Periodontics Specialist

What is Periodontics?

Periodontics is a dental specialty that focuses exclusively on inflammatory disease destroying gum tissue and other structures that support teeth. Periodontal care includes measures to prevent, diagnose and treat periodontal disease and the placement of dental implants that replace missing teeth.

What is Periodontal Disease?

The word “periodontal” comes from the Greek words for ‘around’ (perio) and ‘tooth (odontos). Most people refer to periodontal disease as “gum disease.”

Periodontal disease affects the gums and other structures that support teeth. Periodontal diseases can range from simple gum inflammation to major damage to supportive soft tissue and bone. Severe cases of periodontal disease can result in tooth loss.

Swollen, bleeding gums are early symptoms of periodontal disease.

What Happens During a Periodontal Visit?

A periodontal visit always starts with a complete medical and dental history along with a thorough examination of the patient’s teeth and gums, mouth, throat, neck and jaw joints. The dentist will ask if the patient’s family has a history of gum disease, whether the patient is on any medication known to affect the gums, and if the patient smokes. 

Next, the periodontal dentist will x-ray the patient’s teeth to determine if the patient has lost any bone tissue or tooth structure that anchors teeth in the jaw.

The dentist uses the information gathered from the exam and x-rays to diagnose periodontal disease and to develop a periodontal treatment plan to control inflammation and infection. Depending on the patient’s individual needs, periodontal treatment can include a deep cleaning treatment known as scaling and root planing, medications and, in severe cases, surgery to help heal gums and bones.