A periodontist is a dentist who has received additional training beyond dental school to become experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They specialize in the treatment of individuals who suffer from periodontal disease, severe gum issues, and the treatment of those who have a complex medical history.
If your dentist says that it is time to see a periodontist, they may be seeing signs of moderate to advanced periodontitis or gum disease. Typically, signs of periodontitis will present in these most common symptoms:
Millions of people are affected by periodontitis and don't know it. The symptoms may not appear until the gum disease is advanced, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. This is why regular check-ups and cleanings are vital to your oral health.
Your periodontist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums. By measuring the depth of the pockets around your teeth, they will usually be able to tell how advanced your gum disease has become.
Your periodontist will also ask you questions about your usual oral health regimen as well as some general health questions. Based on this examination or subsequent exams, the periodontist will go over your best options for treatment which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
For more information, check out An Introduction to Periodontics.
Based on the stage of periodontitis, your specialist may suggest either non-surgical or surgical treatment options.
Non-surgical treatments can often be very effective in treating mild and moderate cases of periodontal disease. Some of these treatments can include:
Advanced cases of periodontitis sometimes require surgical intervention. Some of these treatments can include:
Your periodontist will go over which treatment options are best for your unique situation. After your treatment, your periodontist will check up on you routinely and make sure that the treatment has been effective. If you are seeking to get dental implants, it is imperative that your mouth is healthy and periodontitis has been treated.
After your recovery, it is vital to practice good oral hygiene habits: brushing every surface of your teeth and your tongue at least twice daily and most importantly, flossing between the crevasses of every tooth. Regular flossing is the only way to remove food particles left behind by your toothbrush and reduce plaque buildup between your teeth.
If you are having any problems with your oral health, it is critical to have a dental check-up right away. The sooner periodontitis is treated, the sooner you can be on your way to a healthy, beautiful smile. Learn more about periodontics or contact the dental experts at North Shore Smile Surgery to schedule your exam.