Periodontics

A Periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the gum, bone and connective tissues that surround and support your teeth — in short, everything that attaches your teeth to you. They specialize in the diagnosis, education, prevention, and treatment of periodontal disease. They do this by helping you understand the types of periodontal disease as well as its signs and symptoms.

At Chestermere Station Periodontics, it is our goal to use our clinical expertise along with our personal attention to deliver a high quality of care for our patients.

Periodontal Questions

What is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and conditions of the gums. Periodontists may also place dental implants.

Why would my dentist refer me to a periodontist?

A periodontist works with your primary dentist to help maintain your oral health. Procedures such as gum therapy, implants, extractions or gum grafting are done by periodontists.

Do I need a referral to see a periodontist?

No, you do not need a referral to see our periodontist. Please contact us anytime to book a consultation.

When is gum therapy needed?

Early detection for gum disease is the key. Periodontal disease is treatable and early detection is important for successful treatment. Gingivitis can develop in teeth which may require gum therapy.

When is gum therapy needed?

Early detection for gum disease is the key. Periodontal disease is treatable and early detection is important for successful treatment. Gingivitis can develop in teeth which may require gum therapy.

What is gingivitis?

The early stage of periodontal disease is called Gingivitis. It is common and occurs when there is gum irritation and minor bleeding gums during regular brushing and flossing. Occasional bad breath can be a side effect of the gum infection.

What causes gingivitis?

Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria from plaque under the gum line. Gingivitis is controllable and treatable with thorough home care and routine dental visits for a thorough cleaning and gum therapy. If left untreated, gingivitis can spread to the bone structure that supports your teeth.

What is plaque and what is tartar?

Plaque is that clear sticky substance that builds throughout the day on your teeth which is removed by thorough brushing and flossing.

 

Plaque that isn’t cleaned off thoroughly hardens into tartar, which must be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist through ‘scaling’. Tartar that is left on the teeth can cause inflammation that will irritate and damage healthy gums. Over time, the bacterial plaque and buildup can result in the gums separating from their grip on your teeth causing deepened ‘pockets’ between your gums and tooth to develop.

 

These ‘pockets’ make room for more infection and added problems to occur, including receding gums and pain in gum tissue, as well as loosened damaged teeth and constant breath issues. Some patients can experience tooth loss.

What types of non-surgical gum therapy services do you offer?

Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling is removing the calculus, or tartar build up from the teeth above the gum line, and root planing is removing the calculus or tartar build up on the roots of the teeth below the gum line.

 

In order to support bone, the periodontist may recommend either of these procedures in the treatment of gum disease, or in regular maintenance of healthy teeth and gums.

What is a Dental Implant?

A natural looking, permanent replacement for missing teeth.

 

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed to support a replacement tooth (a cap) or a bridge and is a natural looking, permanent replacement for missing teeth.

 

A dental implant may be a viable option for patients in good general health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, dental decay, or injury and a secure alternative to conventional upper and lower full dentures.

 

Dental implants are made of commercially pure titanium, which is biocompatible with bone tissue. They are threaded like a screw in order to stabilize the implant while the bone around it heals. The abutment, which screws on to the implant for the purpose of holding the crown, is made either out of titanium, gold or ceramic. The crown is the part that will look and function like a tooth. Crowns are usually made of porcelain sometimes with a metal substructure. After the implants are permanently placed into the jaw, a custom-made denture is attached, using the implants as anchors.

 

Implants can also be used to help hold a denture firmly in place, allowing the patient to chew and speak comfortably.

Why is replacing missing teeth so important?

Replacing missing teeth is essential when it comes to maintaining your oral health. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may begin to shift into the space left behind, causing bite misalignment issues, damage to the teeth themselves, and a greater risk of tooth decay.

 

In addition, the bone that once supported the missing tooth can begin to deteriorate when the tooth is not replaced, resulting in eventual facial collapse.