Though being a qualified dentist, there are several procedures that cannot be performed by them. Every part of your oral cavity requires a specialist that caters to your oral health needs. Periodontist is one such dental specialist who deals with diseases related to your gums and jawbone.
The Woodlands periodontist is a board-certified dental specialist who is highly trained to offer several periodontal services to restore the vitality of your gums and jawbone.
What is periodontics?
Periodontics is a dental specialty. “Peri” means “around” and “odont” means “tooth”. Thus, it is a field that treats conditions that affect your periodontium. It is a structural and functional group of tissues that provide anchorage to your teeth.
Who is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a gum specialist. They primarily focus on treating several conditions that affect the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth (the periodontium). A periodontist performs more complex procedures that are beyond the scope of a general dentist.
What exactly does the periodontist do?
A periodontist specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. They also help you manage signs of advancing gum problems like oral inflammation. A periodontist specifically deals with the following structures of your oral cavity:
- Cementum: A hard layer of calcified tissue that covers your teeth roots.
- The periodontal ligament (PDL): A group of connective tissue fibers that fix or attach your teeth to the jawbone.
- Alveolar bone: The part of your jawbone comprising the tooth socket.
- Gingiva: Your gums.
What procedures are performed by a periodontist?
Your periodontist is qualified to perform the following procedures:
Periodontal maintenance
- This involves regular teeth cleanings which aid in maintaining the health of your gums.
- These procedures can help your periodontist detect any early signs of gum disease.
- You must have these dental cleanings at least once in six months.
Periodontal cleaning
- This involves scaling and root planing (SRP), known as deep dental cleanings in other words.
- This is recommended for people with mild or early-stage gum disease.
- The procedures involve deep cleaning of your teeth below the gum line (subgingivally) and smoothening the root surfaces to discourage plaque accumulation and bacterial build-up.
Periodontal surgery
- These involve extensive surgical procedures which include the following:
- Pocket reduction surgery
- Gum grafts
- Dental bone grafts
- Surgical crown lengthening
- Smile lift
- Frenectomy
- Dental implants
- Regenerative procedures
- These procedures are recommended for people with severe or advanced-stage periodontal disease.
Final note
Healthy gums are essential to maintain healthy teeth. Periodontists are dental specialists who care for your gums and other structures surrounding your teeth. These specialists are specifically trained to tackle dental problems that are beyond the scope of a general dentist. They strive to maintain or revitalize your gum and overall oral health.
