Periodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament. Periodontists in Cajon, CA, are dental specialists who undergo extensive training to address issues such as gingivitis, periodontitis, gum recession, and bone loss.
Through various non-surgical and surgical interventions, including scaling and root planing, flap surgery, bone grafts, and dental implants, periodontists strive to restore and maintain optimal oral health while also emphasizing the importance of preventive care to preserve the integrity of the periodontal tissues and prevent future complications. Periodontics also emphasizes the importance of preventive care, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits to maintain the health of the periodontal structures and prevent systemic health issues linked to periodontal disease.
Periodontal Diseases: Types and Causes
Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation (gingivitis) to severe conditions that damage the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth (periodontitis). Poor oral hygiene and bacterial infections primarily cause these diseases, although genetics, smoking, certain illnesses, and medications can also contribute.
Gingivitis
This is the mildest form of periodontal disease, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. It is usually caused by inadequate oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup on the teeth. Gingivitis is reversible with good oral care and professional treatment.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. The inflammation spreads deeper into the tissues, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen, and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed, leading to tooth loss.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Receding gums, which make teeth look longer
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in bite or fit of dentures
- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
Non-Surgical Treatments
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a fundamental non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease, aimed at thoroughly cleaning the teeth and their roots to remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins. This deep-cleaning procedure in Cajon, CA, involves two steps: scaling, which eliminates plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, and root planing, which smooths out the root surfaces to deter further bacterial buildup and facilitate gum reattachment.
This treatment helps reduce inflammation, shrink periodontal pockets, and promote the healing and reattachment of gum tissue to the teeth, ultimately slowing or halting the progression of periodontal disease. Call us to learn more.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics support the treatment of periodontal disease by targeting the bacterial infection that contributes to gum inflammation and tissue destruction. They can be administered topically or orally, depending on the severity of the infection.
Topical antibiotics, such as gels or microspheres placed directly in the periodontal pockets, focus on localized areas of infection. Oral antibiotics, prescribed for more widespread or persistent infections, help reduce bacterial load throughout the body. Antibiotics, alongside procedures like scaling and root planing, enhance treatment outcomes by effectively controlling bacterial growth, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing of the periodontal tissues.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is an advanced treatment option for periodontal disease that utilizes focused light beams to remove inflamed gum tissue and bacteria from periodontal pockets. This minimally invasive procedure targets the affected areas with precision, reducing pocket depth and promoting the reattachment of healthy gum tissue to the teeth.
Laser therapy offers several benefits, including reduced bleeding, swelling, and discomfort compared to traditional methods. Additionally, it enhances healing times and minimizes the risk of infection. Laser therapy plays a crucial role in managing periodontal disease and improving gum health by effectively targeting and eliminating diseased tissue and bacteria.
Surgical Treatments
Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)
In this procedure, the gums are lifted back to allow for deep cleaning of the roots and removal of tartar. The gums are then sutured back to fit more snugly around the teeth, reducing pocket depth and making it easier to maintain oral hygiene.
Bone Grafts
Bone grafts use fragments of your bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone to replace bone destroyed by periodontitis. These grafts serve as a scaffold for new bone growth, which helps restore the stability of teeth.
Soft Tissue Grafts
Soft tissue grafts involve taking tissue from the roof of the mouth or another donor source to cover exposed roots, reduce gum recession, and improve the appearance and function of the gums.
Bone Surgery
Bone surgery smooths out shallow craters in the bone caused by moderate to advanced bone loss. This procedure involves reshaping the bone around the teeth to decrease the depth of the pockets and make it harder for bacteria to collect and grow.
Periodontics is a vital component of dental care that focuses on the health of the teeth's supporting structures. Visit Ali Haeri D.M.D., M.H.S. at 1297 W Main St., Suite A, El Cajon, CA 92020-4135, or call (619) 579-0505 to learn more.