Our Services / Periodontics

What is periodontics?

Periodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the jawbone, gums, dental implants, and surrounding oral tissues. The oral structures around your teeth can be harmed by plaque buildup, leading to gingivitis and gum disease.

Some dental practices refer patients with periodontal disease to periodontists, but for your convenience, the experienced team at Roslyn Family Dental provides periodontic dentistry on-site.

When do I need periodontic care?

Most periodontal dental concerns start with plaque — the sticky substance composed of bacteria that attaches to your teeth. Left untreated, plaque leads to gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontitis. 

Severe gingivitis becomes periodontitis, a serious gum disease that eventually affects the jawbone and causes tooth loss. Periodontitis also increases your risks for heart and lung disease.

You need periodontal dentistry when Roslyn Family Dental examines your teeth and mouth and discovers a buildup of plaque on your teeth and under your gumline, and finds your gums inflamed or tender to the touch. 

What symptoms does periodontics treat?

The signs and symptoms of periodontitis include:

• Gums that bleed when brushing and flossing
• Inflamed gums
• Bright red or purplish gums
• Loose teeth
• Gums receding from your teeth
• Painful chewing
• Pus between teeth and gums
• New gaps between teeth

You may also notice your teeth fit together differently when you close your mouth, bite, or chew.

How is periodontitis treated?

Your dentist measures the groove between your gums and teeth with a dental probe. If the pocket depth is greater than 4mm, they suspect periodontitis. Treatment for periodontitis includes cleaning the pockets around your teeth to prevent damage to the surrounding bone. Treatment may include:

Scaling

The dental team uses lasers or ultrasonic devices to remove tartar and bacteria from beneath your gums and on your tooth surfaces.

Root planing

To discourage the additional buildup of bacteria and tartar, root planing removes bacterial byproducts that delay healing or prevent the gum from reattaching to the tooth surfaces.

Antibiotics

Prescription antibiotics help to control bacterial infections. You may receive mouth rinses, gel, or oral antibiotics.

Surgery is a treatment option if your periodontitis is severe.

After periodontal treatment, Roslyn Family Dental may recommend more frequent dental cleanings to prevent recurring periodontitis. For a cleaning and dental exam, call the practice or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.