Periodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of periodontal diseases (gum and alveolar bone diseases). A periodontist is a specialized dentist with advanced training in treating advanced periodontal diseases. At Longchamp Dental Clinic, we have qualified periodontists who can treat everything from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis with significant bone destruction.
Periodontal diseases are classified into several categories. Gingivitis is gum inflammation without bone destruction, generally caused by inadequate hygiene. Chronic periodontitis is the progressive form with bone and periodontal ligament destruction. Aggressive periodontitis (rarer) progresses rapidly with dramatic bone loss. Peri-implantitis is infection around dental implants, similar to periodontitis.
Periodontal diagnosis includes several elements. Periodontal probing measures the depth of gingival pockets (spaces between gum and tooth). Radiographs show the extent of bone loss. Clinical examination evaluates swelling, bleeding, and tooth mobility. At Longchamp Dental, we also use modern microbiological tests to identify specific bacteria causing infection, which allows us to recommend the best treatment.
For gingivitis and mild to moderate periodontitis, non-surgical treatment is generally effective. This includes professional scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line. Topical or systemic antibiotics may be prescribed depending on severity. Drastic improvement in home hygiene with professional instructions is critical. In approximately 70-80% of mild to moderate periodontitis cases, non-surgical treatment is sufficient to stop disease progression.
For cases of advanced periodontitis where non-surgical treatment has not sufficiently stopped destruction, surgical periodontal treatment may be recommended. This includes procedures like periodontal access surgery (for deeper curettage), bone regeneration, graft grafts, or flap surgeries. These procedures aim to regenerate lost bone and tissue. A qualified periodontist can evaluate if you are candidate for these regenerative procedures.
Even after successful treatment, long-term periodontal maintenance is critical. Patients with history of periodontitis should be seen every 3-4 months (instead of standard 6 months) for professional periodontal cleaning and close monitoring. Without this maintenance, disease can recur. At Longchamp Dental, we integrate our patients into a structured periodontal maintenance program to ensure long-term stability.
Prevention is better than treatment. Excellent oral hygiene (brushing 2x/day, daily flossing) is fundamental. Professional scaling every 6 months for people without periodontal history, or every 3-4 months for those with history, is recommended. Smoking cessation is crucial because tobacco weakens immune system and significantly increases periodontitis risk. Maintaining excellent general health (controlling diabetes, reducing stress) also helps prevent periodontal diseases.
If left untreated, periodontitis can cause tooth loss, aesthetic deterioration with gum recession, functional problems chewing, and even general health problems. Chronic periodontal infections have been associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other conditions. This is why early treatment is critical.
If you have signs of periodontal disease (gum bleeding, swelling, bad breath), or if you have history of periodontitis, schedule a periodontal consultation. Contact Longchamp Dental Clinic at +212 5 22 36 13 24 or +212 6 61 41 95 95 (WhatsApp). Our periodontist will evaluate your situation and create a personalized treatment plan to save your teeth and gum health.
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