Periodontics is the dental specialty which deals with the health of the bone and gums which support the teeth. 

General dentists are the first line of defense against periodontal disease.  At regular dental checkups and cleanings the hygienist removes harmful deposits from the teeth and helps educate the patient about home care and how to prevent periodontal disease.  Pocket depths are measured and recorded to keep track of the status of the patient's bone and gums.  The dentist reviews the radiographs to look for signs of periodontal disease.

If large accumulations of calculus are present or if the patient is beginning to show the signs of periodontal disease Scaling and Root Planning is performed with anesthesia.  Use of anesthesia allows the dentist or hygienist to remove stubborn deposits from the roots of the teeth which could not be removed comfortably in a normal cleaning.

If the problem persists medications can be prescribed which can help.

When a the problem is still resistant a periodontist can be called on to surgically correct the problem.

Last modified: 05/03/04