What is Periodontics?
Periodontics refers to the branch of dentistry which deals with diseases of the supporting and investing structures of the teeth. These structures are namely gums, cementum, periodontal membranes, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone.
A person trained to deal with the diseases of this area is called a periodontist. They receive up to the additional specialized training of three years in periodontal diseases. They are also experts in replacing missing teeth with dental implants.
Periodontal Diseases
- Periodontal diseases may take many forms and types but are a result of coalescence of bacterial plaque biofilm build-up of the red complex bacteria of the gingival and teeth, in combination with host immuno-inflammatory mechanisms and such other risk factors which lead to the destruction of the supporting bone around natural teeth. If these diseases are left untreated, they lead to alveolar bone loss and tooth loss.
