What Does a Periodontist Do for Your Oral Health?
A dentist who specializes in the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of periodontal disease is called a periodontist. These people are trained on how to perform oral surgical procedures like the installation of implants.
Periodontists spend an additional three years learning these things after completing dental school. They are familiar with all the latest techniques used to deal with gum disease and are skilled at performing cosmetic dental procedures, particularly those that affect the gums.
What a periodontist does
Most periodontists spend their time treating problematic cases of periodontal disease and patients with a complicated medical history. The periodontist performs a wide range of treatments that are used to address gum disease, like:
- Scaling and root planing: During this treatment, the roots of the patient's teeth are cleaned to remove bacteria, plaque and tartar; these roots are then polished to make it more difficult for such things to accumulate on them in the future
- Root surface debridement: Damaged tissues in the mouth are removed during this treatment
- Surgical treatments: There are a number of surgical procedures that are used to deal with gum disease, like replacing a lost tooth with an implant and deep cleanings
What to expect during a visit to the periodontist
During the first appointment, the dentist will go over the patient's dental and medical history. The patient will be asked about any health issues that they currently have and if they are taking any medications. Conditions like pregnancy, diabetes or heart disease can affect how a dentist deals with gum disease.
The periodontist will then evaluate the patient's gums, looking for signs of looseness, a bad bite or gum recession. A probe will be used to measure the depth of the patient's periodontal pockets. These are the spaces around the areas where gums and teeth meet. X-rays may also be performed to get a better idea of what is going on underneath the surface.
Who needs a periodontist?
Periodontists are trained to perform all the treatments performed by general dentists, as well as additional ones. Some cases of gum disease can be managed by a general dentist, but more serious ones require the services of a periodontist.
Periodontal disease is a complicated dental problem that is closely linked to chronic diseases like diabetes. People with complicated cases require a high level of care that only a periodontist can provide.
Issues that affect the gums are not the only reason a person might need to see a periodontist. These dentists are trained on how to install implants surgically, and they are one of the most qualified people to perform the procedure due to their keen understanding of the gums. Most periodontists regularly perform oral surgeries like implant installation.
Our periodontist is here to help
Our periodontist has a great deal of experience treating patients battling the advanced stages of gum disease, as well as installing implants for those who have lost their teeth. Stop by our West Palm Beach office for an evaluation today.
Request an appointment here: https://piedentalcare.com or call Periodontal & Implant Excellence at (561) 242-2861 for an appointment in our West Palm Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Periodontics in West Palm Beach, FL.
Related Posts
Gingivitis treatment focuses on reducing plaque, controlling gum inflammation, and preventing early gum disease from progressing. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and may cause redness, swelling, tenderness, bleeding, or persistent bad breath. Because it does not always cause pain, an evaluation with a periodontist can help identify gum changes early and create…
Dental implants represent a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for replacing missing teeth. Understanding the proper care for dental implants remains essential to ensure longevity and optimal function. Adhering to recommended practices significantly reduces the risk of complications, preserves oral health, and maintains the attractive appearance and comfort associated with implants. By implementing consistent maintenance…
Full mouth rehabilitation may sound complex, but it simply refers to a treatment plan that involves multiple procedures to correct oral health, functional, or cosmetic concerns. This can include addressing jaw complications, teeth damage, periodontal concerns, and more. On average, full mouth rehabilitation can take anywhere from less than a few months to more than…
People who are seeking healthy gums but are dealing with challenges with gingivitis can see an expert periodontist, a dental professional who has studied the structures that support the teeth. These include the gums, the jawbone itself, and the ligaments that help hold the teeth in place.Periodontists are trained dentists who focus their attention on…