Periodontics is a specialty of dentistry. A periodontist is a dental practitioner who studies the supporting structure of teeth and the diseases and conditions that affect them. Their focus is the gums and bone. A general dentist in Chicago can perform some procedures, such as routine teeth cleaning, root planning, and scaling. If the problem has advanced to conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis, it requires the specialist skills of a periodontist.
What Is Periodontics Treatment?
Perhaps the most common issue that a periodontist is faced with involves inflammation and bleeding of the soft tissue surrounding the teeth. If the condition is not treated, the results can be one or more lost teeth.
During your twice a year dental exam and general cleaning, your dentist or oral hygienist will remove any evidence of plaque or tartar. This buildup tends to occur in areas between your teeth that are difficult to reach with a brush or floss.
Deeper cleaning called scaling, and root planning are procedures best done by a periodontist. These procedures involve removing scale and tarter below the gum line. The procedure is usually performed under a local anesthetic. Once the scale and tarter have been eliminated, any rough spots on the tooth roots are smoothed. This procedure, called planning, removes all bacteria, which allows your gums to reattach to the surfaces of your teeth.
Other Restorative Procedures
Although most periodontics include soft tissue issues, other problems can affect your teeth and their supporting structure. Amongst these procedures is pocket reduction surgery, which involves lifting the gums back to expose the tooth root. This is necessary when there is a significant buildup of tarter and bacteria. In worse case scenarios, it may be necessary to graft fragments bone to replace bone that has degenerated or been destroyed by serious gum disease. The grafted bone serves as a foundation for your bone to restore itself, which in turn, restores the stability of your teeth.
There are many reasons why you might need periodontics treatment in Chicago. If you have a gum problem, make an early appointment with the Art of Modern Dentistry.
