Periodontics is a dental specialty focused on managing periodontal disease, including researching and developing new treatments. Prevention is a key goal, but early diagnosis and intervention may include surgical and nonsurgical techniques. Bacterial plaque is a significant concern, and patients with severe periodontal problems may be referred to a periodontist for treatment.
Periodontics is a dental specialty that revolves around the management of periodontal disease. Periodontists may work as researchers, enhancing the understanding of periodontal disease in the medical community and developing new treatments, and they may also work as practicing periodontist providing interventions to patients. To become a periodontist you must attend dental school, followed by a residency in periodontology; training may take as little as 11 years.
The word “periodontal” comes from the Greek for “around the teeth.” Specialists in the field of periodontology are concerned with conditions involving the underlying support structures for teeth, including the alveolar bone and gums. Periodontal disease and birth defects can lead to tooth loss as well as extreme patient discomfort, and periodontal disease has also been linked to cardiovascular disease. The connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease is a concern in many communities where people are neglecting their teeth due to an inability to afford dental care or fear of the dentist.
Prevention is a big goal in periodontics. By showing people how to avoid periodontal disease in the first place, specialists hope to avoid many of the complications associated with it. If the disease cannot be prevented, the next step is early diagnosis and prompt intervention. Interventions can include both surgical and nonsurgical techniques to manage and treat periodontal disease, including scaling to remove plaque, dental implants, and even regular tooth cleaning to remove plaque before it has a chance to build up. In cases where patients have abnormalities, treatment options may include surgery and the use of orthodontic appliances.
Bacterial plaque is an important area of interest in periodontology. Plaque builds up on the teeth over time, even in the most well-maintained mouth, and bacterial colonization of the teeth can lead to problems such as gum disease and infection of the underlying bones in the jaw. Developing ways to address plaque is a topic of interest in many research settings, and patient education about the risks of plaque is an important part of a periodontal practice.
Dental patients with severe periodontal problems may be referred to a periodontist for treatment, including periodontal surgery. People with a history of periodontal disease may prefer to see a periodontology specialist for regular dental care, to ensure any problems are identified and addressed early if they recur. These specialist doctors can use a variety of techniques to help their patients manage their periodontal disease and to prevent it from progressing to a dangerous level.
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