Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the supporting structures of teeth (gums, alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament) and the diseases that inflict them. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in periodontics. He trains to deal with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of periodontal or gum disease and the placement of dental implants.
What are the services available under periodontics?
The various services available under periodontics are as follows:
1. Professional dental cleaning
Professional dental cleaning is a preventive measure against gum diseases and can reverse gingivitis. First, special dental tools are used to scrape away the deposits of plaque and tartar. Next, gritty toothpaste is used to scrape away the remaining debris. Then, expert flossing is performed to remove plaque from interdental areas. Finally, the tooth enamel is remineralized using fluoride to enable it to fight against cavities and bacterial attack.
It is a vital dental service that one must avail at least twice every year. Regular professional dental cleanings help in preventing gum diseases.
2. Deep cleaning
Deep cleaning consists of two procedures, namely, scaling and root planing. Scaling is performed to remove plaque and tartar deposits from both above and below the gum line. Surfaces with plaque and tartar accumulation are identified and an ultrasonic instrument is used to clean such areas.
After plaque and tartar have been successfully removed, root planing is performed. Root planing involves smoothening of tooth roots to allow them to attach well with the gums. It also eliminates vulnerable areas where bacteria can hide and multiply. Deep cleaning treats gingivitis and early stages of periodontitis.
3. Pocket reduction surgery
Pocket reduction surgery is performed to close the spaces that develop between teeth and gums (due to periodontal disease). These pockets are dangerous for oral and overall health as they harbor toxin-releasing bacteria that deteriorate both gum and bone tissues. Pocket reduction surgery involves opening the gums through flap surgery and then reshaping and smoothening of the tooth roots to allow them to attach themselves to the gums.
4. Bone grafting
Bone grafting involves transplanting healthy bone tissues from a donor area in the body to the recessed areas in the mouth. It helps improve the density of bones in the recessed region. Bone grafting is performed to either treat gum disease or before placing dental implants.
5. Gum grafting
Gum grafting involves transplanting healthy gum tissues from a donor area in the mouth to a recessed area. It improves the health of recessed gum tissues and is used to treat periodontitis.
6. Periodontal laser therapy
Periodontal laser therapy uses dental lasers to treat gum diseases. Dental lasers shoot concentrated beams of light with specific wavelengths to remove and reshape infected gum tissues, while ultrasonic scalers remove plaque and tartar deposits. The beams of laser light penetrate the soft gum tissue while sealing exposed blood vessels and nerve endings. Their high-energy thermal output not only eliminates infected gum tissues but also prevents future infections by sterilizing the exposed area.
7. Crown lengthening
Crown lengthening treats gummy smiles. It removes extra gum tissue that covers the crowns of teeth and makes them look short and unsightly. Soft tissue dental lasers shoot concentrated beams of light to eliminate the gum tissues while sealing the exposed blood vessels and nerve endings. After the procedure, the teeth appear long, uniform and cosmetically appealing.
8. Placement of dental implants
Dental implants are installed in position by a periodontist. They are titanium screws that are surgically installed in the jaw, below the gums. They fuse with the natural bone and act as false tooth roots. Dental restorations like crowns, bridges or overdentures are mounted on dental implants to restore the visible portion of missing teeth. Implants stand strong and sturdy in their position and do not come loose.
At Ayoub Dental we employ the practices of modern dentistry to systematically repair damage and enhance the appearance of your smile. We design a custom plan for each patient to meet their individual requirements. For further doubts and queries, book an appointment with us or visit our office today.
