A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in disorders involving the gums and bones of the mouth.
What Does a Periodontist Do?
A periodontist is a dentist that specializes in gum disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. They also aid in the management of indications of advanced gum disease, such as oral irritation. Gum disease occurs when the tissue surrounding your teeth becomes infected and inflamed. This swelling is mainly caused by plaque-forming bacteria that builds up on your teeth and spreads below the gum line.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Treatment, as well as keeping your mouth and teeth clean and visiting the dentist on a regular basis, can help you handle this problem. More severe gum disease, often known as periodontitis, may necessitate more thorough treatment. When this happens, you should see a periodontist.
They will look over your dental and medical records. Then they’ll perform a dental examination to determine the best course of action. Surgical and noninvasive approaches could be used.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Scaling and root planing are non-surgical procedures for removing plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line. Depending on the situation, these techniques may also be used with antimicrobial or antibiotic medications.
A periodontist may also recommend that you wear a tray delivery system at home. Prescription medication is directly applied to your teeth thanks to this custom-fit imprint.
Surgical treatments
Gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, can cause your gums to recede, or drawback, exposing the root of a tooth. A periodontist can perform a gum graft, which involves removing tissue from the roof of your mouth and using it to cover a receding gum line. A healthy gum line can aid in the prevention of dental decay, the reduction of sensitivity and pain, and the enhancement of your smile.
A periodontist can also conduct the following surgical procedures:
- Treatments using lasers
- Procedures that promote the creation of new bone and tissue
- Excess gum tissue is removed and the dental crown is lengthened.
- Dental implants are used to support a bridge or a replacement tooth.
Education and Training
Dental school is the first step in a periodontist’s education. They graduate with a doctor of dental surgery or a doctor of medicine in dentistry degree from there. Following graduation, the doctor pursues more specialized training.
The procedure entails accomplishing the following tasks:
- Dental school lasts four years.
- A three-year periodontics residency
- To become certified by the American Board of Periodontology, you must pass a written and oral test.
Reasons to See a Periodontist
Some gum disorders may be treated by your general dentist. However, if you have advanced gum disease, a complicated case, or are at risk of tooth loss, your dentist will recommend you to a periodontist. Make an appointment with your dentist to see if you should see a periodontist if you detect any of these typical gum disease signs and symptoms.
Swollen or puffy gums
Inflammation, which is generally the first sign of gingivitis, is caused by plaque and tartar-forming bacteria. This irritation, if left untreated, can cause pockets to form around your teeth. This increases your chances of getting an infection, which might lead to tooth loss.
Gums that are swollen might make your teeth appear smaller. It’s possible that they’re dark red rather than a healthy light pink. In the early stages, you can manage the inflammation by seeing your dentist for a comprehensive cleaning and maintaining good oral hygiene at home.
