Periodontics in San Diego, CA
Perception Periodontal sickness, or gum sickness, develops when bacteria infect the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
Let’s explore why and how this disease occurs:
Plaque accumulation : The main cause of periodontal disease is plaque, a sticky bacterial film that forms on teeth. Inadequate plaque removal through regular brushing and flossing allows it to harden into tartar, which only a dental professional can eliminate.
Poor oral hygiene : Insufficient brushing and flossing can lead to gum inflammation, the initial stage of periodontal disease.
Genetic predisposition : Certain individuals are more susceptible to periodontal disease due to genetics.
Smoking and tobacco use : Using tobacco products, including smoking, raises the risk of periodontal disease and accelerates its progression.
Hormonal changes : Periodontal disease risk increases during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause due to hormonal fluctuations.
Unhealthy diet : Ingesting a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates while lacking essential nutrients contributes to periodontal disease.
The early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis, characterized by gum inflammation. If left untreated, gingivitis can grow into periodontitis, a more severe disease resulting in tooth loss. To prevent periodontal disease, practicing good oral hygiene is crucial, regularly visiting a dentist in San Diego, such as Scripps Poway Dental Care, for cleanings and checkups, and avoiding risk factors like smoking and poor nutrition.
Understanding Periodontics
Periodontics is a special field of dentistry that specializes in averting, diagnosing, and treating diseases affecting the supportive structures of teeth, including gums, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bone. The most commonplace periodontal diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis, caused by bacterial infections that can harm the gums and bone surrounding the teeth.
Periodontists are dental specialists who undergo additional training and education to diagnose and treat periodontal diseases. They employ various techniques, such as scaling and root planing (a thorough cleaning procedure), gum grafting, and dental implants, to help patients manage and treat these conditions. Additionally, periodontists collaborate closely with general dentists and other dental professionals to provide comprehensive dental care for their patients.
Common Procedures in Periodontics Periodontics involves several procedures aimed at treating and preventing diseases and conditions affecting the gums and helping tissues of the teeth.
Some frequently performed procedures by periodontists include:
Scaling and root planing : This non-surgical procedure removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and smoothens the roots to hinder further bacterial build-up.
Gum grafting: In this surgical procedure, tissue is taken from another area of the mouth, typically the palate, to cover and protect exposed tooth roots.
Crown lengthening : This procedure involves removing gum tissue to expose more of the tooth’s surface, often In preparation for a dental crown or different recovery.
Dental implants : Periodontists are skilled in placing and maintaining dental implants, artificial tooth roots used to replace missing teeth.
Periodontal plastic surgery : Various surgical procedures can enhance the appearance of the gums or correct abnormalities, such as uneven gum lines.
Periodontal maintenance: Regular cleanings and checkups to monitor and maintain gum and supporting tissue health.
These are just a few examples of the many procedures performed by periodontists. The recommended procedures will vary based on the patient’s needs and the extent of their gum disease or other periodontal conditions.
Understanding Gum Recession and Its Treatment Gum recession happens when the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots. It can happen slowly, taking time, or suddenly from trauma or gum disease. Gum recession may lead to tooth sensitivity, an unattractive appearance, and other dental issues like tooth decay and periodontal disease.
The treatment for gum recession depends on its severity and underlying cause.
Here are common treatments for gum recession:
Scaling and root planing: This deep cleaning removes bacteria and calculus from tooth roots and helps gums reattach to the teeth.
Gum grafting : This surgical procedure involves taking tissue from another part of the mouth, such as the roof of the mouth, and grafting it onto the recessed area to cover the exposed root.
Types of Grafts:
Connective tissue graft : This is the most common gum grafting procedure. A small flap of tissue is extracted from the roof of the mouth, and the subepithelial connective tissue beneath it is attached to the recipient site.
Free gingival graft : Tissue is directly taken from the roof of the mouth and attached to the recipient site.
Pedicle graft : In this procedure, tissue near the affected area is rotated or “flapped” over the exposed root to cover it. It’s important to note that preventing gum recession is the best approach. Appropriate oral hygiene practices, like brushing twice a day, daily flossing, and regular dental visits for cleanings and checkups, can help prevent gum recession from occurring initially.
After gum grafting, patients must follow a careful post-operative regimen, including maintaining a clean graft site and avoiding particular foods and activities that could disrupt the healing process. Periodontists may also recommend additional treatments or procedures To deal with the underlying purpose of gum recession, such as scaling and root planing or orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth.
Are You Seeking Periodontics Services in San Diego, CA?
If you suspect you require periodontal treatment, step one is to schedule an appointment with a skilled dentist or periodontist near you, such as the professionals at Scripps Poway Dental Care.
Upon evaluation, the dentist will develop a treatment plan based on the state of your condition. The recommended treatment may include one or more of the following:
Scaling and root planing : A deep cleaning to clean plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and roots
Medications : Antibiotics and other medications are prescribed to control bacterial infection and reduce inflammation
Gum surgery : In developed cases of periodontal disease, surgery may help to remove damaged tissue and reshape the gum line.
Dental implants : Dental implants may be a replacement solution if tooth loss has occurred due to periodontal disease.