Periodontists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases that cause inflammation of your gums.  Your gums consist of a complex combination and bones and tissues.

Dental Anatomy

Your mouth as an adult contains 32 teeth. They have different functions as the first station of your digestive system.  Your mouth contains a jaw bone, gums, and teeth.

Your jaw bone contains the alveolar bone, a bony socket in which each tooth is embedded. The alveolar bone is covered by layers of tissues known collectively as gums or gingivae.  Gums include connective tissues, the cementum, and periodontal ligaments (PDL) that bind your teeth to the alveolar bone.  

The periodontal ligament consists of a complex group of fibers, connective tissues, and cells. In a word, the PDL serves as a cushion to absorb stress from chewing.

All of these components can be the subject of injury or disease.

Periodontic medicine

Periodontics is a specialty of dental practice that concentrates on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and the installation of dental implants.

Several disorders are classified as periodontal disease that is caused by different bacterial infections. They include the following:

• Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that causes painful inflammation of your gums. Untreated gingivitis can lead to more serious periodontitis and tooth loss. Gingivitis symptoms are red, swollen, and tender gums.

• Mild periodontitis results from untreated gingivitis.  Gums pull away from your teeth causing a deepening crevice between your teeth and gums. Loss of the alveolar bone can also result.

• Moderate to advanced periodontitis shows more advanced bone loss, receding gums, and deepening of periodontal pockets.  Teeth may loosen and need to be extracted.

How are periodontal diseases treated?

Periodontists deal with periodontal diseases with a variety of treatments depending on the severity of the disease.

Tartar and plaque removal beneath the gums. Tartar and plaque are the sources of bacterial infection. Cleaning of the tooth roots enables your teeth to reattach to your gums closing the gaps that house bacteria.

Medicine.  Antibacterial medicines can be placed in the pockets between your teeth and gums to kill bacteria after the removal of plaque and tartar.  Antibacterial medicines can also be administered orally.

Surgery. Advanced periodontal disease might require surgery.  The procedures can include:

• Pocket reduction. When plaque accumulates below the gum line, pockets are formed. These pockets fill with bacteria.  Once the pockets are cleaned out, the surgeon will close the gap.

• Bone regeneration.  Periodontal disease causes bone degeneration. Surgeons perform bone grafts to restore bones.

• Gum graft. Periodontal disease can cause a breakdown of your gum tissue. With a soft tissue graft, the surgeon will cut a strip of tissue from the roof of your mouth and graft it onto your receding gums.

• Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure performed by periodontists for cosmetic or medicinal purposes. They cut away gum tissue. Generally, the only medicinal purpose is to reveal tooth decay or other issues.

 

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