Bleeding while brushing, gums pulling back, and teeth feeling a little loose: if any of this sounds familiar, it may be more than just a minor issue; it could indicate gum disease.
That’s when it’s important to see a periodontist. But what is a periodontist, and why might you need one?
In this blog, you’ll learn who a periodontist is, how they differ from a general dentist, the treatments they offer, and when it’s time to schedule an appointment.
What is a Periodontist?
Periodontists are dental specialists who focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the varying stages of gum disease. They undergo additional specialized training after four years of dental school to treat gum disease and the structures that support the teeth.
Periodontal experts also have in-depth knowledge of how gum issues can damage general health.
They can therefore diagnose and treat gum disease (periodontal disease). They are experts when it comes to placing dental implants, treating gum inflammation, and performing certain procedures like deep cleaning (scaling), root planing, gum grafting, and some cosmetic procedures to help improve your gums and smile.
Signs You Should Visit a Periodontist
Consider seeing a periodontist if you notice:
- Bleeding, swollen, or red gums when you are brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Pain while chewing or loose teeth
- Gum recession (your teeth looking longer)
- Sensitive teeth
Diagnosing Gum Disease
The first stage of periodontitis (gum disease) is gingivitis (gum inflammation). If left to its own devices, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, a chronic condition that can lead to loss of teeth and other serious issues.
At an early stage, your gums may appear swollen, red, or bleed easily when you brush or floss. Gingivitis is usually pain-free, so you may not realize there’s a problem. That’s why it’s important to keep up with regular dental check-ups.
Patients with gum issues will usually be referred to a periodontist by their general dentist. The periodontist will:
- Review your dental and general medical history (e.g., diabetes, heart disease)
- Measure the depth of your periodontal pockets (spaces between your teeth and gums)
- Check your bite and look for loose teeth
- Take X-rays to gauge the condition of the bone beneath your gum line
Treating Gum Disease
The first stage of treatment is typically non-surgical and usually involves deep cleaning through scaling and root planing.
- Scaling removes plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gum line.
- Root planing smooths rough areas on your teeth to eliminate bacteria and help your gums reattach.
After this treatment, the depth of the pockets around your teeth will be monitored to determine whether further treatment is required. If your periodontal disease has advanced, surgery may be needed to restore your oral health by reshaping and repositioning bones and gum tissue that support your teeth.
Surgical Treatments Provided by a Periodontist
Knowing what a periodontist dentist’s function is and what kinds of advanced treatments they offer can help you make informed choices surrounding your oral health:
- Gingival flap surgery: This separates the teeth and gum tissue and folds back the gum in the form of a flap. This procedure enables the removal of infected tissue from the tooth roots and bone supporting the teeth.
- Osseous surgery: Known as gingivectomy, this is a procedure that reduces the depth of periodontal pockets, strengthens the gums, and helps prevent future bacterial buildups.
- Laser surgery: Procedures such as LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) can be used to restore oral health in cases of severe periodontitis.
- Dental implants: Teeth lost due to gum disease can be replaced with implants that are inserted into the jawbone, creating an artificial tooth root for mounting a denture, crown, or bridge.
Preventing Gum Disease
If your gums are healthy, maintaining good oral hygiene at home, along with regular professional cleanings by your general dentist or dental hygienist, should be enough to keep them in good condition.
However, if you’ve been treated for gum disease, your periodontist will oversee a periodontal maintenance program to help prevent the issue from recurring.
Take the Next Step Toward Healthier Gums
It’s important to understand what a periodontist does and when the appropriate care may be necessary, in order to take charge of your oral health. From gentle laser gum treatment to expert dental implants, a periodontist can help keep your gums, teeth, and smile healthy.
Need a Trusted Periodontist Specialist in Minnesota?
Get in touch with our experienced periodontist specialist. We offer personalized care for your gums and take a patient-centric approach to diagnosis and recovery. Visit one of our local centers to understand your risks and plan your treatment.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn about periodontal care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How is a periodontist different from a general dentist?
A general dentist takes care of basic dental needs like cleanings, fillings, and gum treatments. A periodontist dentist, on the other hand, is an expert in gum health and knows how to treat advanced periodontal diseases, perform gum surgeries, and put in dental implants.
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When should you see a periodontist?
You should see a periodontist if your gums bleed erratically, your teeth feel loose, or you have bad breath that won’t go away. Your regular dentist might also send you to a periodontist if regular oral hygiene isn’t enough to keep gum disease under control.
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What treatments do periodontists offer?
Periodontists offer a lot of treatment options, like:
- Scaling and root planing
- Gum grafting
- Bone grafting
- Pocket reduction surgery
- Crown lengthening procedure
- Dental implant placement and care
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Can a periodontist help with dental implants?
Yes. A periodontist is typically the best kind of doctor for dental implants. They check the health of the gums and bones, perform grafting if needed, put in the implants, and then take care of them to make sure they last.
