Periodontists specialise in creating dental plans that treat gum diseases. So, if you ever have a problem with your gums bleeding or feeling sensitive, it’s time to go to a periodontist. If you don’t, you stand a chance of having frequent toothache, gum disease or having other oral conditions. If gum disease is left untreated, you can lose teeth, gum tissue or even parts of your jawline to repair the damage.
Your periodontist is trained to take proactive and preventive measures to address your gum and tooth issues. Your teeth and everything connecting to supporting your teeth is the focus of dentists who specialise in periodontology. Your gums, jawbone and any connective tissues are the focus of your treatment plan when it comes to your periodontist.
Non-invasive treatments
Non-invasive treatments are the first course of action for treating gum issues. The typical treatments are root planning and scaling. Root planning deals with smoothing the root to eliminate traps for bacteria. Scaling deals with eliminating tartar and plaque off the root surface.
Some people have regular visits to have antimicrobial gum treatments to maintain a bacteria-free mouth.
Regenerative Treatments
Periodontists often do treatments to regenerate gum tissue and bone that have been harmed by bacterial development. Procedures like applying tissue-stimulating proteins and bone grafts are often done to assist in the regeneration process.
Crown lengthening
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that makes the tooth longer by taking away extra bone and gum tissue. This procedure is often done for cosmetic reasons for those who don’t like to have a smile that looks like they have a lot of gum tissue, but it can also be done as the initial step for more serious restorative treatments.
The procedure is a very quick process involving trimming the gums. However, the periodontist may have to cut a flap of gum tissue to lift it up while cutting away some bone. The flap is replaced once the excess bone is removed.
Soft tissue grafts
Sensitive teeth are often the result of receding gums, which have exposed the roots. Soft tissue grafts are often performed to cover these roots (and help foster new tissue growth) to prevent sensitivity for some patients and to repair a cosmetic issue for others.
Conclusion
Periodontists specialise in the treatment of gums, but that’s not all they do. They also perform treatments for other areas within the mouth—like the part of the jawbone that could lead to tooth loss if not working properly since it deals with housing the tooth roots. Your periodontist’s job would be to preserve this bone to prevent any further tooth loss.
Sometimes, the periodontist will have to treat the cementum and the periodontal ligament (also known as the PDL) to allow your teeth to stay healthy. The cementum is a calcified connective tissue that helps your teeth and gums meet. It also acts as root protection for your teeth by attaching to the alveolar bone with the PDL. Your periodontist will ensure your PDL is just as healthy as your gums.
Book your appointment online
See our clinician availability and book a slot that works best around your schedule. Only Private appointments are bookable.
Book your appointment online
See our clinician availability and book a slot that works best around your schedule. Only Private appointments are bookable.