What does a periodontist specialize in?
Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontists are experts in the treatment of all forms of periodontal disease, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and gingival recession.
What procedures does a periodontist perform?
Other Procedures: Periodontists also perform numerous other surgical procedures, including root resections, removal of excess overgrown gum, and orthodontic-related surgical procedures, such as frenectomies, exposures of impacted teeth, pericisions, and stimulation of the periodontium to increase speed of treatment.
What can I expect at a periodontist consultation?
During this examination, your periodontist will also look for indications of jaw dysfunction, gum recession, loss of bone, and/or periodontal disease. To determine whether or not periodontal disease is present, they will use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pockets in your gums.
Why do you need to see a periodontist?
Gum disease and dental implant treatment are the most common reasons to see a periodontist. But you can benefit from a periodontist’s skill in other areas: Tooth extraction, which many periodontists refer to as tooth removal. Bone grafting to repair bone loss after tooth removal.
How often should I 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.
When should a patient be referred to a periodontist?
Anyone exhibiting signs of gum disease should schedule an appointment with a periodontist. Your dentist may refer you to a periodontist if they are unable to treat you. If you are under age 35 and have deeper gum pockets than normal, your dentist may suggest you see a periodontist.
Is a periodontist the same as a hygienist?
A periodontist is NOT a hygienist. A hygienist needs to work under the strict prescription of a dentist and whereas it is wise to see a hygienist every 3-6 months, this does not replace the value of a periodontist. A periodontist is trained to : recognise and treat complicated gum conditions.
What qualifies for scaling and root planing?
Periodontal scaling and root planing, per quadrant involves instrumentation of the crown and root surfaces of the teeth to remove plaque and calculus from these surfaces. It is indicated for patients with periodontal disease and is therapeutic, not prophylactic in nature.
Can periodontitis be cured?
Periodontitis can only be treated but cannot be cured. Gingivitis, on the other hand, can be prevented by maintaining proper oral hygiene practices and visiting the dentist for checkups and exams.
What are the 4 stages of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is broken up into four separate stages: gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease.
Can I keep my teeth with periodontal disease?
Periodontal surgery — including deep cleanings, bone grafting, and splinting and joining of teeth — can do a lot to help people keep their natural teeth when they have periodontal (gum) disease.
Which toothpaste is best for periodontal disease?
Crest Gum Detoxify can neutralize the bacteria found in plaque that builds up around the gum line. By using this as your daily toothpaste, it can help reverse early signs of gum disease and give you clinically proven healthier gums.
How bad is my periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health complications. Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth.
How long does it take for periodontitis to develop?
Slight Periodontal Disease During the early gingivitis stages, gum inflammation can occur in as little as five days. Within two to three weeks, the signs of generalized gingivitis become more noticeable. If you still leave this untreated, it would progress to slight periodontal disease.
Can you kiss someone with periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease or gum disease is not contagious. You can not get gum disease by kissing someone. It is caused by a lack of flossing and poor brushing. Some people are more susceptible to gum disease due to genetics.
How common is periodontitis?
A recent CDC report1 provides the following data related to prevalence of periodontitis in the U.S.: 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease increases with age, 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease.
What antibiotics treat periodontitis?
Metronidazole (Flagyl): This antibiotic may be prescribed to those patients suffering from severe periodontitis. Metronidazole works best when used in a combination with amoxicillin or tetracycline. Ciprofloxacin: This antibiotic is used to specifically target A.
Can antibiotics cure periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease has its roots in infections of the gum tissue caused by bacteria on the surface of your teeth. If left untreated, it can cause tissue loss as well as tooth loss. However, like many types of infection, periodontal disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
Can salt water rinse heal gum infection?
The results of a 2016 study showed that using a salt water rinse can be very beneficial in healing gums inflamed by gingivitis. Salt is a natural disinfectant that helps your body to heal itself. Salt water may also: soothe inflamed gums.