The periodontist is a dentist that specializes in the supporting structures of the teeth, known as the periodontium. The periodontium includes the gums, alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligaments.
Periodontal diesease can take on different forms. Usually periodontal disease results in a bacterial infection of the gums. In extreme cases or in patients that neglect this type of infection they may experience tooth loss and even more dramatic, alveolar bone loss or complete jaw disintegration.
Probably the most prominent thing to note about the periodontist, is that they experts in performing dental implant surgery. According to the periodontist, the most widely used dental implants available today are referred to as “root form dental implants.” Root form dental implants not only replace the tooth in an implant procedure but they replace the root of the tooth as well.
This replacement of the root of the tooth is essential because when a tooth is missing as in the case of an extraction or trauma, the bone supporting the tooth generally deteriorates. When the periodontist replaces the tooth and the root of the tooth they are preventing the jaw bone from disintegrating over time. The jaw bone thrives on stimulation and contact with the roots of the teeth. The human jaw bone maintains its integrity through proper stimulation and “communication” from the roots of the teeth. When teeth become missing, the jaw bone will literally sink and deteriorate from lack of contact.
Dental implants done by the periodontist also provide support for nearby teeth and won’t damage other teeth as they are independent and not connected like a bridge. When compared to traditional replacements, implants just provide a healthier environment for their “enameled” neighbors.
One incredible benefit of dental implant that is definitely worthy of mentioning, is when the periodontist installs them correctly, they last forever. Bridges on the other hand last at best, 15 years. When the periodontist correctly installs an implant, because of the way the implant support the jaw, they are literally giving the patient a facelift as well. Many patients who have had dental implants notice that there face feels tighter and more filled out.
The periodontist will tell you that dental implants are so popular because they look and feel just like natural teeth. You can eat whatever you want and treat them as you would the teeth you had when you were a kid. The periodontist sees many patients returning to eating diets that they may not have enjoyed for years after receiving dental implants.
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