Periodontics
Guarding Gums, Preserving Smiles
Everything About
Periodontist In Sacramento
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the health of your gums and jawbone, which are essential support structures for your teeth. A periodontist is a dental expert who specializes in gum care. After completing a four-year dental school program, periodontists undergo an additional three years of education specifically in periodontics to gain the necessary skills and knowledge.
At Smile Time Dental, we are committed to providing exceptional periodontal care for patients of all ages. Our experienced and dedicated periodontists understand the vital role that gum health plays in maintaining a beautiful and long-lasting smile. As a result, we ensure our patients receive the highest quality of care tailored to their individual needs.
What’s The Difference Between A Periodontist And A Dentist?
Periodontists are dental specialists who undergo an additional three years of training beyond dental school, specifically in gum disease management. In contrast, general dentists focus on overall oral care. While dentists provide a wide range of treatments, a periodontist specializes in diagnosing and treating issues related to the gums and the bone structures supporting your teeth.
Moreover, periodontists are experts in cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery, depending on their specialized training. Therefore, if you are facing gum disease or any other oral health issues involving the gums or bones, a periodontist can offer advanced treatments that go beyond routine care.
What Sort Of Procedures Are Performed By A Periodontist?
Periodontists perform a wide range of procedures to improve gum health and maintain the integrity of your teeth. Below are some of the most common treatments:
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is similar to a regular dental cleaning, but it goes a step further. In addition to cleaning your teeth, a periodontist or hygienist will assess the health of your gums and measure any pockets around the teeth. Patients requiring periodontal maintenance will typically undergo these cleanings every 3 to 4 months. Your periodontist will recommend a schedule based on your specific gum health.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, involves numbing the gums with local anesthesia to enable cleaning below the gum line, where harmful bacteria thrive. Furthermore, the tooth root surfaces are smoothed to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup. This procedure is recommended for patients with mild gum disease and helps restore gum health.
Periodontal Surgery
Periodontists also perform a variety of surgical procedures, such as:
- Gingival flap surgery: Treats moderate to severe periodontitis.
- Gum grafts: Address gum recession.
- Tooth extractions: For teeth that are difficult to remove.
- Dental bone grafts: Help regenerate bone tissue.
- Crown lengthening: To make room for dental crowns.
- Smile lifts: Remove excess gum tissue for a more balanced smile.
- Frenectomies: Address issues like tongue-tie or gum recession.
These specialized procedures help treat and manage gum-related concerns and ensure long-term oral health.
Dental Implants and Sedation Options
In addition, many periodontists, including ours at Smile Time Dental, also place dental implants. While oral surgeons and some general dentists perform implant placements, periodontists offer a unique level of expertise in gum-related aspects of the procedure.
To ensure patient comfort, most periodontists, including those at Smile Time Dental, offer sedation options, such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation, during procedures.
5 Signs That You Need A Periodontist's Help
- Bite Changes
- Gums That Bleed Easily
- Loose Teeth
- Receding Gums
- Painful Gums
5 Signs That You Need A Periodontist
- Bite Changes
- Gums That Bleed Easily
- Loose Teeth
- Receding Gums
- Painful Gums
How can we help you?
Frequently Asked Questions
A periodontist is a dental professional who specializes in treating gum diseases, dental implant placement, gum and bone grafting, and other procedures related to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.