What Does a Periodontist Do for Your Oral Health?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of periodontal disease. These professionals are trained to perform oral surgical procedures like implant installation. Periodontists spend an additional three years of schooling after completing dental school. They are well versed on all the latest technologies used to treat gum disease and are skilled in performing cosmetic dental procedures that affect the gums.

What Does a Periodontist Do?

• Dental implants. Dental implants address a major symptom of gum disease, which is bone loss. If a tooth falls out, supporting bone tissue starts to erode. An implant replaces the root and fuses with surrounding tissue to prevent bone loss before a crown is installed. Implants can replace one tooth or a whole set of dentures.
• Dental crown lengthening. People who have a gummy smile can benefit from dental crowns. These installations make the teeth longer so that the teeth look more symmetrical.
• Gum graft surgery. One of the symptoms of periodontal gum disease, gum recession, exposes the tooth roots which causes bacteria to get trapped under the gumline. Gum graft surgery or gingival graft replaces lost gum tissue in moderate to severe gum recession.
• Laser treatments for tartar buildup. Once bacteria in the mouth mingles with the food, a sticky film is created called plaque. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, increasing the risk for cavities, tooth sensitivity and tooth loss. Periodontists remove tartar buildup using laser treatments, which are more precise and less invasive compared to other procedures.
• Pocket reduction. Advanced gum disease attacks the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth and gums. Once the gums start to pull away from the tooth, pockets form that trap bacteria and increase the risk for oral health problems. A pocket reduction procedure clears away plaque and tartar to close the pockets and ensure the teeth and gums fit firmly together.
• Regenerative procedures. For moderate to advanced gum disease, a periodontist may recommend a regenerative procedure that will stimulate healthy new bone growth or one that will replace damaged soft tissue. For instance, a bone graft can help stimulate the growth or replace healthy new bone in the jaw.
• Cosmetic procedures. Gum disease also causes cosmetic damage on a person’s smile, so periodontists can also perform cosmetic improvements to the smile after taking care of the oral health problems.

What to Expect When Visiting a Periodontist?

In the first appointment, the dentist will first go over the patient dental and medical history. The patient will also be asked about their current health issues and if they are taking any medications. Conditions like pregnancy, heart disease and diabetes can affect how a periodontist deals with gum disease. The dentist will then evaluate the patient’s gums to look for bad bite, gum recession and signs of looseness, usually using a probe to measure periodontal pockets. Dental x-rays can also be performed to get an idea of what is happening under the surface.

Who Needs a Periodontist?

Periodontists have gone through the necessary training to perform all general dentistry procedures, along with additional ones. Although some cases of gum disease can be done by a general dentist, more serious ones require the expertise of a periodontist. Periodontal disease is a complicated dental issue closely linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes. Patients who have complicated cases require a high level of care that only a reputable periodontist can offer.

Issues affecting the gums are not the only reason for a person to see a periodontist. These dentists are also trained on how to surgically install dental implants and are some of the most qualified professionals to perform the procedure because of their keep understand of the gums. Many periodontists regularly perform oral surgeries, including implant installation.

About Castle Hills Dentistry:

Castle Hills Dentistry offers high quality dental services in The Colony, measuring their success by getting 100% satisfaction among their clients. They bring affordable dental care for the whole family. Castle Hills Dentistry offers value, care, consistency, trust, and unmatched passion.