Periodontics
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry dealing with gum disease. The word periodontal has its origins in ancient Greek and means around the tooth. Periodontics combats diseases caused by bacteria in the mouth, which primarily affects the gums and tissues supporting the tooth. Periodontal diseases include Gingivitis (bleeding gums and awareness), Periodontitis (transformation into tartarand plaque formation of pockets between the teeth and gums), and advanced Periodontitis (progressive disease destroying more bone and periodontal ligament) that can lead to the last resort: tooth extraction.
The following are practices utilized to improve or maintain quality of periodontal oral hygiene:
- ultrasonic scaling
- professional brushing
- alveolar curettage
- airflow
- immediate fluoridation
- oral hygiene training