What is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a specialist who helps prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases that affect the gums and bones of your mouth. They can also help you maintain healthy gums, provide gum health education, and help decide the placement of dental implants.

What conditions do periodontists treat?

Periodontists are experts in treating gum diseases and the symptoms they cause, including:gingivitis and periodontitis: an inflammation and bleeding of your gum tissue, usually caused by bacteria and improper oral hygieneperiodontal pockets: the spaces under your gumline that can be affected by bacteria, causing infection and even tooth lossreceding gums: shrinking of your gumline caused by various factors, including improper dental hygiene, diabetes, and moreYou can contact your periodontist for a complete list of the conditions they treat.

What procedures do periodontists perform?

Periodontists perform various procedures to help preserve and restore the health of your gums, including:Imaging and testsoral exams and cleaning: an examination of your dental health, including routine plaque and tartar removaldental X-rays: images used to show the health and diseases in your gums and mouthNonsurgical treatmentsantibiotics: medications used to treat gum and tooth infectionsscaling and planing: a procedure that involves scraping away dental plaqueSurgical treatmentsdental implants: a procedure that involves replacing a broken or dead tooth with a titanium screw, known as an artificial root, and a dental crownlaser gum surgery: the use of a laser to cut diseased tissue, kill bacteria, and sterilize your gumlineperiodontal surgery: the treatment of infected pockets that form beneath your gumlineCosmetic proceduresdental bone graft: the use of synthetic bone to encourage new bone growth where it’s been lost as a result of gum diseasegum grafts: a procedure that uses existing gum tissue, usually from the roof of your mouth, to repair receding gumsYou can contact your periodontist for a complete list of the procedures they perform.

When should I go to a periodontist?

For most gum and tooth problems, you’ll go to your general dentist. Your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist if you have gum disease that requires more advanced treatment or if you’re at risk for tooth loss.You should schedule an appointment with a periodontist if you have or are experiencing any of the following symptoms:bleeding gumsgum inflammationgums that are receding noticeablypain around your gums when you brush your teeth

What should I expect from a periodontist appointment?

Your first appointment with a periodontist will be similar to an appointment with your general dentist. They’ll ask questions about your medical history, conduct an oral examination, and take X-rays of your mouth to check for bone loss. It’s best to provide as much detail as possible during your exam. Include your past procedures, dental hygiene habits, medications you take, and any known conditions you have. Depending on your periodontist’s findings, they may recommend lifestyle changes, home treatments, and follow-up cleanings or appointments.

What questions should I ask my periodontist?

It’s important to show up to your periodontist appointment prepared. To help you get started, we’ve created a good list of questions for you to ask:What is periodontal disease?What are the symptoms of gum disease?How is gum disease treated?Are there any cosmetic procedures I can get to fix my gumline?Are there any procedures you recommend I get to treat my gum disease?What lifestyle changes can I make at home to improve my gum health?What happens if I do not replace a missing tooth?You may use these questions as a starting point, but feel free to add your own. A good practice is to also ask for additional information and take notes during your appointment.