The American Dental Association (ADA) defines periodontics as a dental specialty that focuses on the diagnoses, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting the gums, ligaments, bones, and other structures supporting the teeth.
Since your gum health is crucial to both your oral and overall health, you may require the services of a periodontist at some point. Outlined below are a few of the services a periodontist offers to give you a better idea of what they do and how seeing one could greatly benefit your oral health.
Nonsurgical and Surgical Procedures for Gum Disease
Gum infection (gingivitis) can pose a threat to not only your oral health but also your overall health. When left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a serious gum infection that can put you at a greater risk for potentially life-threatening medical conditions, namely heart attack and stroke. Treating gum infections is a top priority for any periodontist.
To address the gum infection, a periodontist will likely perform therapeutic scaling and root planing in conjunction with antibiotic treatment (oral antibiotics). Together, these can effectively reverse gum infections.
Periodontists offer a wide range of other treatments, including the following:
- Root surface debridement– removal of calcified dental plaque (calculus), debris, and plaque from below the gumline
- Soft-laser tissue treatment- utilizes laser technology to remove the inflamed gum tissue and the plaque buildup beneath the gumline
- Periodontal surgery- This is done only on patients with severe gum disease, to restore the function of their teeth, gums, and the supporting structures.
Periodontal Maintenance
Unlike regular cleanings that are done for preventive purposes, periodontal maintenance is required for addressing existing oral health problems, and is performed to stop their progression and prevent tooth loss.
If you’ve undergone treatment for a gum infection, it’s imperative that you get periodontal maintenance at least three times a year. Studies show that even with deep cleaning, bacteria can still form above and beneath your gumline, and removing them frequently can help manage the inflammation.
When you go for deep cleaning, your periodontist will scrape away the tartar above and beneath your gumline (scaling and root planing). Your periodontist will use a dental probe to examine the pockets of your gums for signs of infection or inflammation then disinfect or treat the area to control the problem.
Periodontal Treatment in St. Paul, MN
At Hagerman Dental Care, Dr. Steven Hagerman combines his expertise with sophisticated technology to deliver exceptional treatment outcomes for periodontal diseases. He offers soft-tissue laser treatment and Perio Protect— which is an at-home treatment that complements the deep cleanings that you receive at our clinic— to help our patients fight gum disease in the most effective and comfortable way possible.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hagerman for a periodontal treatment or any other dental service, call our staff today at (651) 646-2392, or simply use our secure request form. We look forward to providing you with the highest quality of oral health care!