Periodontists are highly skilled and can perform many dental and periodontal services such as:
- Non-surgical periodontal therapy: including scaling and root planing to treat periodontal disease
- Gum grafting: for receding gums, to increase soft tissue support around your teeth
- Cosmetic gum surgery: including gum recontouring, surgically reshaping excessive gum tissue and uneven gums
Full Answer
What is the difference between a dentist and a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth also known as gum disease), and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in both of these areas and more, including three additional years of …
When to see an endodontist vs. periodontist?
Mar 30, 2022 · Periodontists are experts in the placement of dental implants, also known as artificial tooth roots. Implants replace missing or extracted natural teeth due to periodontal disease, injury, or tooth decay. Difference between Periodontics and General Dentistry
What is a periodontist and what do they do?
Periodontists are the dental professionals who focus on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the gums, as well as other structures that support the teeth.
How much does it cost to see a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. They also help you manage signs of advancing gum …
What is a periodontist?
Periodontists spend most of their time diagnosing, treating, and restoring mouths affected by periodontal diseases. They specialize in scaling and root planing, dental crown lengthening, gum grafts, dental implant placement, pocket reduction, and cosmetic surgeries:
What is the specialty of a periodontist?
Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and the surrounding tissues of teeth. They also maintain the health, aesthetics, and function of these tissues and structures. The most common disease periodontists treat is periodontal disease (also known as PD or periodontitis — an advanced form of gingivitis).
How do I become a periodontist?
In order to become a periodontist, these dental specialists must complete several years of education including: 1 A bachelor’s degree. 2 At least four years of dental school. 3 Three additional years of residency training.
Why do I have a gummy smile?
During the procedure, any excess gum tissue is removed and the gum line is sculpted to ensure the teeth are covered evenly . Exposed Roots — gum recession, which occurs when the gum tissues around teeth wear away, causes exposed tooth roots. This makes the teeth look longer than they are and results in a “gummy smile.”.
Why do dentists use gum grafts?
Periodontists use gum graft surgery to cover the exposed roots and protect teeth from decay. Gum or Jaw Indentations — indentations can occur after tooth loss. This causes the artificial teeth to look unnatural and uneven compared to the surrounding natural teeth.
What is PD in dentistry?
PD is a serious gum infection that severely damages a patient’s gums and jawbone. Periodontists are experts in the placement of dental implants, also known as artificial tooth roots. Implants replace missing or extracted natural teeth due to periodontal disease, injury, or tooth decay.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing removes plaque and calculus (tartar) from a patient’s teeth. During the procedure, a periodontist carefully cleans the tooth’s root to remove plaque and tartar from deep periodontal pockets. They may also clean under the gums (subgingival) if the bacteria has spread to less visible parts of the mouth.
What is the job of a periodontist?
That’s a job for a periodontist. Periodontists are the dental professionals who focus on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the gums, as well as other structures that support the teeth.
How long does it take to become a periodontist?
In order to qualify as a periodontist, a candidate must have successfully completed four years at an accredited dental school.
What is the best treatment for gum disease?
Periodontists have a wide array of tools available to fight gum disease. Treatment generally starts with the least invasive and costly measures, which are non-surgical procedures. These include scaling and root planing, where special hand-held instruments are used to clean the root surfaces of the teeth.
Does flossing help with gum disease?
Research has shown that effective brushing and flossing, along with regular professional teeth cleaning, helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. But sometimes, even people who are very attentive to their oral hygiene can’t keep gum disease from getting started. When that occurs, it’s time to see a periodontist.
What is pocket reduction surgery?
This “pocket reduction” surgery is an effective treatment which, in many cases, stops the progression of periodontal disease.
What is crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening surgery can be used as part of a tooth restoration procedure, or to change the appearance of a “gummy” smile— one where there seems to be too much gum and too little tooth. In this procedure, excess gum tissue is reshaped to allow more of the natural tooth (or teeth) to show.
Can gum grafts be used to cover roots?
If you have gum recession, for example, gum graft surgery can be used to cover the exposed roots of teeth with healthy gum tissue—your own tissue, or processed material from a donor. This can give you a better-looking smile, and may also reduce tooth sensitivity and protect against tooth decay in this area.
What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a specialist who treats issues that affect your gums and the bones in your mouth.
Why do you need to see a periodontist?
Your general dentist may be able to treat some gum problems. But if you have gum disease that’s getting worse, a complex case, or the risk of tooth loss, your dentist will refer you to a periodontist.
How to treat gum disease?
You may need to: Brush and floss teeth twice a day or after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush lightly.
Why do my teeth look smaller?
When it goes untreated, this inflammation can make pockets form around your teeth. This raises your risk of infection that can lead to tooth loss . Swollen gums often make your teeth look smaller.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing are non-surgical treatments to remove plaque and tartar from deep under the gum line. These procedures are sometimes paired with antimicrobial or antibiotic medicines as well, depending on the case. A periodontist could also prescribe a tray delivery system for you to wear at home.
Can brushing your teeth cause gum recession?
A periodontist can fix this issue for cosmetic purposes, potentially lowering your risk of gum problems in the future. Gum recession that doesn’t result from too much brushing is usually a sign of later-stage gum disease , however.
Why is my toothbrush pink?
See your dentist if your gums are tender to the touch, your toothbrush is tinted pink after brushing, or you spit out blood when you brush or floss. Bad Breath. Bad breath is common and not always a cause for concern.
How long does it take to become a periodontist?
To become a periodontist, a person receives regular dental school training. After the person completes this process, they must receive three years of specialized training. The specialization focuses on gum and tooth health. During this time, the periodontist will learn how to add implants, perform jaw and gum surgery, and treat cancerous gums.
What is cementum in dentistry?
It’s a calcified substance with a simple purpose. Cementum protects the roots of your teeth. To do this, it connects the alveolar bone with the teeth via the periodontal ligament. Commonly known as the PDL, this ligament is supportive in nature and 70 percent water in composition. The rest of it is cells and fibers.
What does it mean to have pink gums?
Periodontology isn’t a word that you hear very often. As such, you may not understand its meaning. In simplest terms, you want pink gums. They’re the sign of a healthy mouth. A periodontist is a person who helps you in situations when your gums aren’t in optimal condition.
What to do if you lose one tooth?
Should the patient lose one or more teeth, the periodontist will also suggest a course of action to hide the situation. Replacement implants are usually the best option, and this process is generally quick and painless. To become a periodontist, a person receives regular dental school training.
Do you need surgery for periodontitis?
Prevention is a key part of this job, but surgery is also needed in many instances. The worst cases of periodontitis require this surgery. The advanced stages of gum disease are worrisome.
Can gum damage cause tooth loss?
When a periodontist notices a problem with any of these elements, the need for action is immediate. When left untreated, gum damage can cause you to lose a tooth or, in extreme situations, ...