Periodontics is a large specialized field within the practice of dentistry. Periodontists focus on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral disease. Periodontists use a wide range of procedures from tooth scaling, root planing and, in more severe cases, tissue or bone grafts. The periodontium is the supporting structure to the tooth and consists of the gingiva, cementum, alveolar bone and periodontal ligaments. Gingiva, also known as gum tissue, surrounds the tooth and acts as a barrier to potential periodontal destruction. When this structure starts to fail, periodontal disease starts to set in. Cementum is acellular and avascular connective tissue that is a highly calcified (Nanci & Bosshardt, 2006). Cementum covers the root of the tooth with its main purpose being to connect the tooth to the alveolar bone via periodontal ligaments. Periodontal ligaments are a connective tissue
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Our mouths are filled with bacteria; when this bacterium is left to build up on teeth it forms a biofilm known as plaque. If plaque is not removed from the teeth it becomes mineralized and hardens forming calculus, commonly known as tartar. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, characterized by gingival inflammation, and can be corrected with good oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing. When gingivitis goes untreated it can then become more serious causing periodontitis. Periodontitis is seen when inflammation progresses and causes loss of attachment between tooth and alveolar bone (Nanci & Bosshardt, 2006). As the gingiva becomes more inflamed it starts to pull away from the tooth, forming pockets, allowing for more bacteria to sit close to the tooth and cause infection. The oral cavity has more then 500 different bacterial species and as plaque bacteria accumulate your natural immune system starts to attack the infection and therefore damages the gum, ligaments and bone (Periodontal Gum Disease,
Our mouths are filled with bacteria; when this bacterium is left to build up on teeth it forms a biofilm known as plaque. If plaque is not removed from the teeth it becomes mineralized and hardens forming calculus, commonly known as tartar. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, characterized by gingival inflammation, and can be corrected with good oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing. When gingivitis goes untreated it can then become more serious causing periodontitis. Periodontitis is seen when inflammation progresses and causes loss of attachment between tooth and alveolar bone (Nanci & Bosshardt, 2006). As the gingiva becomes more inflamed it starts to pull away from the tooth, forming pockets, allowing for more bacteria to sit close to the tooth and cause infection. The oral cavity has more then 500 different bacterial species and as plaque bacteria accumulate your natural immune system starts to attack the infection and therefore damages the gum, ligaments and bone (Periodontal Gum Disease,