Periodontics Specialist

What is periodontics?

Periodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on your gums and other soft tissues in your mouth rather than your teeth. The field of periodontics primarily focuses on treating and preventing gum tissue infections like gingivitis and periodontitis, the two stages of gum disease. Certain periodontal treatments also alter the way your gums look to improve the appearance of your smile. 

The team at Crystal Dental of Fresno provides many periodontal services, whether your gums are healthy or they need work. Gum disease is linked to several systemic conditions throughout your body, including heart disease and diabetes, so your gum health is more important than you might realize. 

What is gum disease?

Gum disease occurs when bacteria on your teeth and in your mouth cause an infection in your gum tissue. The disease starts out with few or no symptoms at all and can progress to cause tooth loss if you don’t get treatment. If you experience symptoms of gum disease, they might include:

• Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
• Foul breath
• Tooth sensitivity
• Loose teeth
• Teeth that look long from gum recession
• Redness or swelling in your gums

The earliest stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, is easy to treat with improved oral hygiene habits. The more serious stage, called periodontitis, requires more advanced treatments.  

Which periodontic services are available?

There are many periodontic services available at Crystal Dental of Fresno, whether you have gum disease or not. They include:

Cosmetic gum surgery

Cosmetic gum surgery recontours your gumline to treat a gummy smile and make your teeth look longer. 

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing, two nonsurgical periodontal treatments that often go hand in hand, involve the removal of plaque and hardened plaque called tartar from your teeth’s surfaces. Root planing is necessary if you have pockets between your gums and teeth. The team smooths the surfaces of the roots of your teeth to help your gums reattach to them.

Ultrasonic cleaning

Professional cleanings alone are a great way to prevent gum disease. The team might recommend adding ultrasonic cleaning to your next dental visit if you have lots of plaque and tartar on your teeth. An ultrasonic scaler uses electromagnetic forces and vibrations to remove bacterial buildup.

To learn more about periodontal health and treatments for your gums, call Crystal Dental of Fresno or request an appointment online today.