Periodontics refers to the diagnosis and treatment of disease affecting the bone and gum tissues (gingiva) around that hold teeth into the jaws. All dentists and dental health providers are work to insure a healthy periodontium; diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease occupies the entire careers of periodontists, most hygienists and much of the careers of general dentists.
Dental plaque is a coating of bacteria that forms on every surface in the mouth. Calculus is plaque that hardens due to the incorporation of calcium salt from saliva. Leave the plaque and calculus, and the gingiva will swell and bleed. This condition is gingivitis. Eventually, the bone that surrounds the teeth will react to the accumulation of plaque and calculus (plaque that hardens due to the accumulation of calcium salts). Bone loss due to periodontal disease is pathognomonic for periodontitis. Eventually, periodontitis causes teeth to loosen. Dentists prescribe removal of very loose teeth.
Treatment of periodontal disease begins with thorough examination and diagnosis. The dentist or hygienist will visually inspect the gingiva looking for redness and swelling. The next examination uses a thin probe marked off in millimeters. The dentist or hygienist will measure the depth of pockets in the gingiva around the teeth. Normally, these pockets are three millimeters deep or less. Deeper pockets that bleed are proof of periodontal disease. A full set of x-ray films are very important. The dentist will examine the radiographs for signs of bone loss.
Once the dentist diagnoses the periodontal condition as gingivitis, periodontitis or a combination, the dentist prescribes a course of treatment. Treatment begins with eliminating the accumulation of bacteria. The dental team will start by teaching the patient proper oral hygiene - brushing and flossing. Oral hygiene is the most important aspect of periodontal health. The dentist may prescribe an antimicrobial mouth rinse with or without oral antibiotics. Professional dental cleaning, prophylaxis, is the next step.
Periodontitis requires the dentist or hygienist to clean surface of the roots of the teeth inside the deep pockets. After deep cleaning, the dental team will measure the pockets again. Where the pockets remain deep, the dentist will recommend periodontal surgery to either reposition the gingiva or to build up the bone around the teeth.
Finally, the dental team will follow up as often as necessary to help maintain periodontal health. Dentists recommend recare visits every two to four months for patients with a history of periodontal disease.
Sources:
www.ada.org
www.perio.org
www.massdental.org
Author: Dr. David Leader
© 2008 Associated Content