The term “periodontics” refers to the dental specialty that pertains to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease that affects the gums and jawbone. The gum tissues serve to surround and support the teeth and the underlying jawbone anchors teeth firmly in place. Periodontists have completed several years of extra dental training and are concerned with maintaining the function, health and aesthetics of the jawbone and tissues.
Reasons to Treat Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and various oral and systemic health problems. Periodontal treatment for periodontitis is essential to manage the infection, prevent further damage, and maintain overall oral health. Here are some reasons why periodontal treatment for periodontitis is necessary:
Control Infection: Periodontitis is caused by bacteria that accumulate in dental plaque and calculus (tartar) around the teeth and gums. Periodontal treatment aims to remove these harmful bacteria and control the infection to prevent its progression.
Preserve Teeth: Advanced periodontitis can cause the bone and tissue that support teeth to deteriorate, leading to tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss. Treatment helps preserve the teeth by halting the progression of the disease and promoting tissue regeneration.
Prevent Further Damage: If left untreated, periodontitis can cause pockets to form between the teeth and gums, providing a space for bacteria to thrive. These pockets can deepen over time, exacerbating the infection and damaging the bone and tissue further. Treatment aims to reduce pocket depths and prevent further damage.
Improve Oral Health: Treating periodontitis improves overall oral health. By eliminating the infection, patients experience reduced gum inflammation, bleeding, bad breath, and discomfort.
Enhance Aesthetics: Advanced periodontitis can lead to gum recession and changes in the appearance of the smile. Proper treatment can help restore a more aesthetically pleasing gum line.
Reduce Systemic Health Risks: Periodontitis has been linked to various systemic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy complications, and Alzheimer's. Treating periodontitis may help reduce the risk of these health issues by addressing the source of inflammation and infection in the mouth.
Preserve Bone Structure: Periodontitis can lead to the loss of the bone that supports teeth. Treating the infection and inflammation helps prevent further bone loss and maintains the structural integrity of the jawbone.
Improve Quality of Life: Periodontitis can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty in eating and speaking. By addressing the infection and its consequences, treatment can significantly improve a patient's quality of life.
Prevent Recurrence: After successful periodontal treatment, patients are typically educated about proper oral hygiene practices and maintenance to prevent the recurrence of periodontitis and to maintain the health of their gums and teeth.
Customized Care: Periodontal treatment is tailored to each patient's specific needs. This may involve scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), laser therapy, surgical procedures, and ongoing maintenance to ensure the best possible outcomes for each individual.
Overall, periodontal treatment for periodontitis is crucial for preserving oral health, preventing tooth loss, and reducing the risk of associated systemic health problems. It's important to consult a dental professional if you suspect you have periodontitis or any other oral health concerns.
Reasons to Treat Gum Recession
Gum recession refers to the gradual exposure of the tooth's root surface due to the loss of gum tissue that normally covers it. This condition can have various causes and implications for oral health. Treating gum recession is important for several reasons:
Reduced Tooth Sensitivity: Exposed tooth roots can be sensitive to temperature changes and certain foods. Treating gum recession can help alleviate tooth sensitivity and discomfort.
Aesthetic Concerns: Gum recession can lead to an uneven or "long in the tooth" appearance, affecting the aesthetics of your smile. Treating gum recession can help restore a more youthful and balanced appearance to your gums and teeth.
Prevention of Further Recession: Left untreated, gum recession can continue to progress, exposing more of the tooth's root and potentially leading to more severe dental issues. Early intervention can help prevent further recession.
Prevention of Root Decay: Tooth roots do not have the same protective enamel covering as the crowns of teeth. Exposed roots are at higher risk of developing cavities (root decay). Treating gum recession helps protect these vulnerable areas.
Preservation of Tooth Support: Healthy gum tissue provides a protective barrier against bacteria and supports the tooth in its socket. When gum tissue recedes, it can expose the tooth's attachment structure, increasing the risk of gum disease and potential tooth loss.
Enhancement of Oral Hygiene: Gum recession can create deeper pockets between the teeth and gums, making it harder to clean effectively. Treating gum recession and maintaining proper oral hygiene can prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria in these pockets.
Prevention of Gum Disease: Gum recession can be an early sign of gum disease (periodontal disease). Treating the recession can help prevent the progression of gum disease and its associated complications.
Preservation of Bone Structure: Gum recession can be associated with bone loss in the jaw, which supports the teeth. Treating gum recession can help preserve the bone structure and the stability of the teeth.
It's important to address gum recession promptly by consulting a periodontist. The treatment for gum recession can vary based on the severity and underlying causes. Your periodontist can recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include gum grafting, minimally invasive procedures, or lifestyle changes to address the root causes of the recession.