What is a Periodontist?
Maintaining oral health is very important to your overall health and well-being. For most people, seeing your dentist regularly will ensure your teeth stay in good shape and your oral health is maintained. Sometimes though, dental issues arise that require a specialist. Periodontists are one of these specialties. If you’ve been referred by your dentist to a periodontist, you may be wondering, what is a periodontist and what do they do? Read on to find out more about periodontists.
What is a periodontist?
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in periodontal disease and dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas of dental medicine. They also complete three additional years of school after completing their general dental program.
One of periodontists’ focus is on the prevention diagnosis, and treatment for periodontal disease. In less serious cases, a general dentist can usually treat periodontal disease. If a case of periodontal disease is more severe and challenging, a general dentist will typically refer patients to a periodontist. Their expertise allows them to specialize in procedures that can help treat more advanced cases of gum disease. Similarly, general dentists will sometimes complete simple implant procedures, but they will refer a patient to a periodontist for more complex ones. Periodontists also provide additional more advanced services such as scaling, root planing, root surface debridement, oral inflammation treatment, and cosmetic periodontal procedures.
Should I be worried if I was referred to a periodontist?
If you’ve been referred to a periodontist, you should feel confident that your general dentist wants you to receive the best oral healthcare treatment you can. Whether it’s for periodontal disease or implants, a periodontist is a highly skilled and trained professional who can ensure that you get the care you need to improve your oral health.
Why might I be referred for periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is very common in the United States. Some studies indicate that more than half of all American adults have some degree of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is very important to treat as early as possible because some studies suggest that it is linked to more serious health conditions like stroke, heart attack, and diabetes. In some cases, your general dentist may be able to treat the periodontal disease, but in more serious cases you’ll be referred to a periodontist. Some of the reasons you may be referred to a periodontist are:
- You have moderate to severe symptoms of periodontal disease such as loose teeth, bleeding or swollen gums, receding gums, pain, or a change in your bite.
- You are a smoker. Smoking increases your risks of advanced periodontal disease.
- You have a family history of more serious health issues such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or stroke.
What are my next steps?
Speak with your dentist today to find if a periodontist is right for you. If you’ve been referred by your dentist to a periodontist, schedule an appointment and find out more about their specialties as it relates to your specific circumstances. Research periodontists in your area to find one that is right for you. Rest assured though; periodontists are expert practitioners who will be able to treat you for your oral health needs.