Periodontology is the branch of dentistry that examines not only gum diseases but also the diseases and conditions of the structures that support the teeth (for example, the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone). This field is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and also encompasses the management of conditions such as gum recession, periodontitis (the advanced form of gum disease), and alveolar bone loss.

Periodontology also includes topics such as the placement and maintenance of dental implants, periodontal plastic surgery procedures, and the effects of periodontal diseases on systemic health.

Gum diseases develop due to the accumulation of a bacterial film known as plaque. If plaque is not cleaned regularly, it can lead to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and eventually to periodontitis. Periodontitis leads to the destruction of the tissues and bones surrounding the teeth and, if left untreated, can cause tooth loss.

Depending on the severity of the condition, deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), antibiotic therapies, surgical interventions (for example, flap surgery, bone grafts), and plastic surgical procedures for the correction of gum recession may be included in periodontology treatment. In addition, periodontologists educate patients on oral hygiene and emphasize the importance of regular dental visits.

What Does Periodontology Do?

Periodontology is concerned with the protection and treatment of the gums and the tissues that support the teeth. This field focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum diseases. Periodontologists treat patients with issues such as inflammation, bleeding, and swelling in the gums. This specialty also includes the treatment of serious diseases that can lead to gum recession and tooth loss.

Treatment may include tartar removal, root surface smoothing, and surgical interventions. In general, periodontology plays an important role in dental health because healthy gums are very important for the long-term preservation of teeth.

How Is a Periodontology Examination Performed?

A periodontology examination is carried out to evaluate the health of the gums and the tissues that support the teeth. During the examination, the dentist looks for signs such as bleeding, swelling, and color changes in the gums. In addition, by measuring the pocket depths between the gums and the teeth, it is investigated whether there is gum recession and bone loss.

Where necessary, the bone structure and the condition of the teeth are examined in more detail. Plaque and tartar accumulations are also assessed, as these can cause gum diseases. A periodontology examination is important for effective treatment and the preservation of healthy teeth.

Does Periodontology Clean Teeth?

Yes, periodontologists do perform teeth cleaning, but this cleaning is different from the prophylactic (preventive) cleaning done during a routine dental visit. Periodontologists perform deep cleaning procedures especially for patients showing signs of periodontal disease. These procedures play an important role in the treatment of gum diseases such as periodontitis. The two main deep cleaning methods are:

Scaling: This procedure involves removing plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacteria from the tooth surfaces and from below the gumline. Scaling is used particularly to clean hardened plaque and tartar that accumulates within periodontal pockets.

Root Planing: Root planing smooths the root surfaces of the tooth, making it easier for the gums to reattach to the teeth in a healthy manner. This procedure helps reduce the depth of periodontal pockets and prevents the progression of periodontal disease.

These deep cleaning methods are vital for the treatment of periodontal disease and can help prevent tooth loss in the early stages of periodontitis. In addition, periodontologists can apply various surgical and non-surgical methods to treat gum recession, bone loss, and other periodontal problems.

Does Periodontology Perform Root Canal Treatment?

Periodontology specialists generally do not perform root canal treatment because they deal with gum diseases; therefore, endodontists may carry out such treatments. Root canal treatment is performed by cleaning the infected nerve tissue inside the tooth. This allows the tooth to heal.

Periodontology specialists may collaborate with endodontists when gum diseases damage the tooth roots or the surrounding bone tissue. To preserve the vitality and health of the tooth, these two specialties sometimes work together. While endodontics treats the internal structure of the tooth, periodontology deals with the gums and supporting tissues.

Is Periodontal Treatment Painful?

The discomfort experienced during periodontal treatments can vary depending on the method applied and the patient’s pain threshold. However, thanks to modern dental techniques and anesthesia methods, pain and discomfort that may occur during and after treatment can be greatly reduced.

Local anesthesia is commonly used to reduce discomfort during treatment. This numbs the area of the procedure and prevents the patient from feeling pain during treatment.

Surgical procedures may be required to treat more complex conditions, and more discomfort may be felt after these procedures. However, postoperative pain and swelling can usually be controlled with appropriate pain management and follow-up treatments.

How Long Does a Periodontology Procedure Take?

This treatment is generally divided into several sessions, each of which may last between 45 minutes and 1 hour. Treating the whole mouth typically requires 2 to 4 visits.

The duration of surgical procedures varies greatly depending on the procedure to be performed and the scope of the operation. Simple surgical procedures may take a few hours, while more complex cases may require multiple visits.

Such surgical procedures are usually completed in a single session and may take a few hours. However, the patient’s recovery time and follow-up visits are also part of the treatment plan.

Periodontal maintenance visits are usually carried out every 3 to 6 months, each lasting between 30 minutes and 1 hour.

What Is Done in the Periodontology Department?

The periodontology department is a branch of dentistry focused on protecting and treating the health of the gums and the surrounding supportive dental tissues. In this department, a series of procedures and treatments related to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of periodontal diseases are performed. Here are the basic procedures and treatments carried out in the periodontology department:

Patients’ oral health is evaluated, and examinations are conducted to determine the presence of periodontal diseases.

Diagnostic tests such as measuring the depth of periodontal pockets, detecting tartar and plaque accumulation, taking X-rays, and checking tooth mobility are used.

Through scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) procedures, tartar, plaque, and bacteria are removed from the tooth surfaces and from below the gumline.

In cases of severe periodontal disease, surgical procedures are performed to clean periodontal pockets and repair or reshape damaged tissues.

Methods such as flap surgery, bone grafts, tissue regeneration, and gum grafts may be used.

Dental implants are placed to treat tooth loss. This is an important part of periodontology and restores the function and aesthetics of lost teeth.

Regular maintenance and follow-up visits are provided to prevent the progression of periodontal diseases and to maintain the oral health of treated patients.

Patients are informed about proper at-home oral hygiene techniques and dietary recommendations to prevent periodontal diseases.

Aesthetic interventions such as the treatment of gum recession, correction of gum contours, and improvement of smile aesthetics are also performed in the periodontology department.

What Are Periodontal Diseases?

Periodontal diseases are infections and inflammations of the gums and the tissues that support the teeth. Periodontitis and gingivitis are the most common periodontal diseases. Swelling and bleeding in the gums are the initial stages of gingivitis. Periodontitis is a more advanced disease that, if left untreated, can lead to gum recession and tooth loss.

Periodontitis affects the jawbone and the deeper tissues of the gums, weakening the support system of the teeth. The accumulation of plaque and tartar is the cause of these diseases and, if not treated, can lead to serious tooth loss. With early diagnosis of periodontal diseases, dental health can be protected and brought under control.

What Are the Ways to Prevent Periodontal Diseases?

Regular oral and dental care is the most effective way to prevent periodontal diseases. Brushing teeth at least twice a day and using dental floss prevent the formation of tartar and plaque. Visiting the dentist regularly for professional teeth cleaning helps in the early diagnosis of gum diseases.

To protect the health of the teeth and gums, it is important to adopt healthy eating habits and especially to avoid sugary and acidic foods. Quitting smoking is an important measure to prevent gum diseases. These simple steps are very important to prevent periodontal diseases and to protect gum health in the long term.

Periodontology Prices 2025

Periodontology prices in 2025 may vary depending on the treatment method and the location of the clinics. Pricing depends on the type of gum disease and the length of the treatment process. For example, a simple tartar cleaning is cheaper, while advanced gum surgery may be more expensive. The technology used and the experience of the physician also affect costs. Before starting the treatment process, the patient’s condition is evaluated with a comprehensive examination and a price plan is prepared accordingly. Since periodontology treatments offer long-term benefits for tooth and gum health, investing in these treatments is a sensible decision.