Periodontic Specialists
Periodontics refers to the diagnosis, maintenance and treatment of diseases of the gums.
Gum disease is a very common condition that affects 3 out of 4 people (aged 35 and over) in the UK. It is also one of the biggest causes of tooth loss.
Gum disease can be treated as long as it is caught in the early stages. If it is arrested then the effects are reversible but, it is preventable. Brushing the teeth and the gums and using dental floss will help as will reducing your sugar intake.
There are two types of gum disease: the milder form called gingivitis and the more serious periodontitis.
As a result of this a periodontist will want to prevent this disease from spreading or even better, stop it altogether. He or she will be only too aware of the risk of tooth loss and will employ a variety of techniques to do so. These include screening patients to determine the level of risk, dental cleaning such as a scale and polish, advice on oral hygiene and suggested lifestyle changes.
For those patients with severe gum disease, treatments such as Root Surface Debridement (RSD) and Root Planing will help. These involve cleaning the infected surface of the tooth root. Another treatment is a Gingivectomy: this involves removing the diseased gum and reshaping the remaining gum to reduce the risk of ‘pockets’ forming which are fertile grounds for bacteria.
A periodontist often works in a dental hospital, community dental clinics or private practice. They often work in conjunction with dental hygienists and therapists to offer preventative services to patients. Some specialists teach on undergraduate and postgraduate courses in universities.
Prospective periodontists require a minimum of 2 years postgraduate training and Membership Diploma of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS). Specialist training includes 3 years training for the Master of Clinical Dentistry (MClinDent) in Periodontics. Plus the Diploma of Membership in Restorative Dentistry (MRD) by the Royal College of Surgeons.
Dental Specialists Guide Index:
- Dental and maxillofacial radiology Specialists
- Dental public health Specialists
- Endodontic Specialists
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology Specialists
- Oral medicine Specialists
- Oral microbiology Specialists
- Oral surgery Specialists
- Orthodontic Specialists
- Paediatric dentistry Specialists
- Periodontic Specialists
- Prosthodontic Specialists
- Restorative dentistry Specialists
- Special care dentistry Specialists