DENTAL SPECIALIST
A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal disease as well as placing dental implants. They possess expertise in treating oral inflammation, and have undergone extensive training in these areas, including an additional three years of education beyond dental school. As such, they are knowledgeable about the most current techniques for diagnosing and managing periodontal disease, and are skilled in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.
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Our primary concern during your first visit with your Periodontist is to ensure you understand what your treatment entails and answer all your questions. Before beginning our work, we will complete an in-depth exam – to look for loose teeth, bite issues, TMJ, measure for bone loss, and visually screen for oral cancer.
We’ll also look for other signs of periodontal disease, in and above the reason for your referral. As a certified Periodontal Specialist, your doctor will complete your exam as gently as possible, with little or no discomfort.
Please make sure you bring the following to your first appointment:
• Your referral slip
• X-rays from your referring dentist (if applicable)
• A complete list of any medications you are currently taking (including any herbal remedies)
• Dental insurance information (if applicable)
Please note, all patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Are you experiencing teeth sensitivity? Or have you noticed your gums are receding away from your teeth? Gum grafting restores your gumline to its rightful place, preserving your smile and the long-term health of your teeth.
In restorative dentistry, bone grafting is the procedure we use to correct and restore any bone loss that may have occurred in a patient’s jaw.
A picture-perfect smile happens when your teeth and gumline blend together in perfect harmony, like a beautiful sunset disappearing over a clean and uninterrupted horizon.
Of all the solutions available in modern dentistry for patients with missing teeth, dental implants are by far the best available option.
Gingival recession is a dental condition where the gums surrounding the teeth pull back, exposing more of the tooth’s root. This can cause sensitivity, pain, and can even lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Gingival recession can be caused by a variety of factors, including gum disease, aggressive brushing, and genetics
Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that involves the removal of gum tissue and sometimes bone to expose more of a tooth’s surface. The purpose of the procedure is to increase the length of the visible portion of the tooth, which is called the clinical crown.
Sinus augmentation is a surgical dental procedure that involves adding bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars to create a stable base for dental implants. This procedure is typically performed when there is not enough bone in the upper jaw to support an implant due to bone loss resulting from gum disease, trauma, or tooth loss.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums.
In the early stages of periodontal disease, also known as gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen, and may bleed during brushing or flossing. As the disease progresses, the gums may pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected.
Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Periodontal disease can often be prevented or managed with good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, as well as regular dental checkups and cleanings. Treatment options may include scaling and root planing, gum grafting, and other procedures to remove bacteria and promote gum reattachment. A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease.
The symptoms of periodontal disease can vary depending on the stage and severity of the disease. Here are some common symptoms:
- Swollen, red or tender gums
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Receding gums or gums that pull away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way teeth fit together when biting or chewing
- Formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums
- Changes in the appearance of the gums or teeth, such as gaps or spaces between teeth.
It’s important to note that in the early stages of periodontal disease, there may be no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and treatment. If you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible.
Periodontal disease is caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. When plaque is not removed through proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar or calculus, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
As the bacteria in plaque and tartar grow, they can lead to inflammation and infection of the gums, known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can cause irreversible damage to the gums and bone that support the teeth.
There are also other risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing periodontal disease, including smoking, poor nutrition, genetics, certain medications, and underlying health conditions such as diabetes. It’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits and to schedule regular dental checkups to help prevent or detect periodontal disease early.
There are several steps you can take to prevent periodontal disease and maintain good oral health:
Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline.
Use mouthwash: Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
Eat a healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limit your intake of sugary and processed foods.
Don’t smoke: Smoking can increase your risk of periodontal disease and other oral health problems.
Manage stress: Stress can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections, including gum disease.
Get regular dental checkups: Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to remove tartar and detect any early signs of gum disease.
By following these steps, you can help prevent periodontal disease and maintain good oral health. If you notice any signs or symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums or persistent bad breath, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible.
There are several stages of periodontal disease, ranging from mild to severe:
Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of periodontal disease, characterized by inflammation of the gums. Symptoms may include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, but there is typically no permanent damage to the gums or bone at this stage.
Early periodontitis: At this stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold the teeth in place begin to break down. Symptoms may include bad breath, gum recession, and the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums.
Moderate periodontitis: The bone and fibers continue to break down, and the teeth may become loose or shift in position. The pockets between the teeth and gums deepen, making it difficult to clean the teeth effectively.
Advanced periodontitis: In this final stage of periodontal disease, the bone and fibers that support the teeth are severely damaged, and the teeth may begin to fall out or require extraction.
It’s important to detect and treat periodontal disease as early as possible to prevent irreversible damage and tooth loss. Regular dental checkups and cleanings, along with good oral hygiene practices, can help prevent or manage periodontal disease at any stage. If you notice any signs or symptoms of gum disease, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible.
The treatment for periodontal disease depends on the severity of the condition. In general, the goal of treatment is to remove the bacteria and plaque that are causing the inflammation and infection, and to prevent further damage to the gums and bone that support the teeth.
Here are some common treatments for periodontal disease:
Scaling and root planing: This is a non-surgical procedure in which a dentist or periodontist cleans the teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar buildup. They may also smooth out the root surfaces to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
Periodontal surgery: In more advanced cases of periodontal disease, surgical treatment may be necessary. This may include procedures such as pocket reduction surgery, bone grafting, or guided tissue regeneration.
Antibiotics: In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help eliminate the bacteria causing the infection.
Maintenance therapy: After treatment, it’s important to continue regular dental checkups and cleanings to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease.
It’s important to note that prevention is the best treatment for periodontal disease. By practicing good oral hygiene habits, eating a healthy diet, and scheduling regular dental checkups, you can help prevent or manage periodontal disease before it becomes more serious. If you notice any signs or symptoms of gum disease, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible.