Glossary
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Periodontal
Refers to the supporting tissues of the teeth including the surrounding gum ligament and bone.
Periodontal Abscess
An acute bacterial infection in the gum pocket that can destroy the periodontium very rapidly. Usually but not always accompanied by pain and swelling. A common feature in patients with diabetes.
Periodontal Diseases
A group of inflammatory conditions that affect the periodontal structures and can lead to loss of teeth. Symptoms including bleeding gums, loose, migrating teeth with spaces opening up, bad breath and taste and shrinkage (recession) of the gum tissues. Pain is not commonly a feature in most periodontal diseases.
Periodontal Ligament
The periodontal ligament occupies the area between the tooth’s root surface and the alveolar bone. It consists of connective tissue fibers, cells, nerves and vascular cells and anchors the tooth in the socket.
Periodontal pocket
The healthy gum around each tooth forms a “normal” pocket depth (gingival sulcus). This sulcus becomes abnormally deepened in the presence of periodontal disease and bleeds on probing.
Periodontist
A dental professional who has undergone specialist training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth. Periodontist also place dental implants and perform cosmetic periodontal surgery.
Periodontitis
Destruction of the periodontium caused by the bacteria in plaque leading to a reduction in tooth support and possible tooth loss. Previously known as “pyrrhoea”.
Periodontium
A functional system of different tissues, investing and supporting the teeth, including cementum, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone and gingival tissue.
Periodontology
The study of the supporting structures of the teeth in health and disease.
Root Resection Surgery
Performed when the furcation lesion between the roots has progressed to a stage where it can not be maintained, particularly around one root when bone loss is great.
A gingival flap is raised and the involved root of the tooth is cut with a cutting bur where it joins the base of the crown and is extracted using Warwick James elevators. The area of the crown is smoothed with a bur (if the tooth is root filled), the flap is then sutured back into position. If the tooth is not root filled it will be necessary. The flap is then sutured into place and he patient has to have the tooth root filled by their General Dentist and a new crown if indicated.
