Periodontics / Treatment Of Gums
Periodontitis is a set of inflammatory diseases affecting the periodontium, i.e.,
the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Periodontitis involves progressive
loss of the alveolar bone around the teeth, and if left untreated, can lead to the
loosening and subsequent loss of teeth. Periodontitis is caused by microorganisms
that adhere to and grow on the tooth's surfaces, along with an overly aggressive
immune response against these microorganisms.
A diagnosis of periodontitis is established by inspecting the soft gum tissues around
the teeth with a probe (i.e. a clinical exam) and by evaluating the patient's x-ray
films (i.e. aradiographic exam), to determine the amount of bone loss around the
teeth.Specialists in the treatment of periodontitis are periodontists; their
field is known as "periodontology" or "periodontics".