Our team at elleven brings together many different specialists in their fields to ensure great dental care across the whole spectrum of dentistry.  One important field is periodontics; the study and care of the structures that surround and support the teeth.

elleven Dental’s highly-renowned periodontist, Dr Petros Moschouris, answers your questions about periodontics:

What is periodontics?

Periodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on the teeth’s supporting structures or tissues, known collectively as the periodontium.  The periodontium comprises the gums (or gingiva), cementum, alveolar region and periodontal ligament.

Why is periodontics important?

The health of the periodontium is important for the health of your teeth.  If it isn’t looked after, it can lead to inflammation of the gums and degradation of the bone surrounding the teeth and eventually premature loss of teeth.

What type of problems can arise in periodontics?

Problems that will require a visit to a periodontist include inflamed or bleeding gums (Gingivitis), disease affecting gum tissue and underlying bone (periodontal disease) and gum disease that arises as a result of implants (peri-implantitis).

Are these periodontal problems serious?

Gingivitis is a reversible condition, and you can return your gums to good health once dental plaque is removed.  However, the more-serious gum infection of periodontitis, which can damage soft tissue and the bone that supports the tooth, is not reversible.  Once support structures around teeth are damaged or lost from periodontitis, it is usually a permanent condition.

Good periodontal health is, therefore, really important.

What can I do to ensure good periodontal health?

Good dental hygiene, regular dental check-ups and visits to the hygienist are the essential ingredients of good periodontal health.

What constitutes good dental hygiene?

You need to care for your gums in the same way you care for your teeth:

  • Brushing your teeth regularly, at least twice a day, and especially after highly sweet or acidic foods.
  • Flossing after brushing.
  • Using a mouthwash between brushing.
  • Avoiding foods that are high in sugar.
  • Supporting healthy bacteria in the mouth – with probiotic yoghurts or green tea.
  • Quit smoking.

Why might I see a periodontist?  What sort of treatment does a periodontist undertake?

Periodontal treatment can include:

  • Treatment of Gingivitis
  • Treatment of periodontal disease
  • Gum disease treatment around dental implants
  • Correction of uneven gum line (crown lengthening)
  • Cosmetic gum graft to correct gum shrinkage
  • Treatment of bad breath (halitosis)
  • Dental Implant Treatment

Petros is a leading specialist in periodontics and one of elleven Dental’s dentistry team.

To book an appointment with Petros or any member of the elleven Dental team, please use our online booking form or call us today.