Your Healthy Smile & Beyond:Understanding Periodontics
At Valencia Dental Aesthetic we’re committed to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life. You’re likely familiar with how we care for your teeth with fillings and cleanings, but today, we want to shine a light on another crucial aspect of your oral health: the health of your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. This is where the specialized field of periodontics comes in!
What is a Periodontist and Why Are They Important?
Think of a periodontist as the “foundation specialist” for your teeth. While your general dentist (like us!) takes care of the teeth themselves, a periodontist is a dental specialist with extensive additional training focused exclusively on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), and the placement of dental implants. They are experts in everything that supports your teeth: your gums, the ligaments that hold your teeth in place, and the underlying jawbone.
Gum disease is a common condition that, if left untreated, can have serious consequences not just for your smile, but for your overall health. It often starts subtly, with few noticeable symptoms, which is why your regular check-ups are so vital!
The Critical Importance of Periodontal Treatment
You might wonder why we sometimes recommend seeing a periodontist or undergoing specific periodontal treatments. The simple answer is: to save your teeth and protect your health!
Gum disease begins as gingivitis, where your gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily during brushing or flossing. This stage is often reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleanings.
However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. In this more advanced stage, the infection spreads below the gum line, creating “pockets” between your teeth and gums. These pockets become breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to the gradual destruction of the bone and tissues that support your teeth.
If you need periodontal treatment, doing it is crucial because it helps prevent:
- Tooth Loss: As the supporting bone deteriorates, your teeth can become loose, shift, and eventually fall out – a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
- Pain and Discomfort: Advanced gum disease can cause significant pain, sensitivity, and discomfort.
- Persistent Bad Breath: The bacteria associated with gum disease can lead to chronic bad breath that no amount of brushing can eliminate.
- Impact on Your Overall Health: Mounting research indicates a strong link between gum disease and other systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and even adverse pregnancy outcomes. Your mouth is truly a window to your overall health!
What Are You Preventing by Taking Care
of Your Gums and Dental Bone?
By being proactive and addressing any periodontal concerns, you are actively preventing:
- The progression of gum disease: Stopping gingivitis from worsening into irreversible periodontitis.
- Tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss: Keeping your natural teeth firmly in place for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
- The need for more complex, extensive, and costly procedures: Such as extensive bone grafting, tooth extractions, or prosthetics.
- Oral pain and infections: Avoiding the discomfort, swelling, and potential for abscesses associated with severe gum disease.
- Potential negative impacts on your general health: Contributing significantly to your overall well-being by reducing systemic inflammation and bacterial load.
Partnering for Your Oral Health.
Your regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for us to monitor the health of your gums and bone. If we identify any signs of gum disease, rest assured that we will discuss all your options, explain the next steps, and may recommend a referral to a trusted periodontist if specialized care is needed.
Your commitment to daily brushing and flossing, combined with professional care, is your best defense against gum disease. We are here to partner with you every step of the way to ensure your smile remains healthy and vibrant!