What is Periodontology?

Periodontology is the study of a specialized system of the soft and hard tissues, which support your teeth. These tissues help to maintain the natural position of your teeth in your jaw. The periodontium, also known as the apparatus, functions by securely attaching your teeth to your jaw, acts as an absorber of shock when chewing or biting, and helps prevent damage to your teeth from more excessive forces. The periodontium also helps keep your teeth in a more stable position in your jaw, so they can work together comfortably and efficiently when you chew. Dentists and Periodontology Dentists who specialize in periodontics, more commonly known as periodontology, study the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, which affect the surrounding and supporting tissues of your teeth and their substitutes, mainly periodontal gum disease. These dentists who specialize in periodontology are called periodontists and are typically seen by patients who have been referred by their general dentist. The majority of periodontists have expanded their skills in dental surgery for the purpose of performing reconstructive surgery for further implant placement and bone regeneration, sometimes both at the same time. Periodontists look into implant’s results over a lifetime and how inflammation of the gums affects the metabolism of the bone in your jaw, the molecular and cellular events that lead to bone loss, and the overall development of techniques that regenerate the original bone. Periodontists have helped push a rise in tooth replacements and how long and stable they are in the mouth as well as improvement in tooth retention overall. Multiple dentists specialize in periodontology, but you can get a recommendation from ICC Smiles regarding your best dental health in Silver Spring. Your Periodontium Your periodontium is constructed of multiple components that structure and work together in your mouth. Your tooth socket is a pouch within your lower or upper jaw and serves the purpose of holding and positioning your teeth. The supporting roots of your teeth can be found inside and below your gums, which typically are not visible if you have a healthy mouth. They extend into your tooth socket and are covered by cementum. Between the bony socket and the root cementum, the periodontal ligament, which is a more complex arrangement consisting of tiny fibres, acts as a sling to hold your teeth in place. All of these parts of the periodontium adapt to the changes in your mouth throughout the years because they are all made of living tissues and make small alterations, such as changing thickness and shape as your mouth does. The periodontium keeps your teeth stable and in your mouth overall. Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the many things that can occur when you have poor oral hygiene and do not take care of your oral health. You should look for bleeding and swollen gums. This means that your gums could very well be infected with bacteria, or you are brushing too hard and need to switch to a toothbrush with soft bristles. If you believe that you are suffering from periodontal disease, you must see your periodontist and find out for sure immediately. This is because if you have gum disease and do nothing about it, the damage will be devastating on your mouth and will result in tooth loss from the spread of infection. This will happen because gum disease destroys the structures in your mouth, which is the bone in your jaw, that supports your teeth and keeps them in place. Speaking with your dentist in Silver Spring right away will help stop further damage and reverse the process.