Periodontics

Periodontics is the treatment of gum disease, which is very common because of poor dental hygiene (which means improper and infrequent brushing, flossing, or having cleaning by a dental hygienist). When food particles are not removed the same day, a bacterial film surrounds them that turns into a sticky film called plaque.

At first, the stage known as gingivitis, there is no pain, but the gums start slightly bleeding in response to normal brushing. Gradually, the gums pull away from their support for some teeth where the infection is most severe and eventually they either fall out or become so loose that they need to be extracted. Unless they are replaced with dental implants or crowns attached to dental bridges, the teeth next to the gaps created naturally respond by leaning in as if to fill the spaces. This sets up a chain reaction as other teeth begin to misalign in reaction and also become loose and eventually, you are likely to lose many or need them extracted before you have implants or are fitted for a denture.

A periodontist specialist or a general dentist with the training can treat gum disease with minor surgery initially, such as pulling back the gums to clean the plaque and using antibiotic pellets or solutions. When it becomes advanced, known as periodontitis, the plaque has hardened into tartar and needs “scaling” to remove it, while the roots need to be “planed” to smooth rough spots where bacteria would be likely to take hold.

A periodontist or oral surgeon may be needed if this deep cleaning is not sufficient to halt the infection. During flap surgery, the tartar is removed from pockets next to the teeth, then these are stitched closed.

If sufficient tissue has to be taken out, tissue grafts may be necessary. If the infection has reached into the jawbone, this will have to be surgically taken out and replaced by a bone graft.

Once you have recovered from the periodontal crisis, you should ask Dr. Pour or your hygienist about whether you should start using an electric toothbrush, upgrade your toothpaste and mouthwash, use a small-bristle brush for cleaning pockets, or add a WaterPik to your oral health regimen.