every visit ends with a smile

• By Verdugo Hills Dental
• Periodontal
• June 29, 2023

Gum health plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy smile and overall oral well-being. 

Periodontists are dental professionals who specialize in providing comprehensive gum care, treating gum diseases, and ensuring optimal gum health. 

In this article, we’ll explore the essential role of periodontists, their expertise in gum disease treatment, and why they are the go-to professionals for maintaining overall oral health and hygiene. 

Access top Glendale periodontics at Verdugo Hills Dental today,

Understanding Periodontal Health

Periodontal health involves more than just having good-looking gums and a bright smile. Periodontists look after the general state of your gums, periodontal ligaments (the connective tissue that attaches a tooth to the bone), and supporting bone structure. 

Healthy gums are the foundation of great teeth and oral health in general. They protect your teeth from harmful bacteria and infections. To prevent gum diseases and maintain a beautiful smile, you need to prioritize gum health.  

Periodontics in a Nutshell

Periodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum diseases. Specifically, periodontists work on the gums, jawbone and cementum, which is the tissue that connects your gums and teeth together.

Periodontists undergo advanced training beyond dental school to become experts in periodontal care. They possess in-depth knowledge and expertise in addressing various gum conditions such as infections, gum recession, and periodontal surgeries. 

Periodontists play a crucial role in helping patients achieve and maintain optimal gum health.

The 4 Most Common Gum Diseases and Conditions

There are a range of gum diseases that can affect the health of your gums and the supporting structures of your teeth. 

Two of the most prevalent gum diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis, but there are several others. Let’s go over the four most common ones.  

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily, particularly during brushing or flossing. Plaque buildup along the gumline is often the primary cause of gingivitis. 

Fortunately, if detected early, gingivitis is reversible with professional dental care and improved oral hygiene practices. That’s why regular checkups are so important.

Periodontitis

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced and severe form of gum disease. 

Periodontitis causes inflammation and infection of the gums, leading to a gradual breakdown of the tissue and supporting structures that hold your teeth in place. 

As the disease progresses, pockets form between the gums and teeth where plaque and bacteria start accumulating. 

Without timely intervention, periodontitis can result in tooth loss and damage to the underlying bone structure. Call Verdugo Hills Dental today for your checkup.

Aggressive Periodontitis

This is a form of gum disease that typically affects young individuals. It is characterized by rapid progression of gum damage and bone loss. 

Aggressive periodontitis may occur as a result of genetic predisposition and often requires immediate attention to prevent severe long-term consequences. Tooth loss, bite misalignment, and bone resorption are among the potential outcomes. Missing teeth not only impact chewing ability but also affect confidence and overall quality of life.

Bite misalignment leads to further dental issues, including jaw pain and difficulties in speaking or eating. Significant bone loss weakens tooth support, increasing the risk of damage and tooth loss.

Regular check-ups and immediate treatment are essential to prevent these consequences. Early detection through dental evaluations enables timely intervention, preserving gum health and mitigating long-term effects. Prioritize regular check-ups to safeguard your oral well-being. 

Chronic Periodontitis

The most common form of periodontal disease, chronic periodontitis is characterized by inflammation and gradual loss of the gum tissues and bone supporting the teeth. 

The progression of chronic periodontitis is typically slow and may lead to tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss if not properly managed by an experienced periodontist.

Other causes of periodontal disease

Having a healthy habit of keeping your oral hygiene by flossing and brushing regularly can help prevent gum disease. Add to that regular checkups and cleanings with your doctor can really help prevent the need to see a periodontist in the first place.

Here are a few other top causes of gum disease:

• Smoking
• Medications
• Changes in hormones in girls and women
• Diabetes

The Role of Periodontists in Diagnosis

Periodontists use various diagnostic techniques to assess gum health and detect gum diseases. They evaluate the condition of your gums and look for signs of inflammation and infection during a thorough clinical examination.

Periodontal charting (measuring the gap between a tooth and its surrounding tissue) and X-rays help them determine the presence or extent of gum disease. 

Finally, periodontists create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Treatment Options Provided by Periodontists

Verdugo Hills Dental are your local Glendale periodontics experts. We offer a range of treatment options to address gum diseases and restore gum health. These treatments are personalized to meet the unique needs of each patient, ensuring effective care and optimal outcomes. Visit our website or call us for an appointment today.

Non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planning are commonly used to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline. 

This deep cleaning procedure removes bacterial infections and helps the gums reattach to the tooth surface, promoting gum health.

In cases requiring surgical intervention, periodontists may perform gum grafting, pocket reduction surgery, or dental implant placement. 

Gum grafting restores receding gums by grafting tissue from another part of the mouth, covering exposed tooth roots, and improving both aesthetics and sensitivity.

If gum disease has led to the development of deep pockets between your gums and teeth, pocket reduction surgery is needed. 

Periodontists clean the affected area thoroughly to remove bacteria and reduce pocket depth. This promotes healthier gum-to-tooth attachment and prevents disease progression.

Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. Titanium posts are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for dental restoration. 

Dental implants restore both function and aesthetics, resulting in a natural-looking smile.

Advanced Techniques and Technologies in Periodontics

Innovative techniques and technologies have revolutionized periodontal care, making treatments more comfortable and efficient. 

Laser gum therapy is an example. It offers precise and minimally invasive treatment for gum diseases. This technique reduces discomfort, promotes faster healing, and preserves healthy gum tissue. 

Other regenerative techniques are used to restore lost gum and bone tissue for successful treatment outcomes.

The Importance of Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance

Maintaining long-term gum health is vital once gum disease has been treated. To ensure that, regular checkups and periodontal maintenance are a must. 

These checkups allow for continuous monitoring, cleanings, and guidance on proper oral hygiene practices.

During regular checkups, periodontists thoroughly assess gum health, looking for signs of inflammation and other issues. They also evaluate the stability of gum-to-tooth attachment and monitor healing progress. 

Detecting and addressing early signs of gum disease recurrence helps prevent further complications.

Periodontal maintenance visits include professional cleanings performed by skilled dental hygienists. These cleanings go well beyond routine checkup cleanings that only target plaque and tartar buildup. 

They eliminate bacterial colonies and reduce the risk of gum inflammation and disease progression. Glendale periodontics specialists also provide valuable guidance on proper oral hygiene practices. 

They educate patients on effective brushing and flossing techniques that prevent plaque buildup. Recommendations for oral hygiene products and lifestyle factors such as a balanced diet and tobacco avoidance are also discussed.

These measures contribute to maintaining healthy gums, protecting your beautiful smile, and preventing gum disease recurrence.

Preserving Healthy Gums: Your Path to a Confident and Radiant Smile

Periodontists are guardians of gum health, specializing in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum diseases. Glendale periodontics specialists ensure you receive top-quality care to preserve or restore your gum health. 

At Verdugo Hills Dental, we are proud to have a team of experienced periodontists who provide exceptional periodontal care in Glendale, CA. 

Our periodontists combine their expertise with a patient-friendly approach, ensuring comfort and well-being throughout your treatment journey. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the difference our periodontists can make to your gum health.