Dentistry plays a pivotal role in healthcare by preserving and improving oral health, which significantly impacts overall well-being. Every component of the oral cavity, including teeth, gums, and the underlying jawbone, contributes to its health and functionality. Gums, in particular, provide essential support and structure for teeth, vital for oral health and longevity.
Periodontics, a specialized field within dentistry, specifically focuses on safeguarding gum health and optimizing oral function. The expert team of the dentist in Norfolk, MA undergoes specialized training in periodontics to ensure the maintenance of gum integrity. Explore the crucial role of periodontics in further enhancing oral health.
What is periodontics?
Periodontics stands as a prominent branch of dentistry dedicated to safeguarding the gums and underlying jawbone, aiming to prevent oral diseases or detect them early for timely and effective treatment.
Who is a periodontist?
Periodontists are dental specialists with expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the gums and jawbone.
What is the scope of periodontics?
Periodontics helps:
Manage gum disease
- Gum disease is a progressive destruction of the periodontium due to chronic inflammation that may progress deeper into the jawbone if not detected and treated on time.
- Periodontists offer professional dental cleanings, antibiotic therapy, and surgical procedures like gum grafting to control disease progression.
Treat gum recession
- Gum recession is a dental condition that occurs when your gums recede (pull away) from the tooth surface, exposing the roots and compromising the tooth attachment.
- Dentists perform gum grafting procedures to attach tissues in deficient areas and restore gum health.
- This is especially beneficial when you suffer from a toothy smile.
Place dental implants
- Dental implants are artificial tooth roots inserted into the jawbone to support teeth replacements like crowns or dentures.
- Periodontists help assess your candidacy for implants by assessing your gum and bone health.
Bone regeneration
- Periodontists perform bone grafting procedures to regenerate bone in deficient areas. It offers a stable foundation for dental implants.
Crown lengthening
- Crown lengthening procedures help expose more of the tooth structure above the gumline.
- This may be necessary to facilitate restorative treatments, such as dental crowns or fillings, or to improve the aesthetics of a “gummy” smile.
Periodontics is essential for preserving the health and stability of teeth and their supporting structures. Working closely with general dentists, periodontists deliver customized and compassionate care to address specific oral needs. Regular periodontal evaluations and treatments are imperative to maintain oral health and prevent complications arising from untreated gum disease.
