Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on studying, diagnosing, and treating issues that affect the gums and the bone structures that support teeth. Periodontal disease is the leading dental problem that periodontics focuses on.
Periodontal disease is an infection of gum tissues caused by the bacteria in plaque and tartar getting below the gum line. Plaque is the sticky film that is covering your teeth when you wake up in the morning or after a nap. It contains bacteria and hardens into tartar when left on teeth for more than a day. Plaque can be cleaned off by brushing or flossing teeth, but tartar deposits cannot. A metal tool called a scaler is used to scrape these hard deposits off teeth surfaces. Tartar builds up at the base of teeth, and it can eventually work its way into gum pockets and teeth roots.
Let us take a look at a few of the treatments used to treat infected gum tissues.
Teeth cleanings are the most commonly performed preventative treatments in dentistry. They involve the dentist removing plaque and tartar from teeth surfaces and polishing the teeth afterward. Cleaning protects teeth against the two most common dental problems: gum disease and tooth decay.
The American Dental Association recommends getting teeth cleaned at least two times per year. The procedure can help reverse the first stage of periodontal disease: gingivitis.
A deep cleaning is a more extensive version of a standard teeth cleaning. It involves everything done during a regular teeth cleaning, as well as removing tartar from teeth roots and gum pockets. The procedure is typically broken down into multiple treatments because recovery involves dealing with gum soreness for a few days.
Periodontal disease leads to symptoms like gum tissues pulling away from teeth, which leaves teeth roots exposed, creating various problems. Teeth roots are not as resistant to the acids made by oral bacteria because they do not have enamel protecting their outer layer. Instead, they are covered with cementum, which is not as durable. Exposed teeth roots are vulnerable to decay for this reason.
Gum grafts are typically recommended to cover up exposed teeth roots. The procedure requires minor oral surgery and involves taking donor tissues from other parts of the mouth and using them to cover up the exposed teeth roots. Gum grafts are also performed to restore gum structures that have been damaged by periodontal disease.
Bone grafts are recommended when the bone structures that hold teeth in place have been damaged. The procedure is often performed using sterilized donor tissues from cows or synthetic materials that stimulate the production of healthy bone tissues. Bone grafts are also performed when a patient has jawbone deterioration due to missing teeth. They can thicken the jawbone so the missing tooth can be replaced with an implant.
Are you noticing any symptoms of periodontal disease? Call or stop by our Huntsville clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.yourhuntsvilledentist.com or call René A. Talbot, DDS at (256) 382-6690 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Periodontics in Huntsville, AL.
Endodontics is primarily thought of as restorative treatment, but it can have cosmetic benefits as well. Your smile is one of the first things that other people notice. A healthy-looking smile can make you look more attractive, compared to having damaged, poorly managed teeth. Restoring the way that a tooth looks can help improve your…
Veneers are a common type of dental restoration and can be used to cover up damaged teeth. Dental injuries, specifically, can occur from just about anything, but a common cause is in the workplace. While most may think of a back sprain or minor burn when it comes to workplace injuries, workplace dental injuries are…
Want to know what symptoms are associated with TMJ? Many symptoms are linked to this commonly diagnosed jaw-related disorder, including jaw pain. However, other symptoms are important to be aware of as they can help the general dentist make a diagnosis and treatment plan. Many are surprised to learn that a general dentist can diagnose and…
Lumineers® give you a less invasive way to transform your smile than conventional veneers. A veneer is a tooth-shaped cover that is cemented on the front part of teeth. It serves as a mask, hiding any flaws on the front of your teeth.Placing conventional veneers on teeth requires removing portions of enamel from the patient’s…
Endodontics is primarily thought of as restorative treatment, but it can have cosmetic benefits as well. Your smile is one of the first things that other people notice. A healthy-looking smile can make you look more attractive, compared to having damaged, poorly managed teeth. Restoring the way that a tooth looks can help improve your…
Veneers are a common type of dental restoration and can be used to cover up damaged teeth. Dental injuries, specifically, can occur from just about anything, but a common cause is in the workplace. While most may think of a back sprain or minor burn when it comes to workplace injuries, workplace dental injuries are…