Periodontics is a branch of dentistry. It specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, among other complications of tissues that support your teeth.
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry. It addresses the supportive framework on which the teeth are established, mostly gums and bone. Periodontics is known to deal with treating, or rather diagnosing, gum disease of the periodontal type; periodontology also performs scaling and root planing, gum grafting, and, on most occasions dental implant placements.
Although your gums are fine, periodontics provide a snug seal around your teeth and prevent contact with bacteria. Gum disease on the other hand accumulates which causes this shield to wear down which then results in an infection, inflammation, and in some cases can actually result in the loss of tooth.
Types of Gum Disease
Gum diseases are of two kinds. Periodontics can prevent more critical issues:
Gingivitis
It is the initial stage of gum disease. It is basically caused by poor oral hygiene.
Gingivitis is indicated by red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing or flossing. It is mostly the reversible one with the help of professional cleaning and good home care.
Periodontitis
It is a critical period for gum disease. At this stage, the infection may damage the bone that helps in holding your teeth because the infection grows under the gum line. Meanwhile, gaps form between the teeth and gums, and these trap the germs and worsen the situation. If not properly prevented, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
Why Is Gum Health Important?
Gum health is important for your overall health as well as for your mouth. Studies have associated gum disease with several systemic conditions involving diabetes, respiratory issues, and heart diseases. That is why routine dental checkups at Bel Air, MD Dentist are necessary for monitoring your gum health and early detection of problems.
Signs You May Need Periodontal Treatment
Many people are unaware that they suffer from gum disease until it has progressed to a more severe state. Being aware of its early warning signs, you can get the treatment before severe damage is done to your body. Periodontal treatment may be necessary if you suffer from:
- Chronic halitosis
- Bleed ratting your teeth while brushing and flossing.
- Swollen gum swollen gums swollen red gums
- Falling gumlines (your teeth appear longer)
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain and discomfort while chewing
In case you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, make sure you visit a periodontist or general dentist immediately. Such intervention at an early age will help forestall the need to employ invasive procedures in the future.
Periodontal Treatment
At Bel Air, MD Dentist, we provide a range of periodontal treatments depending on the severity of your gum condition:
- Professional Dental Cleaning
- For most patients with mild gum irritation and gingivitis, regular cleanings may be enough to restore gum health. Oral health professionals carefully remove plaque and tartar from above or below the gum line.
- Scaling and Root Planing
- It is referred to as deep cleaning. This nonsurgical treatment includes removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing the tooth root to help gums reattach to the tooth.
Antibiotic Therapy
In some cases, we may apply antibiotic medication directly into the gum pockets to help fight infection and reduce inflammation.
Gum Surgery
In the instance of periodontics, the surgical procedure like the flap or bone and tissue graft surgery may be required to clean up the destruction and recover the periodontium.
Laser Gum Treatment
Laser therapy can be beneficial to the patients, as it is precise when addressing the infected tissue and it also stimulates quicker healing with minimum pain.
The Connection Between Gum Disease and Overall Health
Gum disease is not only a problem in your mouth but can also lead to serious effects on your overall health. Investigations have indicated that there exist close associations between periodontal disease and a number of systemic conditions. Bacteria in infected gums may get into the bloodstream, causing inflammation in the entire body. The health conditions related to the gum disease include:
Heart disease: Gum infections may permanently cause heart attacks and strokes when they bring about chronic inflammation.
Diabetes: When there is gum disease, it becomes more difficult to regulate blood sugar levels and when blood sugar is high, it aggravates gum trouble in a vicious circle.
Respiratory conditions: The mouth can send bacteria to the lungs which might cause an infection such as pneumonia.
Pregnancy complications: Gum disease has been linked to low birth weight, and premature birth.
FAQs
1. What is periodontics in dentistry?
Periodontics is a field of dentistry which deals with gum disease (prevention, diagnosis, and treatment) and mouth and jawbone issues which hold your teeth.
2. What are the early signs of gum disease?
The initial signs may include bleeding, swollen, and red gums, frequent bad breath among others and it may also include pain when eating. When you feel such symptoms you should call a periodontist without any delays.
3. Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, or early gum disease, can be reversed by professional cleaning and fluoride. More vigorous periodontal treatment is needed in the advanced form.
4. How is gum disease treated?
Depending upon the severity, treatment is accorded. In order to clean the affected areas and initiate healing, it might involve professional cleaning, root planing and scaling which is occasionally referred to as deep cleaning, antibiotic treatment, gum surgery, or laser surgery.
5. Is gum disease linked to other health problems?
Yes, gum disease has been associated with overall conditions like heart ailment, diabetes, breathing diseases as well as impaired pregnancy. The health of gums sustains the general health.
