What Does a Periodontist Do for Your Oral Health?

A dentist who specializes in the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of periodontal disease is called a periodontist. These people are trained on how to perform oral surgical procedures like the installation of implants.

Periodontists spend an additional three years learning these things after completing dental school. They are familiar with all the latest techniques used to deal with gum disease and are skilled at performing cosmetic dental procedures, particularly those that affect the gums.

What a periodontist does

Most periodontists spend their time treating problematic cases of periodontal disease and patients with a complicated medical history. The periodontist performs a wide range of treatments that are used to address gum disease, like:

• Scaling and root planing: During this treatment, the roots of the patient's teeth are cleaned to remove bacteria, plaque and tartar; these roots are then polished to make it more difficult for such things to accumulate on them in the future
• Root surface debridement: Damaged tissues in the mouth are removed during this treatment
• Surgical treatments: There are a number of surgical procedures that are used to deal with gum disease, like replacing a lost tooth with an implant and deep cleanings

What to expect during a visit to the periodontist

During the first appointment, the dentist will go over the patient's dental and medical history. The patient will be asked about any health issues that they currently have and if they are taking any medications. Conditions like pregnancy, diabetes or heart disease can affect how a dentist deals with gum disease.

The periodontist will then evaluate the patient's gums, looking for signs of looseness, a bad bite or gum recession. A probe will be used to measure the depth of the patient's periodontal pockets. These are the spaces around the areas where gums and teeth meet. X-rays may also be performed to get a better idea of what is going on underneath the surface.

Who needs a periodontist?

Periodontists are trained to perform all the treatments performed by general dentists, as well as additional ones. Some cases of gum disease can be managed by a general dentist, but more serious ones require the services of a periodontist.

Periodontal disease is a complicated dental problem that is closely linked to chronic diseases like diabetes. People with complicated cases require a high level of care that only a periodontist can provide.

Issues that affect the gums are not the only reason a person might need to see a periodontist. These dentists are trained on how to install implants surgically, and they are one of the most qualified people to perform the procedure due to their keen understanding of the gums. Most periodontists regularly perform oral surgeries like implant installation.

Our periodontist is here to help

Our periodontist has a great deal of experience treating patients battling the advanced stages of gum disease, as well as installing implants for those who have lost their teeth. Stop by our New Albany office for an evaluation today.

Request an appointment here: https://riverfallsfamilydental.com or call River Falls Family Dental at (812) 962-7342 for an appointment in our New Albany office.

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