Periodontics is the area of dentistry involving treatment of the supporting structures of the teeth. This includes the gums (also known as the gingiva), the bone, and the periodontal ligament. Periodontal disease is an infection of these supporting structures. It is caused by a varitey of factors, including;


• Genetics
• Smoking
• Poor oral hygiene
• Bacteria (left around the teeth and below the gumline)

Bacteria produce toxins which destroy the bone and the attachment of the gingiva (the gum) to the tooth. This disease can be localized (involving one or two teeth in an area of the mouth, or generalized (involving several teeth in different areas of the mouth). Periodontal disease can start in one of the mouth and then spread to other areas. If diagnosed early, periodontal disease can be controlled by you and the dental team with a combination of improved home care, regular maintenance (cleanings every 3-6 months) and deep cleanings (also known as scaling).

When periodontal disease is more advanced, your dentist may advise a more aggressive treatment, involving surgery. In many cases, this can allow you to keep teeth that otherwise would be lost, and prevent the advancement of the infecion. Patients who have this diagnosis must be followed on a more strict regimen by the dental team to be sure that the infection is under control and does not recur.

In patients who must have teeth removed due to Periodontal Disease which is too advanced, or patients who have lost teeth previously for one reason or another, teeth can be replaced in most cases with Dental Implants.