What is the difference between a periodontist and a dentist?
In the simplest terms, a dentist treats the teeth, gums, and other areas of the mouth while a periodontist only treats the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. The periodontist typically sees severe, complex cases that require a specialist rather than having the patient see a general dentist.
What happens at a periodontist appointment?
Although every patient will have a slightly different experience, your first periodontal appointment will typically begin with a review of your dental and medical history. Next, they will examine your jaw joints, neck, and head, the structures in your throat and mouth and your gums and teeth.
Can I go directly to a periodontist?
Of course, you don’t need a referral to see a periodontist. You can make an appointment with one for another opinion about your diagnosis and recommended treatment plan. If you choose to see a periodontist, make sure they have access to all your dental and medical records, as well as your past health history.
Can you go straight to a periodontist?
It is not uncommon for patients to have their first visit to a periodontist Carrollton texas occur following a recommendation from their general dentist. Periodontists can perform a variety of procedures, ranging from preventative to cosmetic to surgical.
How often should you see a periodontist?
The Journal of Dental Health recommends periodontitis patients revisit their periodontist for periodontal maintenance every three months. This three-month time frame has been proven effective in keeping the progression of periodontal disease at bay.
Who treats periodontal disease?
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation.
Can a general dentist do scaling and root planing?
While a general dentist can treat gum disease with cleanings, and scaling and root planing, a periodontist can treat advanced periodontal disease cases that a general dentist cannot.
Do gums tighten after scaling?
Yes, your teeth will tighten after deep cleaning. During the dental deep cleaning, the dentist removes the plaque and tartar from your gum line and the pockets of space between your gums and teeth. The dentist also smoothens the teeth roots, allowing the gums to heal properly around the teeth.
How long does it take for gums to reattach after scaling?
By removing the infection and tartar, the dentist smoothens the roots, allowing your gums to heal around the teeth. Your gums will heal in approximately 5 days, which will lead to significant tightening.
How long does it take for gums to heal after scaling?
After scaling and root planing is completed, you may experience slight discomfort around the teeth for several days and increased sensitivity to hot and cold (and sometimes sweets) for up to four to six weeks duration. This is a normal course of healing.
Is dental scaling painful?
The short answer is no, the procedure is not painful. You will experience discomfort upon completion but the actual process can be completed with the administration of a local anesthetic to the soft tissue to minimize any unpleasant feelings during the process.
Can scaling damage gums?
Improper scaling can also loosen the teeth and cause some to fall out. However, although anything is possible, periodontal scaling done by professionals have not been reported to damage the root of the teeth and have been shown to remarkably fight gum disease.
Why do my teeth feel loose after scaling?
Sometimes, plaque and tartar buildup fill the pockets in your gums, making your teeth feel more stable than they are. After they remove the buildup, your teeth can feel loose and like they are more likely to fall out.