A specific kind of dentist is a periodontist. Periodontists are experts in identifying, managing, and preventing periodontal disease. Simply put, that is another name for gum disease.

How are periodontists different from your typical, everyday dentist? After all, any dentist should be able to detect gum disease in their patients. During routine dental appointments, your family dentist has likely examine your gums and teeth for gum disease. You recall those occasions when they recorded numbers while using a sharp tool to prick each individual space between your teeth and gums. A King of Prussia periodontics specialist can help you better understand this. 

Periodontal Disease: What Is It?

The persistent infection and inflammation of the bone and gum tissues that support our teeth are known as periodontal disease. Gum disease is another name for periodontal disease. However, the condition does not simply damage the gums. Periodontal disease might result in some serious problems if left untreated. Later on, we will talk a little more about those topics. But first, let’s talk about how gum disease gets started.

Adults are predominantly affected by periodontal disease. Gum disease can affect youngsters but doesn’t strike them as frequently as the elderly. Additionally, men are more likely than women to have gum disease. Additionally, the chance of acquiring gum disease increases significantly if a person uses tobacco products.

A History of Gum Disease

Everyone knows they should brush and floss their teeth at least twice daily. To maintain the health of our teeth and gums, we usually need to practice regular and efficient dental hygiene. Along with two yearly dental visits, of course. Some people, though, succumb to complacency. Perhaps just a few times a week, they clean their teeth. They can also neglect to go to the dentist for routine cleanings. When this occurs, a series of things start to happen.

When Periodontal Disease is a Serious Issue

If given a chance, the bacteria will obliterate the roots of your teeth. Your teeth’s gums and surrounding tissues swell and hurt. Your breath starts to smell awful, and it gets unpleasant to chew. 

How Do Periodontists Manage Periodontal Disease?

Our additional and specialized training is put to use in this situation. Your periodontist has various tools at their disposal to battle gum disease. To address the infection before it gets out of hand, your periodontist may do scaling and root planing (cleaning the roots of the teeth). It could be necessary to remove infected tissue completely. (this is called debridement).

Your periodontist may even need to conduct surgery on diseased bone tissue in your jaw in extreme cases of advanced gum disease. Only periodontists do this procedure, not general dentists.