Periodontics

Modesto, Manteca, Ceres, Turlock, Salida, Ripon, California Dentist

Gum Disease

Dentistry has many branches, each one concerned with different areas of the mouth, and each one important to the overall health of your mouth. Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the health and care of the gum system. It works to prevent gum disease.

Periodontal System

You may not realize it, but your gums are not alone in their support
of your teeth. Though we often use the word “gums” to refer to the
entire system of support, they are only the outer layer of that
support system. The periodontal system consists of four parts:

• Alveolar bone – the bone between your jaws and teeth

• Cementum – the layer that covers the roots of your teeth and attaches to periodontal ligament

• Periodontal – the ligament (tissue attaching your teeth to alveolar bone)

• Gingiva (gums) – the tissue that covers alveolar bone

Your periodontal system is much like the brick wall of a house. Your alveolar bone is like the concrete foundation, but it does not actually make up part of the “wall.” Between the alveolar bone and the wall, there is a layer of cementum, which works exactly like the first layer of cement. It holds the bricks (your teeth) in place.

Each part of your periodontal system contributes to and depends on the health of your teeth. If you do not take care of your teeth through practicing good dental hygiene and repairing broken teeth, the entire system will eventually crumble and fall apart.

Caring for your periodontal system is important even after you have lost teeth. Healthy gums and a healthy gum system will allow your dentist to replace missing teeth with dental implants that function exactly like your natural teeth. However, if your gums and periodontal system are in disrepair, you may have to resort to the use of dentures when you are older.

If you need periodontal services to repair damage caused by gum disease, please contact our Modesto family dentists today to schedule periodontics appointment. Sierra Dental Care serves patients in the Modesto, Manteca, Salida, Turlock, Ceres, Tracy, and Ripon, California areas.