Your Invisalign® ProviderWhat is Periodontics?
Periodontics is a specialty that focuses on the gums and soft tissues of the mouth. Periodontal care includes the treatment of gum disease, cosmetic gum procedures, and placement of dental implants to replace missing teeth.
This Service is Available at these Toothworks locations
What is Gum Disease?
Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth. It is typically caused by poor oral hygiene habits that allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden, eventually affecting the gums.
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to a variety of oral health issues including inflamed and bleeding gums, a receding gum line, bacteria-filled pockets between the teeth and gums, and eventual bone loss.
Gum Disease Therapy
Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease.
- Preventive Therapy
If the disease is caught in the early stages, preventive therapy will likely be recommended.
Regular hygiene cleanings and exams are important for maintaining the health of your gums.
By practicing good oral hygiene at home and eating a balanced diet, you can also reduce your chances of getting gum disease.
- Non-Surgical Gum Therapy
For patients with mild gum disease, a deep cleaning performed by a dental hygienist may be enough to reverse it.
The dental hygienist will scrape away the plaque and tartar around and below the gum line, and smooth out any rough areas left behind through a process called scaling and root planing.
- Surgical Gum Therapy
For patients with more advanced forms of gum disease, more invasive surgical treatments may be necessary to reverse it.
There are a few different types of surgical gum therapy such as gum grafting and bone grafting.
Cosmetic Gum Therapy
If your gums rest too low or too high on your teeth and you are unhappy with your smile, you may be a candidate for gum grafting surgery.
This dental procedure can help to even out an uneven gum line and reduce the perceived length of the teeth.
Placing Dental Implants
Periodontics also includes the placement of dental implants beneath the gum line as part of the process to replace missing teeth.
Once a dental implant is placed, the gums have healed, and a tooth replacement is added, this procedure can provide a number of oral health benefits.
Meet Our Toothworks Periodontists
Dr. Theo Katsaros, Toronto • Dr. Jill Levine, Toronto • Dr. Adam Ohayon, Scarborough