Understanding Periodontics: What Is a Periodontist and How Can They Help Your Oral Health?
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Periodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and other conditions that affect the supporting structures of teeth, such as the gums, bone, and ligaments. A periodontist is a dental specialist who has undergone extensive training in this field and is qualified to provide advanced care for patients with gum diseases and other periodontal conditions.
In this article, we will explore what periodontics is, what a periodontist does, and how they can help you maintain good oral health. We will also discuss the importance of seeking timely periodontal care and introduce you to one of the leading periodontal clinics in San Ramon, CA: Progressive Periodontics and Implant Dentistry.
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases that affect the gums and other supporting structures of teeth. The term "What is periodontics" comes from the Greek words "peri" meaning "around" and "odont" meaning "tooth."
Periodontal diseases are caused by bacterial infections that attack the gums, bone, and ligaments that support the teeth. These infections can result in inflammation, bleeding, and ultimately, tooth loss. Gum disease is a prevalent condition that affects nearly half of all adults in the United States.
Periodontists are trained to identify and treat all forms of periodontal disease, from mild cases of gingivitis to severe cases of periodontitis. They also have the skills and expertise to perform advanced periodontal procedures, such as gum grafting, crown lengthening, and dental implants.
What Does a Periodontist Do?
Periodontists provide specialized care for patients with gum diseases and other periodontal conditions. They are trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat all forms of periodontal disease, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and necrotizing periodontal disease.
Some of the services that periodontists provide include:
Periodontal Exams
Periodontists perform comprehensive periodontal exams to assess the health of your gums and other supporting structures of teeth. These exams typically involve measuring the depth of the pockets around your teeth, taking X-rays, and evaluating your medical history to identify risk factors for gum disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure that is used to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline. This procedure helps to eliminate bacteria and prevent further damage to the gums and other supporting structures of teeth.
Periodontal Surgery
Periodontists may perform surgery to treat advanced cases of gum disease or to repair damaged tissue. Some of the most common periodontal surgeries include gum grafting, crown lengthening, and dental implants.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are used to replace missing teeth. Periodontists are specially trained to place dental implants and can help you restore your smile and improve your oral health.
Why Is Periodontal Care Important?
Periodontal care is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing the development of gum disease. Gum disease is a progressive condition that, if left untreated, can result in tooth loss and other serious health problems.
Research has also shown that there is a link between gum disease and other systemic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body.
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