Periodontics is derived for the latin word "perio" means around and "dontis" means teeth. This has to do with all the supporting structures that hold your teeth in your head. This is comprised of:
Gingiva or gums
The bone (maxilla and the mandible)
the periodontal ligament
Periodontics seems to have many factors that influence its effect on people. These are, in order of importance:
Genetics
Smoking
Hygiene
People that have a family history of periodontal disease will be more predisposed to also having periodontal disease. Our best defense is to educate you on how to maintain your teeth, describe the periodontal process and the state where you are at by doing what is called a periodontal evaluation. This measures areas that are deeper from the top of the gum to where the gum attaches to your tooth. The higher the number, the deeper the "pocket" and the more of a potential for that periodontal condition to get worse. We maintain on 3,4, or 6 month recalls and refer to a specialist when it appears that we can not arrest and maintain the condition in our office. We also place localized delivery of antibiotics to try to arrest active sites of periodontal disease. We use a antibiotic named Arestin. Information is available at www.Arestin.com
There are times that we are unable to control the periodontal disease so we recommend a referral to a specialist called a periodontist. Also, something to consider is a medication call Periostat. It can be read about at the following link:
