Periodontics is a dental specialty that primarily focuses on treating inflammatory conditions of the gums and other supporting structures of your teeth. A professional who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases associated with the gums inside the mouth is known as a periodontist. Apart from their years of study in dental schools, in order to become a periodontist, it is required to complete an additional three years of education in the specified field.
Periodontal or chronic gum disease is an inflammatory condition of the gums, bones, and tissues surrounding the teeth. The most common types of periodontal diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis.
Among children, gingivitis is most prevalent near the gum line. The condition is termed as gingivitis and is characterized by redness near the gum margins, bleeding, and bruising. Gingivitis can be of an acute or chronic type. Acute gingivitis is associated with specific infections, micro-organisms, etc. Chronic gingivitis is associated with plaque and covers teeth and gum tissues. The effects of gingivitis can be reversed with oral hygiene practices.
Periodontitis is a condition where a gum infection begins to affect the bone and supporting tissues of the teeth. The condition can progress with time leading to loss of teeth. The progression of gum disease is greatly influenced by oral hygiene and other factors.
Ways to Treat Early Gingivitis
The early sign of gingivitis can be controlled in several ways. Plaque control is an essential method to control the initial signs of gum infection. Tooth brushing can help control plaque and is considered as an established dental routine from childhood. Other ways of controlling dental plaque are by using plaque disclosing agents, dental floss, mouth rinses, and other cleaning agents.
A periodontist can treat gum disease conditions ranging from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. Your periodontist can help treat a wide range of gum and teeth complications that may arise due to unhealthy gums such as deep teeth cleaning, root surface debridement, regenerative procedures, etc.
Common periodontal procedures that can help treat your gum condition are:
- Gum Surgery
- Tissue Graft
- Deep Cleaning
Request an appointment with us for your periodontal concerns and we shall help you further.