Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions that affect the gums, teeth and the surrounding supporting structures (bone, ligaments, and tooth-supporting fibers). Periodontal diseases include gingivitis and periodontitis.
Periodontists are dental specialists who have completed additional education and training in periodontics beyond dental school. They use advanced technology and techniques, such as digital imaging and laser therapy, to diagnose and treat periodontal diseases and to help patients maintain healthy gums and teeth.
You should visit a periodontist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums: These are signs of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
Receding gums: When the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth, it is called gum recession. This can be caused by periodontal disease or other factors.
Loose teeth: Periodontal disease can cause the bones and tissues that support the teeth to deteriorate, making the teeth loose.
Persistent bad breath: Chronic bad breath can be a sign of periodontal disease or other oral health issues.
Pus around the teeth and gums: This is a sign of an infection, which is often caused by periodontal disease.
Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite: Periodontal disease can cause the bones and tissues that support the teeth to deteriorate, which can change the way the teeth fit together when you bite.
Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite: Periodontal disease can cause the bones and tissues that support the teeth to deteriorate, which can change the way the teeth fit together when you bite.
It is also important to note that it is important to visit a periodontist as part of your regular dental check-ups, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. A periodontist can detect and treat any issues early on before they become more serious.
Periodontal diseases are a group of conditions that affect the gums, teeth and the surrounding supporting structures (bone, ligaments, and tooth-supporting fibers). Some of the most common periodontal diseases include:
This is a mild form of gum disease that causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums. It is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which can be prevented with good oral hygiene.
This is a more severe form of gum disease that occurs when gingivitis is left untreated. It causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that become infected. The infection can damage the bone and supporting tissues, and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
This is a rare and severe form of periodontitis that occurs in people who are otherwise healthy, and it progresses rapidly.
This is the most common form of periodontitis, it progresses slowly and affects the majority of people who have gum disease.
This is a group of rare and severe gum infections that primarily affect people with weakened immune systems, such as individuals who are HIV-positive or have other immune deficiencies.
Dental abscesses are localized bacterial infections within the periodontium, which can be acute or chronic, and can be caused by different factors.
Some systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease have been linked to an increased risk of periodontal disease.
It is important to note that periodontal diseases can have serious consequences if left untreated, including tooth loss, and may also affect overall health, so early diagnosis and treatment is important.
Periodontists perform a variety of procedures to diagnose, treat, and prevent periodontal diseases. Some of the most common procedures include:
Scaling and root planning: This is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, and smooths the root surfaces to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
Pocket reduction surgery: This procedure involves removing infected tissue and smoothing the roots of the teeth to reduce the depth of the pockets and help the gums reattach to the teeth.
Bone and tissue grafts: This procedure is used to replace bone and tissue that has been destroyed by periodontal disease. The grafts can be taken from the patient or from a tissue bank.
Soft tissue grafts: This procedure is used to cover exposed roots and to thicken thin gums.
Guided tissue regeneration: This procedure uses a membrane or special material to protect the bone and tissue while it regenerates.
Dental implant placement: Periodontists may place dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots that are placed into the jaw to support a replacement tooth or bridge.
Crown lengthening: This procedure is used to expose a greater amount of tooth structure for the placement of a restoration, such as a crown or bridge.
Sinus lifts: This procedure is used to add bone to the upper jaw in the back of the mouth, where the sinus cavities are located.
Ridge augmentation: This procedure is used to build up a ridge of bone in the jaw where there is not enough bone to support dental implants.
It is important to note that the type of procedure will be recommended by the periodontist based on the specific case, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s overall health and dental goals.
FAQ
Lorsqu'une seule ou plusieurs dents permanentes sont perdues à cause d'une carie dentaire ou d'une maladie des gencives, les implants dentaires peuvent désormais les remplacer en tant que troisième série de dents fixes ! Les implants dentaires peuvent durer toute une vie et améliorer votre apparence, votre confiance et votre capacité à manger les aliments que vous aimez et à mener une vie active, sans vous soucier de vos dents. Les implants dentaires sont fabriqués en titane et ne peuvent jamais avoir de caries dentaires !
Comme pour toute intervention chirurgicale buccale mineure, il existe un risque d'infection, d'inflammation et de douleur, mais votre prothésiste discutera avec vous de la manière dont ces risques peuvent être gérés dans votre cas particulier. S'il n'y a pas d'os disponible pour placer l'implant, des procédures de greffe osseuse et gingivale peuvent être nécessaires, ce qui peut augmenter le coût de votre traitement. Toutefois, l'investissement initial peut s'avérer payant à long terme.
En général, le coût du remplacement d'une seule dent par un implant dentaire est presque le même que celui d'un pont fixe ordinaire. Le coût des implants dentaires varie en fonction des besoins du patient, de la quantité d'os et de la région. Un prosthodontiste procédera à une évaluation en fonction de vos besoins particuliers.
Il varie d'un individu à l'autre, en fonction de l'état de santé et des habitudes. Pour une personne en bonne santé et ayant une bonne hygiène bucco-dentaire, les implants dentaires sont une réussite prévisible, avec des taux de réussite supérieurs à 90-95%.
Contrairement aux dents naturelles, les implants dentaires ne sont pas sensibles aux maladies dentaires telles que les caries ; cependant, la santé des gencives est essentielle pour assurer le succès durable des implants. Des soins consciencieux à domicile par le patient et des nettoyages et contrôles professionnels réguliers sont des éléments essentiels pour la durabilité des implants dentaires. Chaque patient est différent et le succès dépend du diagnostic et de la planification, des antécédents médicaux et d'une série d'autres facteurs.