Periodontology is a specialised branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the gums and periodontium, the supporting structure of the tooth. The most common periodontal problems include gingivitis and periodontal disease. The latter is undeservedly under-reported, despite being the cause of a high percentage of tooth loss. Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease is of paramount importance because, unlike tooth decay, it does not usually cause any particular complaint in patients and can cause irreversible damage to the periodontium if left asymptomatic for years. Untreated periodontal disease can not only lead to the loss of teeth, but can also affect our general health, causing problems at different points in the body.
A periodontist can help not only treat gum disease, but also other aesthetic or functional problems affecting the gums. Since the aesthetics of our smile is determined by the way our gums run, excess gum tissue or even receding gums can negatively affect the confidence of our smile. These problems can be corrected with various periodontal procedures.

When do I need to see a periodontist?

In most cases, we cannot diagnose any periodontal problems we may have at home, so it is important to have regular check-ups with your dentist, where your doctor can diagnose any problems and refer you to a specialist for further treatment.
When might we suspect we have a periodontal problem? Persistent bleeding gums almost always indicate gingivitis or periodontal disease. This problem can often be taken lightly, but prompt investigation and treatment of the underlying disease is essential to avoid permanent damage. Often, patients in the dentist’s chair are told that their persistent bleeding gums are caused by a serious periodontal disease that could lead to the loss of several or even all of their teeth. Another advanced symptom of periodontal disease is increased mobility of the teeth. In this case, it is essential to consult a periodontist and start treatment for periodontal disease as soon as possible. Swelling of the gums or even their retraction from the tooth sockets may also indicate a periodontal problem. In addition to the above, periodontal consultation is recommended for people with a family history of premature tooth loss and for people who smoke heavily, both of which predispose to periodontal disease.

What treatments are done at the periodontist?

Most periodontal problems are caused by plaque and tartar on the teeth. Gingivitis can be treated in most cases by removing tartar and improving your oral hygiene routine at home, which can be helped by a dental hygienist or periodontist. If gum pockets and subgingival calculus have already formed as a result of periodontal disease, a more specialised procedure called closed curettage is needed to remove them. It is painless under local anaesthetic and in most cases, there is no significant sensitivity after treatment. In cases of severe periodontal disease, periodontal surgery may be necessary to remove deep pockets and, in some cases, replace bone that has died alongside the teeth. Other surgical procedures can correct aesthetic problems with the gums and gum recession often experienced after orthodontic treatment.

The most important thing in periodontal problems is to prevent and treat the disease as soon as possible. Neglected problems can lead to more and more costly interventions or even tooth loss later on, so if you are experiencing signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease, a consultation with a periodontist is highly recommended.

We hope that by the end of this blog you will have a clear understanding of what periodontics is all about. If you have not yet had a periodontal screening, we recommend that you start your dental health journey with a check-up at Trendo Dental, a private dental practice, by one of our periodontists.