About Periodontics

Periodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that studies the structures that support the teeth and the diseases that may affect them, such as periodontal disease. This includes the surrounding areas such as the gums. A periodontist is a dentist that specializes in the field of periodontics. A periodontist completes an additional three years of training in the specialized field in addition to their regular dental training, and is skilled in the detection and treatment of gum disease.

The Facts

• Tooth loss is most often caused by periodontal disease. When plaque builds up it can infect the gums causing them to become swollen and inflamed. The gums can recede causing spaces between the teeth. The teeth are also affected and may become loose. The gums may also bleed. If periodontal disease goes untreated it often results in tooth loss. If gum disease is detected in the early stages there are several treatment options. Early detection of periodontal disease can prevent tooth loss. If your dentist suspects periodontal disease he or she will refer you to a periodontist for further evaluation and treatment.

Features

• The field of periodontics also requires that the periodontist be trained and skilled in several surgical techniques that may need to be employed in cases of extensive periodontal disease in order to save teeth when possible. Such procedures include bone grafting and dental implants. Without the field of periodontics more people would lose their teeth due to diseases such as periodontal gum disease. This was often the case in the past before advances were made in the field of periodontics.

Evolution

• People who once suffered from periodontal disease most likely ended up having their teeth extracted and replaced with dentures. This is no longer necessary in most cases due to the progress made in periodontics which now provides us with better alternatives. If a tooth must be extracted, cosmetic repair such as a dental implant can easily be made.

Benefits

• The field of periodontics is the cornerstone of restorative tooth procedures necessary to prevent tooth loss and improve appearance. Not only does periodontics provide options to salvage teeth that may have been lost to gum disease it can improve the appearance of malformed teeth or gums that have suffered deterioration due to other conditions such as diabetes.

Risk Factors

• It is also important to mention that even though many of the procedures involved in periodontics may be necessary to treat periodontal gum disease and save teeth that otherwise might be loss such procedures are not always covered under medical insurance due to their specialty and cosmetic nature. This can cause financial problems for those in need of such procedures when their insurance refuses to cover the procedure. There are some periodontists who realize the dilemma this causes for their patients and may be willing to take payments for necessary procedures. If you are in need of periodontal treatment it would be wise to know what procedures your insurance will and will not cover. It would also be prudent to discuss the financial aspects of the treatment with your periodontist.

Significance

• Periodontics is a good career field to consider for those interested in a dental career. There are many opportunities to practice in the field of periodontics. Periodontists often practice in hospitals, dental schools and clinical settings as well as private practice. Periodontics is a field that continues to evolve and expand.