Periodontist Kitsilano, Vancouver

The periodontium is the supporting structure of the tooth. It comprises the periodontal ligament, tooth cementum, gums, and the bone surrounding the tooth. The main function of the periodontium is to keep the tooth in place. Without healthy PDL and bone support, the tooth loses its foundation. Eventually, it may loosen or come out of its socket.

This is where a periodontist can make a big difference. Periodontists specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and treating the diseases of the periodontium, such as gum and periodontal disease. 

What is a Periodontist?

Periodontists are specialists in the field of periodontal disease prevention and treatment. If referred to a periodontist, you are likely suffering from periodontitis or severe gum disease. 

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and the bones around the teeth. Some severe cases of periodontitis show widespread infection of the bones that the teeth become loose. Without proper intervention, your periodontist may no longer be able to save your teeth.

Aside from periodontal treatment, challenging dental implant cases may also be referred to a periodontist. They can help create an effective treatment plan to ensure the success of the implant procedure.

Periodontal Services

Some specialized periodontal services that can help restore your oral health and smile are:

• Periodontal Evaluation and Diagnosis

An assessment of your periodontal health gives your periodontist a better understanding of how to approach your condition. Periodontal evaluation is done by checking your signs and symptoms, periodontal probing, and diagnostic X-rays.

After a thorough check-up, your periodontist can determine the severity of your case and the need for non-surgical or surgical periodontal therapy.

• Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

This procedure involves scaling and root planing with the use of high-speed ultrasonic scalers and periodontal curettes. This will deep clean your gums and tooth roots to eliminate plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause gum and periodontal disease.

• Periodontal Surgery

For more severe periodontitis, a surgical approach may be required. Some surgical treatments include:

• Flap surgery to fold back inflamed gum tissue and help your dentist perform more effective scaling and planing.
• Tissue and bone grafting to promote bone regrowth and reinforce support around your teeth.
• Guided tissue regeneration to encourage the growth of healthy bone and tissue for long-term improved oral health.
• Dental Implants

A tooth implant relies on osseointegration to ensure treatment success. This is the fusion of healthy bone with the implant. A periodontist can help improve the outcome of your implants by checking for periodontal problems that may compromise osseointegration.

Importance of Periodontal Health

Periodontal health is all about preventing dental and gum disease, preserving bone for ideal teeth support, and promoting good overall oral health. A healthy periodontium ensures that there is a healthy relationship between your teeth and the bones around them. This helps anchor it firmly, preventing future tooth loss.

If you want a healthy, beautiful smile and a complete set of teeth, periodontal health should be one of your top priorities.

Book your appointment today to learn more about how we can help you prevent periodontal disease and maintain your oral health!