Periodontics

Periodontics Q & A

What are periodontics?

Periodontics fall under a branch of dentistry that focuses on inflammatory diseases in your gums. From milder forms of gingivitis to moderate to severe periodontitis, the dentists at Skyview Dentistry have the experience necessary to prevent gum health issues from snowballing into larger problems that threaten your entire dental health — even your overall health.

What are the signs of periodontitis, or gum disease?

While the CDC reports that over half of all Americans over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, there are many degrees of the problem. In its earliest stages, gum disease presents itself as gingivitis, which is signaled by:

• Inflamed gums
• Tender gums
• Bad breath, or halitosis
• Minor bleeding, especially when you brush

If your gingivitis is left untreated, it can swiftly turn the corner into periodontitis, which is characterized by a worsening of the symptoms listed above under gingivitis, as well as:

• Gums that pull away from your teeth
• Loose teeth
• Pus between your teeth
• A change in your bite

Periodontitis can lead to extensive tooth decay, and it’s the primary driver behind tooth loss.

What treatments fall under periodontics?

The dental team at Skyview Dentistry has a number of tools that halt the progression of gum disease and restore your gum health. Caught in its earliest stages, namely gingivitis, a good professional cleaning at the capable hands of the hygienists at Skyview Dentistry is often all it takes.

If your gum disease has started to take hold, the dentist may recommend a rooting and scaling procedure, in which they use specialized tools and laser technology to remove plaque and bacteria from under your gums.

When gum disease is in its advanced stages, the team at Skyview Dentistry becomes more aggressive in saving your teeth. To do this, they may turn to flap surgery to reduce the pockets between your gums and your teeth. If you’ve lost gum tissue, they may graft new tissue to the area.

If the damage has reached your teeth, the dentist might turn to bone grafting to shore up this hard tissue.

Ultimately, the key to periodontics is early intervention. Call Skyview Dentistry or use the online scheduling tool to learn more.