What is Periodontics?

Periodontal care or also known as periodontics is typically administered by a periodontist. This kind of dental care professional is one who specializes in the prevention as well as the diagnosis and treatment of something known as periodontal disease. A periodontist also routinely performs procedures associated with the placement of dental implants. They may in addition treat oral inflammation and other types of similar dental health related problems. Further, a periodontist is a dentist that receives additional extensive training and years of added education in many of the dental health related issues discussed here.

Severe Gum Disease

That said diagnosing and treating a full range of periodontal diseases as well as conducting cosmetic periodontal treatment and procedures are the main focus of periodontal care. In many instances, a periodontist will treat patients who are experiencing severe gum disease or those who have a complex medical history. They provide a wide variety of treatments including everything from scaling and root planing to procedures where damaged root tissue is removed. Performing a wide array of surgical procedures, periodontists routinely treat patients who have severe gum disease. Everything from the placement of dental implants to the maintenance and repair of implants is also a specialty of the periodontist.

Complete Medical and Dental History

When a patient visits a periodontist for the first time one of the first things that is done is the doctor will review the patient's complete medical and dental history. This is considered one of the most important aspects of periodontal care. It allows the periodontist to understand and know in detail if there are any medications that are being taken by the patient that could have an impact on a surgical procedure or other form of periodontal care. This type of evaluation will also look at any conditions that the patient is currently being treated for that could have an effect on periodontal treatment. Pregnancy, diabetes or even heart disease can have a direct effect on periodontal treatment or procedures.

Instrument Known as a Probe

During an actual examination, the periodontist will look at the patient's gums to determine if there is any recession of the gum line. The doctor will also seek to understand how well the patient's teeth come together when biting. He or she will also check the patient's teeth to determine whether or not any are loose. A periodontist will often also use a measuring device or instrument known as a probe that is placed between the teeth and gums. This is done to determine the overall depth of spaces referred to as periodontal pockets. This is primarily a check that examines the overall health of the gums. X-rays are also frequently used to check the health of bone that is below the gum line.

Routine Oral Care and Oral Hygiene

Finally, while there are indeed many dental issues that can be addressed by a general dentistry care provider, there are cases where a periodontist will provide the most effective specialized treatment. In these instances, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist. This is especially true considering the fact that more people than ever before are experiencing periodontal disease today. A healthier diet and a commitment when it comes to regular and routine oral care and oral hygiene at home can greatly reduce the chances of periodontal disease. Understanding what a periodontist does can help patients make a more informed decision when working together with their general dental care provider. Contact your Walnut Creek dental implant dentist, Massood Darvishzadeh, DDS at Dental Implant Solutions if you need more information about what periodontics is.

References:
[1] Gum Diseases and Their Effect on Pregnancy
[2] Side Effects Of Periodontal Disease And Its Impact On Overall Health