amount of bone – around the affected teeth. This can be done as a stand-alone procedure, or your periodontist may recommend it in conjunction with veneers.

• Frenectomy: A frenum is a band of connective tissue that connects one part of your body to another. There are two types of frenums in your mouth: the lingual frenum and the labial frenum. Sometimes, a frenum can become too tight, causing problems like tongue-tie and gum recession. During a frenectomy, a periodontist makes an incision to free the frenum, which is then tightened.

Many periodontists also perform dental implants. However, this is not limited to the field of periodontics. Oral surgeons and some general dentists also perform dental implants.

Most importantly, many periodontists use sedation dentistry to help you feel more comfortable during these procedures. This may include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation.

Finally, something to consider.

Just as it is important to keep your teeth healthy, it is also important to keep your gums healthy. Periodontists are dental specialists who take care of your gums and the tissues around your teeth. If your dentist refers you to a Periodontist, it can be a bit intimidating, especially if you have never seen one before. However, if you have gum disease, a Periodontist has the knowledge, training, and experience to treat the problem and maintain your oral health. So, if the need arises, don't be afraid to see a Periodontist.

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