Periodontics
The health of your teeth and gums is very important. If you neglect these areas of your body, they can lead to several problems, even life-threatening disease. This is why it’s essential to visit your dentist for regular checkups. You could have serious dental problems and not even know it!
While there are a variety of common dental issues out there, periodontal conditions are among the most serious. These issues can lead to tooth loss and even health problems throughout the body.
Periodontal conditions are treated in an area of dentistry called periodontics. If you’re searching for trusted periodontics in Charlottesville, VA, look no further than South Side Dental Center! We’re here for your important dental needs. Contact us today to make an appointment!
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on treating problems with the tissues that surround your teeth. There are several different dental issues that may require periodontal treatment, including bone loss, gum recession, and periodontal disease. Specialized doctors, called periodontists, typically work on treating these conditions.
Why Choose Periodontics?
You may be wondering why you would need to contact a periodontist. Most people only need to visit a periodontist temporarily, like during gum disease treatment. You’ll be referred to a periodontist when your dental needs are out of the scope of a regular dentist. Since a periodontist solely focuses on treating periodontal issues, these professionals are well-equipped to handle your needs. However, keep in mind periodontists often perform surgeries. That said, you may see a periodontist for surgery, then they might refer you back to your dentist for other treatments if necessary.
Many people choose periodontics for a gum graft, bone graft, or frenectomy. Others visit a periodontist for gum disease treatment. While many people only need these treatments short term, some require them over a longer period. These patients may be more prone to gum disease. This can be caused by genetics or poor dental hygiene practices.
Those with long-term periodontal problems may need periodontal cleanings in addition to standard dental cleanings. In these cases, your dentist will work closely with your periodontal team to ensure you’re receiving the right care for your needs.
Common Periodontal Procedures
Here are the treatments that are typically provided by a periodontist:
Periodontal Maintenance
This is essentially a more advanced type of teeth cleaning. It works very similarly to the cleanings at a dental office. The only difference is that, in addition to a standard teeth cleaning, your provider will also examine your gums and measure how deep the pockets are around your teeth. Keep in mind that many general dentists also complete this extra step during teeth cleaning appointments. Depending on your needs, you may need these cleanings several times a year. Speak with your dentist or periodontist about the right cleaning schedule for you.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a process that provides an even deeper clean than what’s offered during periodontal maintenance. During the treatment, your provider will clean deep beneath your gum line, which is where you’ll find trapped bacteria. Your periodontist will numb your gums with local anesthesia before starting the process. These specialists can also smooth out your tooth roots to limit plaque and bacteria buildup.
Periodontal Surgery
Periodontal surgery is the most common treatment offered by periodontists. There are many different types of periodontal surgeries, including:
Gum Grafts
If you have gum recession, a gum graft may help. This condition happens when you don’t have enough healthy gum tissue inside your mouth. Your provider may take some tissue from the roof of your mouth and attach it to your gums. Grafting material can also be purchased from a licensed bone and tissue bank.
Gingival Flap Surgery
This treatment can help with moderate to severe periodontitis, also known as gum disease. The procedure is also called pocket reduction surgery. During the treatment, the specialist will cut open your gums and move the tissue back away from your teeth. This allows the provider to examine and clean deep within your gums and tooth roots. After the cleaning process, the gums are repositioned and stitched up.
Tooth Extractions
Periodontists also frequently pull teeth. This is especially true for teeth that are difficult to remove. These specialists also perform tooth extractions for teeth that have broken off at the gum line.
Dental Bone Grafts
If a periodontal infection continues to grow, it can eat away at the bone that supports your teeth. In this case, you’ll need to replace this bone in order to maintain your smile. During a dental bone graft procedure, a periodontist replaces this missing bone with bone grafting material. This material can come from your own mouth or be purchased at a bone and tissue bank.
