A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. They are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.
Periodontists often treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as those with severe gum disease or a complex medical history. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (in which the infected surface of the root is cleaned) or root surface debridement (in which damaged tissue is removed). They can also treat patients with severe gum problems using a range of surgical procedures.
During the first visit, the periodontist usually reviews the patient’s complete medical and dental histories. It is extremely important for the periodontist to know if any medications are being taken or if the patient is being treated for any condition that can affect periodontal care, such as heart disease, diabetes, or pregnancy.
The periodontist examines the gums, checks to see if there is any gum line recession, assesses how the teeth fit together when biting, and checks the teeth to see if any are loose. The periodontist will also take a small measuring instrument called a probe and place it between the teeth and gums to determine the depth of those spaces, known as periodontal pockets; this helps the periodontist assess the health of the gums. X-rays may also be taken to observe the health of the bone below the gum line.
Periodontic treatment available in our clinic are:
Scaling and root planing
Aesthetic and Gingivectomy
Gingival recession and Gingival Graft
Esthetic Periodontal Crown-Lengthening Surgery and Bone graft
Gingivitis and Periodontitis The term “periodontal disease” or “gum disease” in its strictest sense refer to both gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is and inflammatory condition of the gingiva. Gingivitis is modified by several factors such as smoking, certain drugs and hormonal changes that occur in puberty and pregnancy.
Periodontitis follows gingivitis and is also influenced by the individual’s immune and inflammatory response. It is initiated by microbial plaque. Periodontitis involves the desruction of the supporting structure of the teeth. Clearly, periodontitis is the most sinificant of these diseases because it causes tooth loss, mouth odor or bad breath or halitosis
About 85 to 90 percent of bad breath cases are related to an oral problem. While another 8 percent to 10 percent of cases may be caused by chronic postnasal drip.
Oral reasons for mouth odor may include gum disease, broken down teeth and decay, prosthetic devices that are ill-fitting or that cause food accumulation in hard-to-clean areas and even smoking.
Perhaps the most common culprits of mouth odor are “dental plaque and food debris. These allow bacterial growth and putrefaction that can cause bad breath.
Aesthetic and Gingivectomy
Gums affected by periodontosis can be cured, with treatment ranging from simple scaling and curettage up to actual periodontal plastic surgery. The total duration of periodontal treatment is varies for each individual.
Gingival recession and Gingival Graft
Gum recession is one of the gum problems that patients can frequently identify. When the recession is in the front of the mouth, it may be readily seen, especially if it is on the upper front teeth. Periodontal Plastic Surgery is predictable in creating thick, tough gum tissue (called “attached gingiva”) which will prevent further recession, and in some cases will also cover the existing recession. An important point to understand is that these periodontal plastic surgical techniques have the treatment of recession as their primary treatment objective.
Aesthetic Periodontal Crown-Lengthening Surgery
(Crown lengthening, esthetics, gingivectomy, gummy smile)
The appearance of the gingival tissues surrounding the teeth plays an important role in the esthetics of the anterior maxillary region of the mouth.
Abnormalities in symmetry and contour can significantly affect the harmonious appearance of the natural or prosthetic dentition. As well nowadays, patients have a greater desire for more esthetic results which may influence treatment choice.
Esthetic periodontal surgery is sometimes performed to change the dimension of the front teeth and to optimize the esthetic outcome of treatment with new crown restorations or other esthetic dental care.
In some instances a simple procedure can increase the length of the teeth to improve esthetics. Extensive dental work is often necessary to restore oral health.
Advance appointment booking is needed to see the Periodontist. Please kindly contact us
