Periodontics

Periodontology or periodontics is the speciality of dentistry that studies supporting structures of teeth, as well as diseases and conditions that affect them. The supporting tissues are known as the periodontium, which includes the gingiva, alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament.

Healthy gums are firm and pale pink and fit snuggly around teeth. Signs and symptoms of periodontitis can include:

• Swollen or puffy gums
• Bright red, dusky red or purplish gums
• Gums that feel tender when touched
• Gums that bleed easily
• Gums that pull away from your teeth (recede), making your teeth look longer than normal
• New spaces developing between your teeth
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Painful chewing
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

There are varying degrees of periodontitis and the likelihood of reversing the loss of tooth structure depends on the severity. Treating periodontal disease in its early stages is the key to preventing tooth loss as your gum tissue doesn’t regenerate the way other types of tissue does. In the more advanced stages, where the attachment has been lost, leaving receding gums and even wobbly teeth, more advanced treatment is needed. Sometimes maintaining the gum levels with regular periodontal reviews and dental hygiene appointments will be recommended to prevent any progression of periodontitis.

If gingivitis is left to progress into periodontitis it can cause a loss of attachment between your tooth’s surface and the surrounding supporting tissues or the periodontium, causing “pockets” between your tooth and gum, much like a shirt cuff around a wrist. Over time, these periodontal pockets become deeper, providing a larger space for bacteria to live. As bacteria develop around the teeth, they can accumulate and advance under the gum tissue.

If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease early on, the good news is that it often can be treated successfully. The first nonsurgical step usually involves a very thorough, special cleaning, called “scaling and root planing,” to remove plaque and tartar deposits from the periodontal pockets and on the tooth and root surfaces. This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and periodontal pockets to shrink. This is sometimes referred to as “periodontal cleaning” or “deep cleaning.”

If the gums do not respond to nonsurgical treatment then your periodontist may advise some minimally invasive gum surgery to encourage the gum and the supporting structures to heal, providing a more stable foundation for your teeth.

It’s important to know that if you are susceptible to periodontitis then your oral hygiene regime will need some work. Your periodontist will teach you how to maintain an impeccable level cleanliness and your recall interval with the dental hygienist may be increased.