What is Periodontics?

Periodontics is a dental specialty whose primary focus is to prevent periodontal disease, a condition that affects approximately half of all adults past 30 years. Therefore, a periodontist is a dental specialist who treats and prevents conditions affecting the supporting tissues and structures around your teeth. These supporting structures include:

• The gums – Gum tissue forms a tight protective seal around your teeth, creating a barrier against oral bacteria.
• Periodontal ligaments – These are fibrous joints connecting teeth to their dental sockets.
• The cementum – It connects your teeth to your jaw as it firmly anchors them to the periodontal ligaments.
• Alveolar bones (jawbones) – They contain your teeth, thus helping you to bite, chew, and handle your food.

What Procedures Are Done in Periodontics?

Scripps Poway Dental Care is one of the best dental offices to book with if you are looking for periodontics in San Diego, CA. Below is a list of some periodontal procedures you can receive from our periodontal dentist in San Diego.

• Periodontal Maintenance

This refers to a specific type of dental cleaning that is similar to regular cleaning at the dentist’s office, but other than cleaning teeth; the hygienist will also check your gums’ health and measure the gum pockets around teeth.

• Periodontal Cleaning

Periodontal cleaning will involve scaling and root planing. This precise deep cleaning procedure combats bacterial toxins and targets to eliminate plaque and tartar on root surfaces. It is mostly recommended for dental patients with early-stage gum disease.

• Dental Implants

Dental implants are among the most preferred replacement options for missing teeth and are used to address bone loss, a major gum disease symptom. The titanium root replaces your normal tooth root and fuses with your jawbone to prevent degradation.

• Pocket Reduction

Pocket reduction, also known as gingival flap surgery, is a procedure done to treat moderate to severe gum disease. Your periodontist will make an incision into your gums and move the gums gently away from your dental structures. This will allow the professional to detect infections beneath the gum line and to thoroughly clean your teeth’ roots which are then followed by repositioning the gum tissue and stitching it in place.

• Regenerative Procedures

Regenerative procedures are typically recommended when periodontal disease has destroyed the bone that supports your teeth. The procedure aims to reverse the damage by regenerating the lost tissue and bone.

• Gum grafting

Gum grafting is a treatment procedure done to treat gum recession. During the procedure, the dental practitioner will add healthy tissue to the areas where the gums are thin.

Who Needs Periodontal Treatment?

Your gums greatly influence your oral health and general body wellness. This is because healthy gums act as a seal of protection for your teeth, their roots, and the jawbone locking bacteria and food debris out. Thus, ensuring your gums are always in good health is important.

Here are some signs that may call for an early visit to a periodontist near you for periodontal treatment:

• Bleeding gums which often occur after brushing
• Oral sores
• Red, tender, or puffy gum tissue
• Loose or shifting teeth

When you have advanced gum disease, the gum integrity is compromised, resulting in the formation of deep gum pockets that harbor bacteria and food debris. With time the accumulation of unwanted debris and bacteria will cause your teeth to have a yellow appearance. Consequently, your teeth can become loose and detach from the jawbone leading to irreversible damage.

The treatment of gum disease is less complicated when identified at its early stages, which is why dental experts recommend scheduling regular appointments for oral checkups and exams. Your dentist will likely spot the warning signs for gum disease during those visits and start appropriate measures to curb it before permanent damages occur.

Tips on How to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Establishing good oral hygiene practices is the key action you can take to prevent gum disease and promote your oral health. Here are some oral care tips that will keep your teeth and gums healthy:

• Brush and floss your teeth properly and routinely
• Schedule oral checkups at your dentist’s office at least twice a year
• Participate in periodontal cleaning, root planing, and scaling if you develop gum pockets
• Limit your sugar consumption
• Avoid using tobacco or its products
• Eat a balanced diet