A periodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the gums and other tissues surrounding the teeth. They thus treat cases of periodontal disease, which is also known as periodontitis.
Periodontitis is an infection of the gums that is often caused by poor dental hygiene. While the infection is initially confined to the gums, it can spread to neighboring tissues and even damage the jawbone. Untreated periodontitis can cause tooth loss.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
A periodontist near Hyde Park will choose a treatment depending on the severity of the disease. The earliest and mildest form of periodontal disease, gingivitis, can be treated with a standard dental cleaning. By contrast, severe cases may require surgery.
Dental scaling is the most common treatment for periodontal disease that does not involve surgery. The periodontist will use manual or ultrasonic instruments to scrape the plaque and tartar off of the patient’s teeth. Dental scaling is often done after a dental cleaning, and it is often accompanied by root planing.
In root planing, the dentist will use the same tools they used in dental scaling to reach inside the pockets of the teeth and scrape the tooth roots clean. Root planing helps make the gums less inflamed. The dentist will administer local anesthesia before a dental scaling or root planing to keep the patient comfortable. Both procedures may be performed to prepare a patient for oral surgery.
What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a treatment program designed to help a patient diagnosed with periodontal disease keep their teeth healthy. Some people, no matter how careful they try to be, are simply more susceptible to periodontal disease, so the maintenance program will help the dentist keep an eye on them. Periodontal maintenance will include regular check-ups, X-rays, dental cleanings, and measurement of any tooth pockets. The periodontist may also prescribe medication.
Contact South Loop Dental Specialists or visit our website to schedule an appointment with a periodontist near Hyde Park.
