Periodontics
Periodontal Care in
Fredericton & Oromocto
What is a Periodontist?
Periodontics is the dental specialty that deals with diagnosing, treating, developing, and maintaining healthy, functional attachment levels around teeth and implants.
A Periodontist is a certified specialist dealing with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of periodontal and peri-implant diseases. Periodontists receive extensive and accredited training beyond dental school and are continually upgrading their activity to remain current with advancing technologies and best care practices.
What can you expect from a Periodontal exam?
During the consultation appointment, the following steps will be completed:
• Complete periodontal examination - this includes measuring the pocket depth
• Evaluation of the risk factors
• Prescribe the relevant radiographs
• Establish a treatment plan and cost estimate
A precise diagnosis is necessary in order to provide a treatment plan with predictable and long-term results. If required, the radiographs necessary for a complete evaluation will be recommended and used to complement those taken by your dentist.
After the exam, a detailed written report and a copy of the radiographs will be sent to your dentist.
What is Periodontium?
To understand periodontal disease, it is important to have an idea of the anatomy of the tooth and its supporting structure (called the periodontium).
A tooth is made of two main parts:
1. The crown, covered with enamel is the part that we see in the mouth.
2. The roots are hidden under the gums in the jawbone.
The root anchors the tooth in the jawbone.
The gum tissues, called gingiva, cover the bone and are tightly tucked against the tooth. A small fold between the gum and the tooth is always present. This fold is also called a pocket.
A small measuring tool, called periodontal probe, allows Dr. Halford and the Hygienists to measure the depth of the pocket. The pockets are usually shallow when the gums are healthy (up to 3mm).
Periodontal Disease
What is Gingivitis?
When a tooth is clean, the gums around it are usually pink and healthy. If the tooth is not properly cleaned, plaque forms and accumulates on its surface. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that grows on any tooth surface, even between the teeth. Plaque causes irritation of the gums. The gums usually become red and slightly swollen. This condition is called gingivitis. When gingivitis is present:
1. Pocket depth may increase due to swelling of the gums.
2. The gums may bleed more easily when touched.
3. The bone level does not change around the tooth.
Almost all advanced periodontal diseases start with gingivitis.
What is Periodontitis?
In almost all cases, periodontitis starts with gingivitis. In susceptible patients, plaque and calculus will cause irritation of the gums resulting in bone loss. This condition is called periodontitis. Bone loss means that the support of the tooth is reduced. Uncontrolled continuation of bone loss leads to tooth loss.
When periodontitis is present:
1. Pocket depth increases due to swelling of the gums and bone loss.
2. The gums may bleed more easily when touched.
3. The supporting bone level is reduced around the tooth.
Periodontitis often progresses without causing any pain or symptoms until the later stages at which point the disease is often very advanced and treatment is less effective. Yet another reason to see your dentist regularly and make sure that you are screened for periodontal disease so that it can be identified early.