Periodontology concerns the tissues surrounding and supporting teeth: the gums, periodontal ligament, root cementum and bone. It includes diagnosing and treating disease in these structures and helping patients maintain the results over time.
When should you seek an assessment?
Bleeding, receding gums, persistent bad breath, shifting teeth or looseness should be checked. Periodontal disease does not always cause severe pain. An absence of discomfort is therefore not a substitute for an examination.
Why measure around the gums?
A periodontal probe helps assess pockets, bleeding and loss of support. Dental radiographs may also be needed. The findings are considered together with general health, smoking, cleaning habits and other risk factors.
Treatment has several parts
Daily plaque removal, professional cleaning and management of contributing factors are important. Some situations require further procedures, but not everyone needs surgery. The plan depends on the diagnosis and how the tissues respond to earlier care.
Supportive care remains necessary after inflammation has been brought under control. Review intervals are individual. Asking how to maintain the result is as important as asking about the first procedure. Tell the team if you have implants: the tissues around them also need regular assessment, although their anatomy differs from the supporting tissues around natural teeth.