What is Periodontics?
Periodontics is specialised and looks at the health of the structures that support the teeth, primarily the gums and the surrounding bone. A periodontist is a dentist who has completed advanced training in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of periodontal (gum) disease. They are also trained in the surgical placement of dental implants.
While general dentistry focuses on the teeth themselves, periodontics looks beneath the gum line to address the foundation that holds teeth in place. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease and is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, making this speciality crucial. It manages inflammation and infection that can damage the soft tissue and bone. It also strongly emphasises halting disease progression and preserving one’s natural smile.