What is a Periodontist?

Periodontists are dental specialists who are experts in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

Periodontists have a general dental degree just like your family dentist. A Periodontist has an additional two-three years of specialist dental training, which makes them EXPERTS at giving you healthy teeth and gums.

The major benefits of treatment with a Periodontist are…

• The prevention of bleeding gums and tooth sensitivity.
• The prevention of bad breath.
• The confidence to smile.
• Being able to keep your teeth for the rest of your life.

What is gum disease?

Periodontal or Gum disease starts by a bacterial infection that destroys the gums, bone and ligaments supporting the teeth. Gum disease progresses silently, often without pain or symptoms. It may develop slowly or progress rapidly.

Nine out of ten people are afflicted with some form of gum disease in their lifetime. Gum disease affects more than half the population over 18 years of age. After 35, approximately three out of four adults develop some form of gum disease.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is usually caused by a build up of plaque, that forms naturally on the teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria, which produce toxins that irritate and damage the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can spread below the gums and can damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth and this causes the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.

Signs and Prevention

Warning signs of gum disease:

Healthy gums are the foundation for healthy teeth and are light pink in colour. A person with gum disease might notice:

• Gums bleeding during brushing.
• Swollen, red or tender gums.
• Longer teeth due to gum recession.
• Loose teeth.
• Change is position of teeth.
• Change in the way your teeth fit when you bite.
• Bad breath or bad taste.

What can I do to prevent gum disease?

Brushing and flossing twice a day along with visiting your dentist and hygienist regularly can help prevent gum disease from developing.

The major benefits of gum health are:

• The prevention of bleeding gums and tooth sensitivity.
• The prevention of bad breath.
• Being able to smile with confidence.

Elderly patient with combined horizontal/vertical bone resorption. Mainly 2 and 1 walled intrabony defects. Low regenerative potential. First picture taken after completion of non-surgical periodontal treatment, extractions of hopeless teeth and resective surgical treatment for pocket reduction. Second picture after full mouth restoration, zirconium oxide bridge (esthetic and splinting effect). There are 20+ years of success described in literature with this approach (f.e. Carnevale, Tonetti)

Localised intrabony 2 wall defect. Regenerative approach, papilla preservation flap, Emdogain + Dentegris Compact Bone B (particulated xenograft material).

Localised intrabony 2 wall defect. Regenerative approach, papilla preservation flap, Emdogain + Dentegris Compact Bone B (particulated xenograft material).

Localised intrabony 2 wall defect. Regenerative approach, papilla preservation flap, Emdogain + Dentegris Compact Bone B (particulated xenograft material).

Temporary acrylic bridge, consecutive fixed prosthodontic restoration will be provided by referring general dentist. Pictures taken on the day of suture removal. Ten days post-op.

First picture taken after comprehensive non-surgical perio treatment. Followed by full mouth restoration with zirconium oxide bridge. All remaining teeth were endodontically treated.

Pictures taken while fixing the bridge on temporary cement for 6-8 weeks.

Connect

Dental House, your one-stop dental centre of excellence in Dublin. We
provide for patient’s general dentistry and specialist dental care needs under one roof.