Periodontics

at Langley Dental

What is Periodontics?

Periodontics is concerned with the supporting structures of your teeth and the diseases which affect them. Supporting structures include gums, jaw bone and the cementum which connects the tooth to the jaw bone. 

What do periodontists at Langley Dental treat?

The most common issue that our professional periodontal team treat or try to prevent in patients is gum diseaseGum disease is the number one reason for tooth loss and yet many patients often neglect their gums. 

The good news is that gum disease is treatable and easily preventable. A good oral hygiene with thorough brushing and care of your teeth and gums can have a huge impact on your dental health. It can also have a proven link on the health of your general well-being too. 

 

A periodontist at Langley Dental will treat:

Gingivitis 

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and refers to the build-up of plaque on your teeth which can lead to inflammation of the gums. It can cause, swelling, redness and irritation. If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can lead to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. 

Periodontitis 

Periodontitis occurs if gingivitis is left untreated. The gums begin to pull away from the tooth leaving spaces where bacteria can grow. This can become inflamed and infected. Should periodontitis be left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. 

Book your appointment for Periodontics

Periodontal treatment

Our dentists and hygienists spend a lot of time trying to help prevent periodontitis occurring, but if you are referred to a periodontist for treatment, you can expect a thorough and professional clean of your teeth and gums. This may involve cleaning the tooth root surfaces and the periodontal pockets.  

 If you need further treatment, you may require minor surgery to correct problems with the tooth, bone or gum. This may include gum grafting. 

The benefits of visiting a periodontist

Most of the benefits of visiting a periodontist is preventative: 

 

  • You can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. With preventative or early treatment, you can prevent tooth loss 
  • Prevent bone loss 
  • Improve your smile. Neglecting teeth and gums so that they become unattractive can affect your confidence 
  • At Langley Dental you will be cared for by professional periodontists with many years of experience 

Frequently asked questions 

Is periodontitis reversible?

It will depend at what stage the periodontitis is and you will need a professional expert to assess your gums to tell you. If it is in the early stages, then it can be treated and reversed. If periodontitis is in the more advanced stages, it may be too late to reverse it. 

Does gingivitis always come before periodontitis?

Gingivitis usually does occur before periodontitis, but gingivitis does not always lead to periodontitis. If you spot red, sore, inflamed gums or bleeding whilst brushing you should seek advice from your dentist. 

Does periodontitis hurt?

It can do. Periodontitis is where there is an infection in the gum tissue and this can lead to sore, bleeding gums and problems with chewing. The biggest problem is that it can lead to tooth loss.