Periodontist In Santa Clarita, CA

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Periodontal care, also known as periodontics, refers to a dentistry specialty that deals with the diagnosis, cure, and prevention of diseases connected to tooth tissues, as well as in their function, maintenance, appearance, and health.

If you are struggling with bleeding gums and perinatal disease, Aesthetic Dental provides the top Periodontists in the Santa Clarita area.

What is Periodontics?

It includes all dental care treatments and procedures periodontists use to prevent and fix gum disease, including both surgical and non-surgical treatment, dental implant procedures, and cosmetic procedures. Those who practice periodontics went to an additional two to 3 years of dental school, compared to general dentists.

Surgical treatments improve oral health through gum tissue grafts, regenerative procedures, lengthening of dental crowns, extractions, and pocket procedures such as osseous surgery. The non-surgical procedures include scaling and root planing, which is the best first treatment for periodontitis, as well as laser treatment and tray delivery systems. Together, these can help stop the bone loss and gum damage that can cause the removal of one’s natural teeth.

 

Types of Periodontal Diseases

A minor form of periodontal illness is gingivitis. This type of periodontal disease causes redness of the gums, making them bleed easily and become swollen. Gingivitis can be cured by a dentist and through optimal home oral care. If not cured, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis. As time goes by, under the gum line there can gather and spread plaque. The gums get separated from the teeth, generating certain areas in which infections can develop. If not treated, these areas can grow deeper, creating more damage to the tissue of the gum and the bones. Finally, the teeth can become loose and they would have to be extracted.

Periodontitis Risk Factors

  • Smoking:
    We all know that smoking is bad for our health. However, it also represents the most important risk factor for developing gum illnesses. Moreover, it can lower the chance of successful treatment.
  • Pills:
    Sometimes, over-the-counter medicines can reduce the saliva in the oral cavity, which has a protective influence on the mouth. If there is not enough saliva, the oral cavity may easily develop infections like gum illnesses.
  • Genetic Predispositions:
    Some patients can develop gum diseases more quickly than others.
  • Hormonal Changes In Women:
    These factors can make the gums more sensitive, which enables gingivitis to occur more easily.
  • Diabetes:
    Patients who suffer from diabetes have a higher risk of getting infections, such as gum illnesses
  • Other Diseases And Their Cures:
    Illnesses like AIDS and its cures could have a negative impact on gum health, too. The same is valid for cancer.

Periodontitis Symptoms

Preventing tooth loss and damage to the soft tissue and jawbone, much less bad breath requires regular oral hygiene. But if you have the symptoms below, you should contact your Santa Clarita dentist for a consultation.

  • Bad breath or a bad taste that lingers
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Gums that are tender or bleed easily
  • Pain when chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
  • Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • Any change in how your partial dentures fit

Periodontal Treatments

The treatment for gum disease may be performed by a qualified dentist, a periodontist, or a dental hygienist.

  • Root planing:
    It soothes the surfaces of the tooth roots, preventing more buildup of bacteria and tartar. This treatment also eliminates the bacterial byproducts which may cause inflammation and postpone the healing or reattachment of the gum on the surfaces of the teeth.
  • Scaling:
    It eliminates tartar and bacteria from the tooth surface and under the gums.
  • Antibiotics:
    Topical or oral antibiotics can help to remove any bacterial infections. Sometimes, oral antibiotics are necessary to entirely eliminate the bacteria which has caused the infection.
  • Soft Tissue Grafts:
    Soft tissue grafts, also known as gum grafts, are surgical procedures used to treat receding gums or gum recession. During this procedure, tissue is taken from one part of the mouth (often the palate) and grafted onto areas where the gum has receded. This helps to cover exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, and improve the overall appearance of the smile.
  • Bone Grafting:
    Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves adding bone or bone-like materials to the jawbone to strengthen it. It’s commonly used in cases where gum disease has led to bone loss around the teeth. The graft material helps to promote new bone growth, which can improve the stability of teeth and provide a more supportive foundation for dental implants
  • Flap Surgery: (pocket reduction operation)
    Flap surgery is a surgical procedure performed to access the roots of teeth and the bone supporting them. During the procedure, the gum tissue is gently lifted (flapped) to expose the underlying area. This allows for thorough cleaning of the tooth roots and removal of bacteria and tartar from deep pockets that have formed due to gum disease. Once cleaned, the gum tissue is repositioned to fit snugly around the teeth, reducing pocket depth and facilitating better oral hygiene.
  • Guided Tissue Regeneration:This technique involves using barriers (often made of biocompatible materials) to prevent gum tissue from growing into areas where bone regeneration is desired. This allows the bone to regenerate in a more controlled environment, which can be particularly useful in cases of advanced gum disease where bone support has been lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are three conditions that a periodontist may treat?

Three conditions that a periodontist may treat are gum disease (periodontal disease), gingivitis (early gum inflammation), and gum recession (receding gums). They specialize in diagnosing and treating issues related to the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and jawbone.

What does a periodontist do on the first visit?

During the first visit to a periodontist, they typically perform a comprehensive examination of your oral health. This may involve assessing your gum health, measuring pocket depths around the teeth, checking for signs of inflammation or infection, and evaluating the condition of your jawbone. Your dentist might refer you to a periodontist if you have advanced gum disease, complex cases requiring specialized treatment, or if they suspect issues beyond their expertise.

Why would a dentist refer you to a periodontist?

A dentist might refer you to a periodontist for specialized care related to gum health and supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontists have advanced training in treating complex cases of gum disease, severe inflammation, bone loss around teeth, and advanced cases of gum recession. They can often address issues that extend beyond the scope of general dental practice.

Can a periodontist fix receding gums?

Yes, a periodontist can address receding gums through various treatment options, such as gum grafting, where tissue is transplanted to cover exposed tooth roots. This procedure can help improve aesthetics, protect tooth surfaces, and reduce sensitivity caused by gum recession.

Can periodontitis be cured?

While periodontitis can be managed and its progression can be halted with proper treatment, it may not always be completely cured. Effective management involves regular professional cleanings, meticulous oral hygiene practices, and lifestyle adjustments to control risk factors. Early intervention and consistent care can help prevent further damage and maintain oral health.

Does a periodontist pull teeth?

Yes, a periodontist can perform tooth extractions, particularly when it’s necessary due to severe gum disease, extensive bone loss, or to prepare for procedures like dental implant placement. However, their primary focus is on treating gum and supporting tissue issues, and they often collaborate with oral surgeons for more complex extractions or procedures.

Contact Us

Aesthetic Dental & Specialty Center features a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. Our friendly staff and hygienists help put our patients at ease — even the most nervous ones. Our Santa Clarita dentists also provide oral conscious and IV advanced sedation for those patients who need more help to relax.

Whether you need general dentistry services or you have more complex dental needs, our expert dental team serves patients of all ages, and we accept most dental insurance.

No matter where you’re traveling from — Valencia or Stevenson Ranch — Aesthetic Dental & Specialty Center is here to serve you. Take a look at the areas we serve below and schedule a complimentary consultation today!

Areas Our Dental Practice Serves in Santa Clarita: