What is a Periodontist?
The field of dentistry has ten specialty areas. One of those is Periodontics. A newark periodontist finishes a four- year dental program and then spends another three years focusing specifically on periodontics, which is the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, or gum disease. Many periodontists are also training to place dental implants as well as a procedure called crown lengthening. Both of these procedures focus on the soft tissue of the gums.
What is Gum Disease?
Sneaky and silent gum disease affects almost half of the American adults over the age of 30. It basically comes down to poor oral hygiene in most cases. The health industry strongly suggests we spend two minutes, twice a day, in brushing our teeth and gums. If you follow these guidelines you can avoid that gum disease statistic. If you don’t brush you allow plaque to build up on your teeth inevitably reaching your gums. The bacteria in the plaque immediately causes an infection in the gums resulting in swelling and the tissue sagging away from the teeth. If not halted and reversed the gum disease will increase and create some serious issues such a tooth loss and bone loss.
What does a Periodontist do for Gum Disease?
Sometimes a general dentist can address the initial stage of gum disease. Or, they will refer you to a periodontist. They will not only clean your teeth but will also need to do a deeper cleaning called scaling and even root planning. All this is to remove the damaging, bacteria carrying plaque. With antibiotics prescribed your gums will return to a good state of health in a matter of days.
Dental Implants and your Periodontist
A procedure that is gaining in popularity is that of dental implants. When you lose a tooth that gap must be filled quickly, or the neighboring teeth will shift into that gap. A periodontist has been trained in this procedure. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone. Once this post has fused to the bone an extension or abutment is placed on the post. Then a porcelain or ceramic crown is affixed to the abutment. Not only does this look like a natural tooth but the post helps maintain bone integrity.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure
Some folks have what is called a gummy smile. This is when you smile your teeth and your gums are out of proportion. More soft tissue is exposed making the teeth look short and stubby. A periodontist can use a local anesthetic to numb the soft tissue and either use a surgical scalpel or a laser to trim back the gumline to expose more of the crown of the teeth. A common and simple procedure to improve your smile.
A Periodontist and a Healthy Smile
Your general dentist and the periodontist will have a good relationship. This is quite common in most markets. They share the same objective; healthy teeth, healthy gums and a beautiful smile. Be a team player and do your fair share. Take care of those teeth and gums.
More information on Periodontists : What is Periodontology?