More About Periodontology
The practice of periodontology is fueled by our fast paced, American lifestyle. A periodontist focuses on the health of your soft gum tissue. This tissue often gets infected because of our rushed oral hygiene.
There are ten different specialty areas in the field of dentistry. After four year of dental school a periodontist will focus on the science of periodontology for yet another three years. They practice primarily in controlling gum disease and are trained as well in two procedures, dental implants and crown lengthening.
What Exactly is the Science of Periodontology?
It is the dental science that focuses on the system of hard and soft tissues that support your teeth. Your teeth actually sit in bony sockets. At the base of these sockets are a complex network of tiny fibers. These fibers are periodontal ligaments that hold the tooth in place. The gums compliment that system. They help maintain the position of the teeth in the arch and jaw keeping everything working together efficiently and comfortably. The gums literally act as shock absorbers to prevent damage when biting and chewing excessively hard.
Why is Periodontology and your Periodontist Important?
Close to half of all American adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, or periodontal disease. Simply because we are rushing and do not follow the guidelines of brushing and flossing our teeth. This neglect allows plaque to form on the teeth and then come in contact with the gums. The bacteria in the plaque immediately causes an infection in the soft tissue creating problems in that periodontal system of support. The periodontist can do deep scaling and root planning to remove the plaque and reverse the progress of the disease. If not stopped and stabilized the disease will result in tooth loss and bone loss.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Another popular procedure that the periodontist is trained in is the placement of a dental implant. If you have lost a tooth the gap should be filled quickly, or the neighboring teeth will shift into that space. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone. Once it has fused into the bone an extension is placed on the post with a ceramic or porcelain crown affixed to the extension. The most natural looking solution for a lost tooth.
Periodontology and Crown Lengthening
Another procedure that the periodontist is training in is that of crown lengthening. If you smile and proportionally see more gum than teeth a periodontist can correct that proportion. After numbing the soft tissue with a local anesthetic either a laser or surgical scalpel can remove the unwanted tissue creating a new gum line, exposing more of the crown of the tooth.
The Gums are Certainly Overlooked
A periodontist can look at your gums and even suggest whether you might have diabetes or even a blood disorder. Your gums can mirror your overall general health. Periodontology is tuned into and focused on not only the soft tissue of the gums but also the relationship with the general health of your body. Slow down and take care of your teeth and your gums.
More information on Periodontists : Choosing the Right Periodontist