Periodontics

Periodontists are dental specialists who practice periodontics, the specialty of dentistry that involves the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth and gums. It includes the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues.

What are types of periodontal treatments?

Types of periodontal procedures include:

• Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty: Gingivectomy is the excision or removal of gingiva (gums) by surgery. Gingivoplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape healthy gingiva (gums) around the teeth. These procedures were developed to treat periodontal disease. Today, the procedures are often used to improve the appearance of the gums.
• Osseous (bone) Surgery: This type of surgery involves the removal and/or reshaping of the jawbone under the gum and is performed to treat the gum disease periodontitis. Periodontitis causes the formation of holes, called defects, in the bone around the teeth. Osseous surgery reshapes the bones to remove the defects. It is also often used to treat bone loss around multiple teeth.
• Crown Lengthening: This is a common surgical procedure exposing more of the tooth for restorative purposes by re-positioning the gingival (gum) margin and removing the supporting bone. For example, if a tooth requires a crown or filling but the gum lies too close to the area, crown lengthening surgery can be performed, creating room for the required crown or filling to be placed.