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When we look at our teeth, the visible part is the crown. The rest of the tooth is hidden below the gum line and is called the root. The outer portion of the root is hard. This is called dentin. The inner portion or the “root canal” contains a pulp which is soft. This consists of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. The tissue covering and supporting the teeth is called periodontium.
The periodontium includes the gingiva, periodontal ligaments, root and the supporting alveolar bone. Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the periodontium. It is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of periodontal diseases.
Periodontics treats bleeding gums, gum diseases and a bad odor in the mouth that is caused by bacterial infection. A periodontist is the dental specialist whose special interest is in the field of Periodontics.
Periodontal or gum disease is an inflammation or infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque. Plaque is the sticky, white film that constantly forms on our teeth. Plaque can turn into tartar which becomes hard and attacks the gums and the surrounding tissue. This causes an infection of the gums or gingivitis, which, if not treated, can cause chronic periodontitis.
A periodontic treatment will be necessary when gums bleed during brushing or flossing, teeth have loosened or when pus is coming from the teeth and gums. Red, puffy gums or pain in the gums and persistent bad breath teeth are enough indications for a periodontic treatment.
Periodontic treatment can be surgical or non-surgical. Gingivitis can be treated non-surgically by scaling and root planing. This is done to remove the plaque. But periodontitis make require surgery to cut open the gums and remove the tartar build up |
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