Periodontics at Dentalville

Periodontics is a sub-specialty of dentistry involving preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases of the tissues that support and surround teeth, as well as those of substitute teeth. It also involves the maintenance of the function, health and appearance of those same tissues and structures. If you want to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile for life, you need to ensure that the soft tissues surrounding them remain healthy. If you should develop gum problems, periodontal therapy may be necessary to restore these tissues to sound health.

When should you see a periodontist?

Any time is appropriate to visit a periodontist for a checkup and evaluation. Your periodontist specializes in the treatment and diagnosis of problems with the gums and soft tissues surrounding the teeth, as well as placing dental implants.

Periodontists are well-versed in state-of-the-art technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Furthermore, they are able to perform cosmetic procedures to enhance your smile. If a patient has advanced periodontal disease, their regular dentist may refer them to a periodontist.

You may want to be evaluated by a periodontist if:

* You have begun noticing periodontal disease symptoms.

* You are unhappy with a tooth replacement option like bridges or dentures, and prefer dental implants.

* You feel that your smile is gummy or your teeth are too short.

* You are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. Pregnant women with periodontal disease are at an increased risk of having a baby born prematurely.

* You have a family history of periodontal disease.

What are some periodontal procedures?

Periodontal therapy may or may not involve surgery for the restoration of tissue health for supporting teeth. Some periodontal therapy procedures include:

Scaling and Root Planing

These are periodontal procedures that help to deep clean to prevent and control gum disease. It involves the removal of plaque and tartar under the gum line with the use of scalars or other instruments.

Gum Grafting

In some cases, your periodontist must replace lost gum tissue to protect tooth roots. They can take healthy gum tissue from one location and transplant it where needed.

Periodontal Plastic Surgery

This could be any type of reshaping treatment designed to provide a more aesthetically pleasing gum tissue appearance.

Crown Lengthening Surgery

This is where some of the tooth structure that is normally concealed by gums may require exposure. This could be due to the need for a cosmetic improvement - like when teeth need to be made to appear longer. Or it could be used to secure a new dental crown.

Dental Implants

Today, the gold standard for tooth replacement is a dental implant. These consist of a titanium metal post that is placed within the jaw. During a second appointment, an artificial tooth is placed on this post to serve as an artificial chewing surface that both functions and appears just like a normal tooth.

Dental implants have an excellent safety profile and are a long lasting solution to one or more missing teeth. Properly cared for, your new dental implant should last for the rest of your life. Although they are more expensive than other tooth replacement options, the overwhelming majority of patients consider them to be worth it.

Contact Us

Do you require the care of a Panorama City periodontist? If so, please contact Dentalville Panorama City today to book your consultation.