Division of Periodontics

Periodontics is that branch of dentistry dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth and their substitutes. The goals of modern periodontal therapy are to preserve and maintain periodontal health, esthetics and function of the natural dentition and implanted tooth replacements. Plaque- induced periodontal diseases are mixed infections associated with relatively specific groups of indigenous oral bacteria. Historically, periodontal disease has been the primary cause of tooth loss in adults.

A new frontier is emerging in the field of Periodontics that will require a change in paradigm as to how dental and medical fields perceive the importance of diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. It has been established that periodontal disease is a potential risk factor for poor glycemic control in the diabetic patient. We now have emerging evidence that periodontal disease is a potential risk factor for heart attack, stroke, low birth weight in babies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The goal of the Department of Periodontics is to train general dentists to be proficient in diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease and to educate them as to the impact that periodontal disease has on the systemic health of their patients.