When it comes to dental health, most of us are familiar with dentists and orthodontists, but there’s another vital specialist in the field: the periodontist. A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in the treatment of gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) and the expert in placing dental implants. Periodontists are essential for maintaining not just oral health, but overall well-being. Their specialized training enables them to tackle complex dental issues, ensuring that your gums and teeth stay healthy for life.
What is Periodontal Disease? Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gums and the bones supporting the teeth.
Why Might You Need a Periodontist? While your general dentist can manage early stages of gum disease, more complex cases require the specialized skills of a periodontist.
Here are some reasons you might be referred for Periodontal treatment:
You have a moderate or severe level of periodontal disease, with such symptoms as:
- Bleeding, swollen or receding gums or loose teeth
- A change in how your upper and lower teeth come into contact with each other
- Pain or discomfort within, around or underneath your gums.
- You have a personal or family history of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, or cancer.
- You smoke, which increases your risk of acquiring advanced disease
You need implants; periodontists are dentistry’s experts in the surgical placement of dental implants.
- Within the dental profession, periodontists are known as the masters of both hard tissue (teeth and bones) and soft tissue (gums, cheeks, etc.). Placing a successful dental implant requires extensive knowledge of both tissue types.
- Placing a dental implant is a surgical procedure, and the extra three years of education periodontists receive beyond dental school includes in-depth surgical training that most general dentists don’t receive.
Your First Visit to a Periodontist At your initial appointment, the periodontist will review your medical and dental history since some conditions like diabetes or medications can affect periodontal care. A comprehensive examination follows, including checking gum health, tooth alignment, and any tooth looseness. A small instrument called a probe measures the depth of spaces between teeth and gums, indicating gum health, while X-rays may be taken to assess bone health.
Advanced Care Beyond the Basics Periodontists offer treatments beyond the scope of general dentistry. These include deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, and root surface debridement to remove damaged tissue. They also perform cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of your smile.
Connecting Gum Health with Overall Health Emerging research links periodontal disease with systemic health issues, including heart disease and diabetes, underscoring the importance of specialized periodontal care. A periodontist’s expertise in managing complex gum health issues plays a crucial role in maintaining both oral and overall health.