The Role Of A Periodontist

If your dentist has recommended that you visit a periodontist, then you might be somewhat confused. After all, can't your dentist perform any necessary procedures or surgeries? As it turns out, the field of dentistry is much too vast for any single individual to be an expert in all aspects of it. Therefore, there are specific dentists known as periodontists who specialize in the supporting structures of the mouth.

What is periodontology?

Periodontists, like those at Periodontal Specialists, perform procedures to help maintain or restore gum and bone health, such as:

  • Dental Implants - If you need to have a tooth entirely replaced from the root up, then you need a dental implant. By drilling a hole into the bone, periodontists can create an opening in which to install an implant, which functions as an artificial root. A crown can then be attached to this implant in order to create a synthetic tooth.
  • Gum Grafts - Like a skin graft, a gum graft consists of removing gum tissue from a certain area to replace an area with weakened or missing tissue. Gums will commonly become diseased or infected due to a lack of hygiene and the presence of bacteria, which can necessitate a gum graft.
  • Root Planing - The removal of plaque and other detrimental materials from the root of the tooth via surgery. The root of the tooth is highly sensitive, so if you get plaque there, it will be exceedingly painful. In order to save the tooth, a periodontist will need to open the gum and manually remove any plaque.

In addition to specialized procedures, periodontists are familiar with treating periodontitis, a large range of diseases that affect the gums. Some examples include

  • Gingivitis - The most basic and least dangerous type of gum disease, gingivitis is easily reversible as long as it is treated promptly. However, if it is left to fester for a long period of time, it can develop into a much more dangerous variety of periodontitis.
  • Abscesses - Infections that are left untreated can develop into pockets of pus within the gum. Not only do abscesses smell and look disgusting, but they are also incredibly painful. In order to treat a periodontal abscess, a total excavation of the affected area might be necessary.
  • Necrotizing Ulcers - If left untreated, this can lead to attachment loss, which is when teeth become disconnected from the roots and the gums. This will directly lead to teeth falling out of your mouth.

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