Periodontology

Periodontology, or Periodontics, is the branch of dentistry which studies supporting structures of teeth, and diseases and conditions that affect them.

The supporting tissues are known as the periodontium, which includes the gingiva (gums), alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament. The word comes from the Greek words "peri" meaning around and "odons" meaning tooth. Literally taken, it means study of that which is "around the tooth".

Periodontal disease

Periodontal diseases take on many different forms, but are usually a result of a coalescence of bacterial plaque biofilm accumulation of the gingiva and teeth, combined with host immuno-inflammatory mechanisms and other risk factors which lead to destruction of the supporting bone around natural teeth. Untreated, these diseases lead to alveolar bone loss and tooth loss, and to date continue to be the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Periodontists

A Periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and surgical and non-surgical treatment of diseases and conditions of the periodontium. Periodontists are experts in the management of patients with periodontal diseases including all forms of gingivitis, periodontitis and gingival recession (gum recession).

Periodontists are also experts in the surgical placement of dental implants.

United States

Periodontics is one of the nine American Dental Association recognized specialties of dentistry. The American Academy of Periodontology is the recognized governing academy for periodontics in the USA.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology website:"A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases and in the placement of dental implants." (http://www.perio.org/consumer/periodontist2.htm)

Periodontists complete 3 years of additional formal training beyond dental school in an accredited residency training program.

Periodontists may also earn Board Certification by the American Board of Periodontology' after completion of an American Dental Association accredited residency training program in Periodontics. Board certified periodontists are awarded the title "Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology".

Periodontists are also experts in the field of implant dentistry. They have extensive training in the surgical placement of dental implants, an alternative to bridges, partials, and dentures.

India ( Bharat )

Periodontics is offered as specialisation field in dentistry programme in India.This is offered at Master of Dental Surgery ( M.D.S ) course conducted by dental colleges affilated to different universities in India.The minimum qualification required for M.D.S is Bachelor of Dental Surgery ( B.D.S ). Dental council of India is regulating body for dentists in India.

United Kingdom

The British Society of Periodontology exists to promote the art and science of periodontology. Their membership includes specialist practitioners, periodontists, general dentists, consultants and trainees in restorative dentistry, clinical academics, dental hygienists and therapists, specialist trainees in periodontology, and many others. Please click on the external link below to take you to the BSP website. Information can be found on the website for all members of the team and also patients. There are also useful links to other periodontally related sites.

See also

*Periodontitis
*Gum recession
*Gum graft

External links

* [http://www.perio.org/consumer/2a.html American Academy of Periodontology's (AAP) article on Periodontal Disease]
* [http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/HealthInformation/DiseasesAndConditions/GumPeriodontalDiseases/default.htm The National Institute of Cranialfacial Research's article on Periodontal Disease]
* [http://www.perio.org/consumer/1a.html AAP Directory of Periodontists ]
* [http://www.cap-acp.ca/en/search/ Canadian Academy directory of Periodontists ]
* [http://www.dciindia.org Dental Council of India ]
* [http://www.bsperio.org.uk/ British Society of Periodontology]
* [http://www.bluecrossah.com/pages/dental.php Blue Cross Animal Hospital's article on Periodontal Disease ]