What Is a Periodontist and What Do They Do?
What is a Periodontist?
What is a periodontist? A periodontist, also known as a gum specialist, is a dental specialist who’s area of focus is on the periodontium (the oral structures that support the teeth). This includes treatments aimed at improving the health of the gums and jawbone and managing the conditions affecting them.
What Does a Periodontist Do?
What does a periodontist do? A periodontist prevents, diagnoses, and treats oral conditions impacting the periodontium. This includes gum disease, gum recession, jawbone abnormalities, tooth loss, bone loss, and more. Periodontists also place dental implants, and can perform both non-surgical and surgical cosmetic and functional periodontal treatments.
Dentist vs. Periodontist: What’s the Difference?
Although both dentists and periodontists treat a wide variety of oral health issues, periodontists receive additional training beyond dental school to specialize in treating the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Dentists commonly refer patients with severe gum disease to periodontists for advanced treatment.
Periodontist vs. Endodontist: Understanding the Difference
So, how about a periodontist vs endodontist? A periodontist is a specialist in gums, focusing on the health of the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontists commonly perform treatments such as scaling and root planing, gum and bone surgery, and dental implant placement. An endodontist is another dental specialist who receives additional training beyond dental school, similar to periodontists. However, an endodontist’s area of focus is primarily on the health of the inside of the tooth. Endodontists are trained to perform advanced root canal treatment to eliminate tooth pain and bacterial infections related to the pulp and nerves within the tooth.
Signs You May Need a Periodontist
There are several common signs that may indicate the need for periodontal intervention. These include:
Swollen, Puffy, or Red Gums
Signs of inflammation such as swollen, puffy, or red gums is often the first tell-tale sign of gum disease.
Bleeding While Brushing or Flossing
Normally, gums should not bleed easily while brushing or flossing. If you notice persistent bleeding gums, let your dentist know immediately.
Persistent Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath, even after brushing and flossing, is another common sign of trouble to your oral health.
Painful Chewing or Tooth Sensitivity
Difficulty chewing or teeth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold, should be evaluated by your dental professional right away.
Receding Gum Line or Loose Teeth
Gum recession, characterized by gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth, can cause tooth roots to be exposed and more susceptible to dental disease. Mobile teeth also indicate a potential issue with the health of your jawbone.
Mouth Sores, Pus, or Tender Gums
Signs of mouth sores, pus, or tender gums may be the presence of a dental abscess, which can be life-threatening if not managed promptly.
Changes in Your Bite Alignment
If you notice a change in the way your teeth come together when you bite, contact your dentist immediately for evaluation.
Should You Be Worried if Referred to a Periodontist?
If you are referred to a periodontist, you don’t necessarily need to worry. You should, however, listen to the recommendations of your dentist and see a periodontist for consultation so that any issues can be addressed in a timely manner to prevent further complications.
What to Expect at a Periodontist Appointment
What is periodontics and what should you expect at your appointment? Periodontics is similar to your regular dental check-ups. You can expect your periodontist to thoroughly go over your medical and dental history. Your periodontist will then perform a comprehensive examination of your oral cavity, take X-rays, and discuss any diagnoses and possible treatment options to address your needs.
Stages of Gum Disease: From Early Signs to Advanced Issues
Gum disease is broken down into several stages based on the progression of the disease. Here’s what you need to know:
Gingivitis: The First Stage
Gingivitis is considered the earliest stage of gum disease, which is also reversible. Gingivitis is mainly caused by bacterial plaque buildup on the teeth and around the gum line. Common symptoms include red, swollen, and tender gums that bleed easily when brushing, flossing, or pressure is applied.
Slight Periodontal Disease
If gingivitis is left untreated, periodontal disease can develop and begin to cause permanent damage to the oral cavity. Slight periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation that further impacts the gums and supportive tissues surrounding the teeth.
Moderate Periodontal Disease
As bacteria accumulate without intervention, you may notice the gums beginning to pull away from the teeth, known as gum recession. Underneath your gums, the jawbone may also begin deteriorating due to infection. You may also notice loose teeth, increase bleeding and pain, and persistent bad breath.
Advanced Periodontal Disease
The most severe stage of gum disease is known as advanced periodontal disease. This condition is commonly characterized by severe gum recession, deep gingival pockets, oral pus, loose teeth, chronic bad breath, bad taste in the mouth, difficulty chewing and speaking, and tooth loss.
Procedures Performed by a Periodontist
As a specialist in gums, a periodontist has advanced training to perform a variety of non-surgical and surgical treatments, including:
Routine Periodontal Care
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance involves a sequence of dental cleanings and dental procedures to help manage gum disease. At these maintenance appointments, often scheduled every 3 to 4 months, your periodontist will evaluate your gums, teeth, and oral tissues and offer you oral hygiene recommendations.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, helps remove bacterial plaque and calculus from above and below the gum line. This procedure can help treat gum disease and promote gum reattachment.
Regular Dental Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings are necessary to remove bacterial plaque and calculus from teeth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Surgical Treatments
Gingival Flap Surgery
Gingival flap surgery involves surgically accessing below the gum tissue to remove diseased gum tissue and bacteria. Gingival flap surgery can also help repair damaged bone and gums.
Gum Grafts
Gum grafts are commonly used to treat gum recession. This procedure involves suturing tissue from another part of the mouth or an external source to the affected area. This helps reduce the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth sensitivity.
Bone Grafts
Similar to gum grafts, a bone graft involves adding bone grafting material to the jaw to help areas that have lost bone. Bone grafts may be indicated for individuals receiving dental implants or other dental restorations.
Crown Lengthening Surgery
Crown lengthening surgery removes excess gum tissue, exposing more of the crown of a tooth. This procedure may be done to improve esthetics or to provide proper fit for a dental restoration, such as a crown or bridge.
Smile Lift and Cosmetic Gum Surgery
Smile lifts and cosmetic gum surgery can help make your gum line more symmetrical and esthetic. This procedure is often used to treat “gummy" smiles.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a dental procedure that removes a frenulum, a thin piece of tissue located in different areas of the mouth. A frenectomy may be indicated for patients who have a tongue-tie, lip tie, or in newborns who are being breast-fed.
Advanced Procedures
LANAP® Laser Gum Surgery
LANAP (laser-assisted new attachment procedure) uses laser technology to treat gum disease by removing harmful bacteria. This procedure also promotes new gum tissue growth.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
Pocket reduction surgery is a common treatment for gum disease. This procedure helps reduce periodontal gum pockets, which eliminates harmful bacteria and promotes gum healing.
Tooth Extractions and Replacement
Periodontists can perform tooth extractions and provide replacement to restore your smile. Your periodontist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants to replace a missing tooth or teeth. They will also determine if additional treatment is necessary prior to dental implant placement, such as a bone graft if significant jawbone resorption is present.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Periodontal Treatments?
Fortunately, periodontics is often covered by most dental insurance plans. However, some insurances may require special preauthorization and certain requirements prior to approval of periodontal treatments. Check with your insurance provider and dentist to determine your benefits and coverage.
Experience Expert Periodontal Care at Gentle Dental
Want to ensure your smile is in good hands? Gentle Dental has you covered with exceptional dental care to meet all of your smile needs. Gentle Dental offers expert periodontal care at an affordable price at all of our convenient locations. Schedule an appointment with our phenomenal team of dental professionals at Gentle Dental today!
