Periodontics is a dental specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the supporting structures of the teeth- periodontium. This includes the gums (gingiva), periodontal ligament, cementum (outer covering of the tooth root), and alveolar bone (bone surrounding the teeth). The primary goal of periodontics is to maintain the health of these structures to support the teeth and promote overall oral health.
The Woodbridge, VA dentist and their team are trained in periodontology to help safeguard the integrity of the periodontium. Read on to understand the significant role of periodontics in improving oral health.
What is the role of periodontics in oral health?
Periodontics is one of the major branches of dentistry that helps protect the periodontium from harmful invaders to prevent oral diseases or aids in early disease detection to determine the appropriate treatment required.
Here are some key aspects of periodontics:
- Managing gum disease
- Gum disease is a progressive destruction of the periodontium due to chronic inflammation. Periodontists are specialized dentists who diagnose and treat gum diseases.
- They offer professional dental cleanings, antibiotic therapy, and surgical procedures like gum grafting to control gum disease progression.
- Treating gum recession
- Gum recession is a dental condition that occurs when your gums pull away from the tooth surface, exposing the roots.
- Dentists perform gum grafting procedures to correct gum receding and restore gum health.
- Placing dental implants
- Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are inserted into the jawbone to support teeth replacements like crowns or dentures.
- Periodontists help assess your candidacy for Implants by assessing your gum and bone health.
- Bone regeneration
- Periodontists perform bone grafting procedures to regenerate bone in deficient areas. Bone loss could be due to gum disease, tooth extraction, or trauma.
- Bone grafting offers a stable foundation for dental implants.
- Crown lengthening
- Crown lengthening procedures help expose more of the tooth structure above the gumline.
- This may be necessary to facilitate restorative treatments, such as dental crowns or fillings, or to improve the aesthetics of a “gummy” smile
- Periodontal plastic surgery
- Periodontists may offer several gingival surgeries to enhance the appearance of the gums and improve the smile.
Overall, periodontics plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of the teeth and supporting structures. Periodontists work closely with general dentists to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs. Regular periodontal evaluations and treatments are essential for preserving oral health and preventing complications associated with gum disease.