What is Periodontics?

Periodontics is a specialty area of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing gum diseases. Periodontal diseases, also known as gum diseases, are infections of the gum tissue and supporting structures of the teeth. These diseases can range in severity from mild inflammation (gingivitis) to more advanced stages of infection (periodontitis).

What are the Different Types of Periodontal Treatments?

Several types of periodontal treatments may be used to address gum disease and other issues affecting the gums. Some of the types of treatments involved in periodontics include:

• Professional teeth cleanings
• Scaling and root planing
• Medications
• Surgical procedures
• Dental implants
• Laser Therapy

1) Professional Teeth Cleanings

During a professional tooth cleaning, our periodontist at 36572 will remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums using specialized instruments and techniques. This can help to reduce inflammation and prevent the progression of gum disease.

Periodontitis treatment relies heavily on tartar removal and good oral hygiene. Before beginning treatment, our dentist in Satsuma, AL frequently recommends combining professional teeth cleaning with patient education to ensure good oral hygiene and reduce very severe inflammations. This combination is recommended after treatment to prevent the inflammation from returning.

However, there has been no appropriate research on the potential benefits of professional teeth cleaning in treating periodontitis. Thus, it is not possible to say whether the combination of professional teeth cleaning and patient education before or after periodontitis treatment can prevent disease progression any better than standard tartar removal.

2) Scaling and Root Planing

During scaling and root planing, your periodontist will thoroughly clean your teeth’ root surfaces. Your periodontist will begin by scaling beneath the gum line to remove plaque and other bacterial toxins from periodontal pockets. Root planing allows your periodontist to smooth the tooth root, preventing plaque and toxins from adhering in the future.

After scaling and root planing, most patients do not require any additional treatment. The majority of patients, however, will need ongoing maintenance therapy to maintain periodontal health.

3) Medications

Medications: Periodontists may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat infection and reduce inflammation in the gums. These medications may be taken orally or applied directly to the gums.

4) Surgical Procedures

In more advanced cases of gum disease, periodontists may recommend surgical procedures to remove infected tissue, smooth the root surfaces of the teeth, or regenerate lost bone and gum tissue. These procedures may include gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, flap surgery, and bone grafting.

5) Dental Implants

Dental implants are manufactured tooth roots placed in your jaw to support a prosthetic tooth or bridge. Most people use the term “dental implants” to refer to the combination of the implant (the artificial tooth root) and the prosthetic tooth. Dental implants may be viable if you have lost one or more than one tooth due to periodontal disease or another cause and prefer not to wear dentures.

The most common type of implant is endosteal (in the bone). It can take the form of screws, cylinders, or blades that are surgically implanted into the jawbone.

Each implant houses one or more replacement teeth. Patients who are currently wearing bridges or removable dentures may benefit from this type of implant.

Subperiosteal (bone-on-bone): This type of implant is placed on top of the jaw and is held in place by metal framework posts that protrude through the gum. Subperiosteal implants are typically used for patients who cannot wear conventional dentures and lack sufficient bone height to support an endosteal implant.

6) Laser Therapy

Periodontal disease can be treated with lasers. Current controlled studies have found that laser treatment produces comparable results to specific other non-surgical treatment options, such as scaling and root planing alone.

Each laser has a unique wavelength and power level that can be safely used during various periodontal procedures. Moreover, if a laser with an inappropriate wavelength and power level is used during a periodontal procedure, periodontal tissues can be damaged.

Get Periodontal Treatment Near You

Periodontal treatments can benefit individuals suffering from gum disease or other issues affecting the gums. Some potential benefits of periodontal treatment include improved oral health, reduced risk of tooth loss, improved appearance, improved function, and improved overall health. If you are looking for periodontal treatments in Satsuma, AL, call us or book an appointment with Satsuma Family Dental to learn more about getting periodontics near Mobile, AL. Our staff will take good care of you and your family!