What Does a Periodontist Do? Understanding Gum Disease Treatment
Kansas City, located in Missouri, is the largest city in the state and the sixth-largest city in the Midwest region of the USA. It is home to world-renowned barbecue cuisine, jazz music, and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. With over 500,000 people, Kansas City is a hub for healthcare, including periodontal clinics, in the midwestern United States. Gum disease or gingivitis affects nearly half of all adults in the United States, and Kansas City is no exception. Therefore, it is essential to understand what periodontists do and how they can help patients with gingivitis. This article will explore what a Kansas City periodontist does and how they can help patients with gum disease.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a condition of the gingival tissues supporting the teeth. It is caused by microbes that live in plaque, a sticky film of microorganisms that forms on the teeth. If plaque is not cleaned through brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which a dental professional can only remove.
The premature stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gingiva. Gingivitis can usually be treated with a professional dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene. If left untreated, however, gingivitis can aggravate into periodontitis, a more severe gum disease.
Periodontitis can cause the gingiva line to pull away from the teeth, forming infected pockets. As the infection spreads, it can damage the bone that supports the teeth, causing them to become loose and eventually fall out.
What Does a Periodontist Do?
A periodontist is a dental expert trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat gum diseases. They receive three years of additional training beyond dental school to specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal diseases.
Periodontists are experts in the following areas:
Diagnosis: A periodontist can diagnose gingivitis by examining the gum, teeth, and bone structure inside the mouth. They may also take X-rays to determine the extent of the infection.
Treatment: A professional can treat gingival diseases using various techniques. One of the most common treatments is scaling and root planing, which involves deep cleaning below the gingiva line to remove microbes and plaque. They may also use antibiotics or laser therapy to eliminate bacteria and promote healing.
Dental implant placement: If a patient has lost one or multiple teeth due to gingival disease, a periodontist can place dental implants to replace them. Dental implants are artificial dental roots placed in the jawbone to support a bridge, crown, or denture.
Soft tissue grafts: Gingival diseases can cause the gingiva to recede, exposing tooth roots. A periodontist can perform a soft tissue graft to cover the exposed roots and prevent further damage.
Conclusion:
A Kansas City periodontist is a dental specialist trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat gum disease. They can diagnose the disease by examining the gums, teeth, and bone structure and treat it using various techniques, including scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and laser therapy. If a patient has lost one or more teeth due to gum disease, a periodontist can place dental implants to replace them. Additionally, they can perform soft tissue grafts to cover exposed roots and prevent further damage. If you are experiencing signs of gingival diseases, such as red, swollen, or bleeding gum, it is essential to seek treatment from a periodontist as soon as possible to avert further damage and tooth loss.
