What is periodontics?
Periodontics is a dental specialty that cares for your gums and the bones that support your teeth. Specifically, it prevents several types of gum disease, including:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild infection of the gum tissue. It causes your gums to become red, swollen, and irritated. When caught early, gingivitis responds to conservative treatments like good oral hygiene and routine dental exams.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a potentially serious infection of the gum tissue. As it worsens, periodontitis causes your gums to pull away from your teeth. As your gums pull away, they form pockets where food particles and harmful bacteria can collect. If the infection spreads to your alveolar bone, it might even cause your teeth to become loose and fall out.
Who can benefit from periodontics?
Anyone with gum disease can benefit from periodontal treatment. Telltale symptoms include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
If you have gum disease, you might also experience pain when biting or chewing.
What services does periodontics provide?
Dr. Yoon and the team offer a variety of periodontal services, including:
Deep dental cleaning
A deep dental cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is an outpatient procedure that removes plaque and tartar from your teeth. After eliminating the buildup, Dr. Yoon smooths your teeth, making it easier for your gums to reattach.
Antibiotic therapy
Antibiotic therapy uses prescription medication to eliminate harmful bacteria from inside of your mouth.
There are several types of antibiotic therapy. Depending on your needs, Dr. Yoon might rinse your gums with an antiseptic solution, or he might implant antibiotic beads beneath your gums. Once placed, the beads dissolve and release medication into your body.
Gum grafts
If you have a severe case of gum disease that’s resulted in permanent damage, Dr. Yoon might recommend a gum graft. A gum graft is a periodontal procedure that removes healthy tissue from the roof of your mouth. Afterward, Dr. Yoon stitches the tissue over your receding gums, preventing further damage.
Will periodontal treatment benefit me?
To determine if periodontal treatment will benefit you, Dr. Yoon conducts an oral exam and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and if any activities like brushing or flossing make them worse.
Afterward, he takes 3D oral X-rays to assess your alveolar bone, tooth roots, and jaw. If Dr. Yoon identifies any signs of gum disease, he develops a custom treatment plan.
To learn more about the benefits of periodontics, make an appointment at Fresh Dental Care by calling the office today or scheduling online.
