Periodontal health is the foundation of a beautiful and enduring smile, making dental periodontics a cornerstone of comprehensive dental care. Dental periodontics is a crucial field of dentistry that focuses on maintaining and reinforcing the strength of a person’s gums and the supporting structures around the teeth and is thus central to strong oral health.
Today, we're going to delve into the world of dental periodontics to better understand what it encompasses, the issues that it prevents and addresses, and its role in sustaining your overall dental well-being.
What Constitutes Dental Periodontics?
Dental periodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that concentrates on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of periodontal (gum) diseases and the maintenance of the teeth’s supporting structures. These structures, which include the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone, are vital to the health and stability of teeth.
The dental professionals who specialize in periodontics, known as “periodontists,” play a vital role in helping patients prevent gum diseases and address issues like gum inflammation and loss of jawbone density. Their expertise goes beyond routine dental care, to advanced treatments to ensure the strength and health of the gums and supporting structures.
What Are the Most Common Periodontal Treatments?
Dental periodontics is comprised of a range of treatments and procedures intended to preserve the integrity and health of your gums and the structures supporting the teeth. Some of the most common dental periodontal treatments include:
- Scaling and root planing: Also known as “deep cleaning,” this is a non-surgical procedure to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline, in order to prevent or halt gum disease.
- Gum grafting: To combat gum recession, periodontists can restore and protect gum tissue in one part of the mouth by grafting healthy tissue from another.
- Pocket reduction surgery: A minor surgery that reduces the depth of gum pockets, facilitating easier cleaning and minimizing the risk of further damage.
- Dental implants: The most effective long-term solution for tooth loss, dental implants not only provide a platform on which to mount porcelain crowns but also stimulate the jawbone, preventing the loss of bone density that often accompanies tooth loss.
- Bone grafting: When bone loss occurs, bone graft procedures are used to regenerate lost bone and create a stable foundation for teeth and implants.
Quality Periodontal Care in Dedham, MA
If you’re in the Dedham area and would like a professional assessment of your periodontal health and more information on how dental periodontics can help, contact dentist Dr. Taejoon Park and the Dental Park team to schedule a consultation!