Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the gums and other tooth-supporting structures. The most common condition that periodontists treat is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.

Plaque and tartar accumulation on the teeth, which results in gum inflammation and infection, is the primary cause of periodontal disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two more severe forms of periodontal disease that can develop if left untreated. Loss of the bone and gum tissue that support teeth as well as eventual tooth loss can result from periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the term for the early stage of periodontal disease, which is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. With professional cleaning and appropriate dental hygiene habits at home, this is frequently reversible.

Gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more severe form of the illness if it is not treated. Infected pockets can form when periodontitis causes the gums to peel away from the teeth. The body’s immune system battles the infection as the disease worsens, which can cause the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth to deteriorate. Teeth may become loose, fall out, or require removal by a dentist or periodontist if untreated.

Scaling and root planing, a thorough cleaning procedure, is usually the first step in periodontal treatment. Plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line are removed during this process. Then, to aid in the gums reattaching to the teeth, the dentist or hygienist will use specialized tools to scrape off the debris and smooth off the root surfaces of the teeth.

A more thorough course of treatment may be required for more severe cases of periodontal disease. This may involve periodontal procedures, including bone and tissue grafts or flap surgeries. The infected tissue is removed, the damage is repaired, and these techniques decrease pocket depth.

The use of antimicrobial medicines, such as antibiotics or antiseptics, is another option for treating periodontal disease. To help combat the infection and lessen inflammation, they can be applied topically or taken internally to diseased areas.

In addition to these therapies, it’s critical for patients to practice proper oral hygiene at home, including regular brushing and flossing, and to go to the dentist or hygienist for checkups and cleanings regularly.

It’s also important to remember that particular circumstances might make you more likely to acquire the periodontal disease. Smoking, diabetes, specific drugs, and a family history of the condition are a few. Patients can lessen their risk of acquiring the periodontal disease and increase the likelihood that their treatment will be effective by addressing these risk factors and practicing proper dental hygiene.

To conclude, periodontal treatment is a branch of dentistry focusing on diagnosing and caring for diseases affecting the gums and other tooth-supporting structures. Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is the most common disease that requires treatment. A buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth causes it. Scaling and root planing is the standard first step in periodontal treatment.

Still, additional measures may be required in more severe situations, including periodontal surgery, antimicrobial medications, or a combination of the two. Practising good dental hygiene at home and schedule regular exams and cleanings with the dentist are other methods for preventing and managing periodontal disease.