Periodontist Frequently Asked Questions
In general, most people understand what it means to go to a dentist but are unaware of what periodontology is and the work of periodontists. To help answer the questions you might have about periodontists and periodontal disease, refer to the following:
What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist that specializes in the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of periodontal diseases, as well as the installation of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training, which includes three additional years of a college program.
What is the difference between a periodontist and a dentist?
Both periodontists and dentists complete an undergraduate degree and then a medical degree in dentistry. To become a periodontist requires additional training and school, however. Periodontists complete specialized training, which prepares them to treat, diagnose, and prevent disease and conditions affecting the periodontium.
General dentists are typically the best choice for routine dental practices such as cleanings, fillings, cavities, crowns, pediatric care, and other common oral health needs. Periodontists specialize in treating patients with periodontal disease or the need for implants.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a collection of diseases that affect the periodontium, which is the structures of tissues and bones that support and protect the teeth. Periodontal disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth over time. When not removed, this plaque builds and eventually causes an imbalance in healthy and not healthy bacteria. Once not healthy bacteria become dominant, the periodontal disease takes hold. Periodontal disease can also be caused by lifestyle and general health factors as well. Smokers are at a much higher risk for developing periodontal disease. Additionally, people with genetic predispositions and people with other health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, or stroke are also more susceptible to periodontal disease.
Is periodontal disease treatable?
Periodontal disease is treatable in most cases. This depends on the severity and duration of the disease prior to diagnosis and treatment. A periodontist can use numerous strategies to slow and treat the periodontal disease. These can include routine scaling and cleaning, antibiotics, or antiseptic rinses. In more severe cases, bone grafting or surgery may also be necessary. Once the periodontal disease treatments get the disease under control, a period of periodontal maintenance will begin. This can last up to the remainder of a patient’s life depending on the severity and reversibility of the periodontal disease.
How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is not as easily identifiable in the earliest stages of the disease. This is why it is so important to see your dentist regularly. When caught early, periodontal disease is treatable and reversible. Some of the most common symptoms of periodontal disease are:
- Swollen or tender gums
- Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
- Gum bleeding when brushing or flossing
- General mouth pain
- Recession of the gums
- Loose teeth
- Loss of teeth
- Pus that forms between the teeth and gums
- Pain while eating
- Mouth sores
- Bad breath that is chronic in nature
- Sensitivity to extreme temperatures when eating or drinking
- Change in your bite or the fit of your dentures
If you have any of these symptoms you likely have at least the early stages of periodontal disease. It is important to see your dentist right away.
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
Everyone is at risk for developing at least mild periodontal disease. There are steps that you can take to help prevent the disease from developing or reverse the disease in its earliest stages, however. The most effective way to prevent periodontal disease is to practice regular oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups. Additionally, minimizing or avoiding food and drink high in sugar can also decrease the risk of periodontal disease.
What is periodontal maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a dental procedure that is performed to control and reverse periodontal disease. Your dentist or periodontist will determine if you should be on a periodontal maintenance program. During periodontal maintenance appointments, your dentist or periodontist will perform various procedures to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth. They will also work to lesson or remove the bacteria present from the periodontal disease. This involves scaling and root planing, as well as the use of antiseptic rinses in some cases. During periodontal maintenance, your dentist or periodontist will also keep track of the depth of gum pockets to monitor the progression of the disease.
How often do I need to have periodontal maintenance?
Your periodontist or dentist will let you know how often you specifically need to return for periodontal maintenance. The frequency of treatment will depend on the severity of the disease. In general, periodontal maintenance is done every three to four months instead of the every six months for regular dental checkups.
What are the risks of not treating periodontal disease?
Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to more severe oral and general health conditions. When left untreated, your oral health will decline. This includes more severe bleeding and inflammation of the gums, tooth decay, loss of teeth, and loss of bone structure. Additionally, periodontal disease has also been linked to the development of other health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Therefore, it is important to treat your periodontal disease as early as possible.
Do I still need to see my dentist if I’m seeing a periodontist?
Your dentist and periodontist will tell you what is best for you based on your circumstances. In general, your oral health will improve if you continue to see your dentist as well as your periodontist. This will help ensure that you are receiving the most comprehensive care for your oral health.
Can children develop periodontal disease?
It is uncommon for children to develop periodontal disease. The disease is caused by the buildup of bacteria over time, and in the case of children, this time is much smaller. To ensure children do not develop periodontal disease, encourage and support them in maintaining good oral health practices such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you notice your child has bleeding or swollen gums or unexplained tooth loss, schedule an appointment immediately.
Additionally, it is important that pregnant women or women who wish to become pregnant treat their own periodontal disease right away. This will help ensure that periodontal bacteria are not passed on to the baby.
How do I find a periodontist?
If you need a periodontist, your general dentist will often recommend or refer you to a practitioner. If you have a trusting relationship with your general dentist, there is a good chance you will be recommended to someone that also is a good fit for you. When picking a periodontist, it is important to ensure that you feel confident in the person and their practice, however. If you are looking for a periodontist, there are several important things to keep in mind for your search.
- Geographic location: Consider the closeness of the periodontist’s office to your home, work, or general patterns of life. Because periodontal disease typically requires more frequent visits, it is important to ensure that traveling to the office fits your schedule and time commitments.
- Staff qualifications: Consider where the staff and the periodontist received their degree. Consider how long have they been in practice. Ensure that they are they board certified and how recently they were certified.
- Treatment philosophy: Consider their philosophy of treatment. Periodontists will all have slightly unique philosophies when it comes to treatment. Some are more likely to suggest surgical intervention to correct the issue immediately. Others are more likely to focus on non-surgical approaches. This can include making lifestyle changes to slowly correct the issue. It is important that you are aware of their approach to providing you with care and feel confident in it.
- Cost, insurance, and financing options: Consider the methods of payment accepted by the practice. Each periodontal practice has slightly different methods for accepting payment. This can include the types of insurance companies they accept, and additional options for financing. It is essential to discuss the practice’s policies before scheduling any major periodontal procedures. This will help ensure that there are no surprises or undue financial hardships involved. If the practice you are researching does not work with your insurance or have options for payment, continue researching and find one that does.
- The treatments available at the practice: Most periodontal practices offer the same services. There are certain procedures that may or may not be offered, however. These include the specific surgical techniques, as well as cosmetic procedures. Some practices also specialize in certain types of procedures, such as dental implants or cosmetic procedures. Ask your periodontist about their level of expertise, familiarity, and comfort with performing the type of procedure you require.
- The practice’s environment: Consider the general environment of the practice. It is important to make sure you receive care from a qualified periodontist. It is also important that you feel comfortable in the space where you will receive this care. This can include the staff and ensuring that they are courteous and make you feel confident in the care you are receiving.
Can periodontists fix missing teeth?
Yes, periodontists generally specialize in replacing missing teeth. This can include implants and implant supported dentures. It is important to discuss the specific treatments the periodontist performs when selecting a periodontist.
Why is it important to address missing teeth?
Missing teeth are not just a cosmetic issue. When you are missing teeth, you run the risk of developing significant oral and general health issues, regardless of the reason for the missing teeth. Missing teeth can cause an increased risk for gum and tooth decay because of the exposed gums left behind by the missing teeth. This results in an increased risk in further periodontal disease. Additionally, missing teeth can lead to loss of bone structures in the jaw, changes in facial features, and the inability to eat normal foods.
Will periodontal treatment hurt?
While each person’s tolerance and experience of pain is unique to that person, in general periodontists will do everything they can to minimize discomfort from procedures. Many procedures performed by a periodontist do not even require anesthesia to be administered. When a procedure requires anesthesia, a periodontist will do everything they can to make sure that the procedure is pain free. Recovery discomfort from most periodontal procedures is typically short lived as well.
What do I do if I can’t afford periodontal care?
Periodontal care can be expensive to be sure. Despite the benefits of seeing a periodontist and the consequences of not, it is important to address the financial commitment of periodontal treatment. Luckily, there are several options available.
- Insurance: Dental insurance typically covers a large portion of the cost of periodontal care. There are typically higher deductibles and out of pocket costs associated with periodontal care, but insurance will cover many treatments. It is important to review your policy however to ensure that you understand what is and is not covered in your treatment plan.
- Financing options: There are also multiple financing options typically available to ensure you get can get the care you need. Most of these are based on credit however, so it is important to understand your own ability to obtain the financing.
If you do not have insurance and cannot obtain financing, you should still speak with your periodontist to see what options are available for you. They may be able to suggest avenues for you to explore so that you can get the care you need when you need it.
Do periodontists perform cosmetic procedures?
Even though periodontists specialize in the treatment and prevention of gum diseases, they often perform cosmetic procedures as well. This is because many of the symptoms of periodontal disease impact a patient’s cosmetic appearance, especially the appearance of the smile. Periodontists generally offer treatments such as, gum contouring, teeth whitening, and gum grafting. It is important to discuss the specific procedures performed at a periodontal practice and your specific needs when selecting a periodontist. Not all practices offer every cosmetic treatment.