PERIODONTIST - ASTORIA

What exactly is a periodontist?

Periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. A periodontist is a dentist who has undergone specialized training in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal (gum) diseases. They are also the dental surgeons who place and maintain dental implants. Periodontists in many instances actually save teeth from extractions, as they are specialized in the treatment of the gums and the jaw bone around the teeth. Their expertise lies in treating inflammation of soft tissue, gums, and oral pathology. Many of them have received extensive training in these areas. They often study three (3) extra years after dental school. Periodontists perform a number of procedures but their main focus is on the following:

Dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis), Removal of calculus (tartar), Removal of plaque, Teeth polishing Periodontal Scaling & Root Planning Pocket Reduction Surgery Dental Implant placement

Periodontal disease is an ongoing infection and inflammation of gums (gingiva). The accumulation of plaque (bacterial colony) and calculus (tartar) around the teeth causes inflammation of gum tissues in those areas. Continued inflammation and infection of gum tissue (gingival) causes a gradual damage to the supporting jaw bone of your natural teeth. Lesions that are caused by inflammations due to improper oral hygiene and lack of professional dental cleaning are the cause of a majority of periodontal issues. As periodontal disease advances, the bone, ligament, and gingiva (gum tissue) will be damaged.


There are many diseases that affect and damage the tooth supporting structures. Plaque induced inflammatory lesions causes the majority of periodontal issues. These can be divided into two categories; gingivitis and periodontitis. Dental plaque is the main cause of gingivitis and often patients are pre-genetically exposed to this. Plaque forms on and around the teeth after eating and even after cleaning, by forming a thin layer of plaque (bacterial colony). These bacteria, which contain the toxins or poisons, will irritate the gums. This can lead to gums that are inflamed; red, swollen, and they may bleed. At this stage the disease is called gingivitis, since it only involves the inflammation and infection of gum tissue (gingiva). As this state of inflammation, it becomes prolonged and progressed, the gums separate from the teeth causing pocket formation and damage of the bone around the teeth.

 

 

When the disease involves the supporting bone structure around the teeth, it is called periodontitis. If a patient does not brush and floss daily, this plaque can harden into a rough porous substance known as calculus, which will form above and below the gum line. When gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, the gum tissue and bone structure that supports the teeth can deteriorate.

 

 

How serious is periodontitis and what are the consequences?

 

Periodontal diseases (also called periodontitis) are those diseases that affect one or more of the periodontal tissues: 1. alveolar bone 2. periodontal ligament 3. cementum 4. gingiva While many different diseases affect the tooth-supporting structures, plaque-induced inflammatory lesions make up the vast majority of periodontal diseases and have traditionally been divided into two categories: 1. gingivitis or 2. periodontitis. While in some sites or individuals, gingivitis never progresses to periodontitis, data indicates that gingivitis always precedes periodontitis. Plaque, also known as a biofilm, when examined under a microscope, is made of thousands and thousands of bacteria.

 

 

 

 Plaque or bacteria, if left for a long period of time, eventually die off. Dead plaque hardens and calcifies and is then referred to as tartar, or calculus. Once the calculus builds up around the teeth, in between them, and the gums, it causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. When the gums pull away from the teeth, it creates a pocket which allows food and debris to accumulate inside the pocket, harboring even more bacteria.

 

 This action also allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Studies have shown that heart disease is almost twice as high in people with gum disease. Studies have also shown that the most common strain of bacteria found in dental plaque may cause blood clots. When blood clots escape into the bloodstream, there is a relation to increased risk of heart attacks, and other heart illnesses. 

 

To discuss what level of periodontal disease that you are at it is best to have a consultation with a periodontist. 

    

 Plaque or bacteria, if left for a long period of time, eventually die off. Dead plaque hardens and calcifies and is then referred to as tartar, or calculus. Once the calculus builds up around the teeth, in between them, and the gums, it causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. When the gums pull away from the teeth, it creates a pocket which allows food and debris to accumulate inside the pocket, harboring even more bacteria. This action also allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Studies have shown that heart disease is almost twice as high in people with gum disease. Studies have also shown that the most common strain of bacteria found in dental plaque may cause blood clots. When blood clots escape into the bloodstream, there is a relation to increased risk of heart attacks, and other heart illnesses. 

 

 Bacteria are constantly eating, and disposing of fecal matter on, and around teeth which is what causes all of the destruction and foul odors in a person with gum disease. Bone is considered to be the foundation and supporting structure of teeth. Bacteria will make themselves right at home in the spaces between your teeth, constantly devouring what bone is available. As bacteria eat away at the foundation, teeth will become loose and eventually either fall out on their own, or have to be extracted by a Doctor of Medical Dentistry. This process is not something that happens over night, but is a result of long time neglect of one’s personal oral hygiene. Most individuals don’t take dental care seriously and fail to see a dental professional regularly. It is recommended that a dental prophylaxis and thorough examination of the mouth be done every six months, which will prevent plaque buildup on teeth. Plaque or bacteria, if left for a long period of time, eventually die off.

 

 Dead plaque hardens and calcifies and is then referred to as tartar, or calculus. Once the calculus builds up around the teeth, in between them, and the gums, it causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. 

 

Make an appointment today to discuss treatments that we can perform to treat periodontal disease.