When we are talking about our dental health, it is already a given that the state of our teeth and gums is the first one to be determined and focused on. But if there are gum problems, can dentists handle these issues on their own, or should a licensed gum doctor be consulted? How should I know that I should go on a trip to the gum doctor instead of a general dentist? What is the difference between a gum doctor and a dentist anyway?
Periodontics: Gum health and problems
Periodontics is the branch of dental medicine focused on gum health, diseases that damage the gums, and the treatments that address these gum issues. Periodontists or gum doctors are specialty dentists, they are general dentists who studied and trained for a few additional years so they can be specializing on all things about the gums, right from the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal or gum diseases. As a specialist dentist in periodontal disease, a gum doctor is the one in authority when it comes to the latest techniques and innovation for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. They are also trained to perform several cosmetic periodontal procedures. Their expertise may also be in coordination with other specialist dentists in order to make sure that the dental health and welfare of the patient are addressed.
Maintaining healthy gums is directly related to our dental health. The teeth can only be healthy and strong if the surrounding parts are also in good condition. Our teeth cannot be completely healthy if the connecting tissues of the gums and bones are not. Moreover, preserving the health of our gums is important for our overall wellness. Having periodontal surgery can lower the chances of tooth loss and further gum damage. You may also be less likely to develop other health problems like diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and cancer if you make sure that the state of your teeth and gums are regularly monitored by your respective dentist and periodontist. As they say, prevention is always better than cure.
Different periodontal diseases a gum doctor can address
Gingivitis. This is characterized by the swelling of the gums surrounding the teeth.
Periodontitis. This is the swelling of the bone and supporting tissues of the teeth.
What periodontic procedures can a gum doctor perform?
There are nonsurgical and surgical gum procedures that are being performed by gum doctors. Nonsurgical procedures include dental cleaning and scaling and root planing. They can also do root surface debridement for cavities or decay that reached the tooth roots. We are not saying that general dentists cannot perform these procedures, but because a gum doctor has more training and experience focused on treating gum diseases, their services may be preferred.
There are also surgical procedures that gum doctors recommend or suggest when it comes to addressing a complex or severe gum disease. These includes:
- Flap surgery
- Pocket reduction surgery
- Bone grafts
- Soft tissue grafts
- Guided tissue regeneration
- Bone surgery
A gum doctor is not limited to these procedures in order to treat periodontal diseases. They can also prescribe antibiotic treatments together with the other periodontics services to help reduce or temporarily eliminate the bacteria associated with gum disease.