What is periodontics?
Periodontics is a dental specialty that specifically focuses on gum disease and gum health. Gum disease is an inflammatory condition that affects your gums and without treatment can progress to attack the bones that support your teeth.
Gum disease ranges from a mild form called gingivitis to a severe version called periodontitis. If you don’t treat gingivitis, it eventually progresses into periodontitis. You can avoid both by taking part in preventive periodontal care.
The team at Dental Studio of Jersey City offers several periodontal treatments right from the comfort of their familiar office. If you show signs of gum disease, they can tell you whether you need specialized care for your gums.
Which services are a part of periodontics?
You’re probably already familiar with getting thorough cleanings regularly. Most dentists recommend getting them once every six months. If you show signs of gingivitis, the team at Dental Studio of Jersey City may recommend a dental deep cleaning. A deep cleaning is more intensive than a standard dental cleaning because it involves these two steps:
Scaling
Scaling is the process that your dentist uses to scrape away the soft plaque and the hard tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gumline. They may do this manually with a tool called a scaler or with an ultrasonic tool with a rapid-moving tip.
Root planing
Root planing often comes after scaling. You may require root planing if your gums have begun to break away from the roots of your teeth. After scaling to remove bacterial buildup, your dentist uses the scaling tool to rub and smooth the roots of your teeth, encouraging the gums to reattach.
Why is periodontic care important?
Periodontic care is a very important part of maintaining a healthy mouth. Untreated chronic periodontal disease is associated with several dental complications and conditions that can cost a lot to fix. By taking care of your gums, you can lower your risk of:
- Tooth loss
- Bone loss
- Tooth migration and misalignment
- Bad breath
Furthermore, gum disease is linked to some serious conditions that affect your overall health and not just the health of your mouth. Research shows links between gum disease and heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
To learn more about periodontics and how you can improve your gum health, call Dental Studio of Jersey City or book an appointment online today.
