A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating both infections and diseases that plague the soft gum tissue and jaw bone surrounding the teeth. Because of their name, many believe that periodontists only treat periodontal disease. While they do, they also handle a wide range of other procedures that can help to enhance a patient’s smile and overall oral health.
How do you know it is time to see a periodontist?
When to See a Periodontist
There are many procedures that periodontists handle. If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, it is imperative that you make an appointment right away.
Bleeding Gums. If you have noticed pink in the sink when you rinse your mouth or you notice blood on your floss, you could be in the early stage of gum disease known as gingivitis.
Sensitive Teeth. If your teeth are unusually sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, it could be due to an exposed root that occurs because the gums have receded.
Red, Inflamed, or Swollen Gums. The early stages of gum disease can cause inflammation of the gums. It can also lead to periodontal pockets which happen when the gums fill with bacteria.
Long Teeth. If your teeth seem to be getting longer it could be that your gums have receded. This recession likely stems from gum disease and needs to be addressed.
Halitosis. Bad breath is something that no one wants though everyone can have moments when their breath doesn’t smell good, such as after eating. But chronic bad breath that lingers despite your efforts to clear it up could indicate you have an infection.
Loose Tooth or Teeth. As an adult, you should not have a loose tooth. If you do, then it could be a sign of advanced periodontal disease.
Cosmetic Treatments with a Periodontist
Just as any other dentist, your periodontist wants you to have an incredibly beautiful smile that you can feel good about. In addition to treatments that can help with periodontal disease, your periodontist can provide you with some highly successful cosmetic treatments that benefit your overall oral health, too. After all, they have been dubbed the plastic surgeons of the dental world.
Below are a couple of common treatments they offer:
Crown Lengthening. There are many patients that seem to have more gums than they would prefer. As a result, this gives them a bit of a gummy smile. With a crown lengthening procedure, a laser is used to remove some of the gum tissue, exposing more of the tooth.
Long Teeth. Just as the teeth can appear too short, they can also appear too long. This is especially true once gum disease has kicked in and the gums have started to recede. A periodontist is able to bring back a healthy smile.
A Periodontist vs. a General Dentist
It is common for a general dentist to refer patients needing special treatment to a periodontist – but not always. Many general dentists may perform the procedures on their own. So, knowing what procedures a periodontist handles can help you make the decision to see a specialist instead.
Truth is, your general dentist may be highly skilled and you may be very comfortable with their work. But when it comes to certain dental treatments, opting for a specialist that has extra training, more experience, and advanced skills will always yield a better outcome.
In other words, if you are in need of dental procedures that involve your gums and/or jaw bone, see a periodontist.
Dr. Scott J. Forum, DDS, PC is a board-certified periodontist providing exceptional service to patients in the Midtown Manhattan and New York City area.