Can a dentist do periodontal work?

Treatment may be performed by a periodontist, a dentist or a dental hygienist. The goal of periodontitis treatment is to thoroughly clean the pockets around teeth and prevent damage to surrounding bone.

What kind of dentist treats periodontitis?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. They also help you manage signs of advancing gum problems like oral inflammation. Gum disease happens when the tissue around your teeth gets infected, causing inflammation.

Can I see a periodontist instead of a dentist?

Although a general dentist can perform the same procedures, a periodontist has the specialized training, advanced skills, and extensive experience. Keep reading for details on when to see a periodontist, how a periodontist can help, and how prompt care can minimize damage to your teeth and gums.

Can I go straight to a periodontist?

Of course, you don't need a referral to see a periodontist. You can make an appointment with one for another opinion about your diagnosis and recommended treatment plan. If you choose to see a periodontist, make sure they have access to all your dental and medical records, as well as your past health history.

Is a periodontist better than a dentist?

The primary reason why dentists refer patients to a periodontist is for their expertise. Periodontists are the most qualified dentists to treat gum disease and provide services relating to the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth and jaw, such as dental implants.

Periodontal flap approach surgery - Lapointe dental centres

Can a general dentist do gum surgery?

General dentists usually work with oral surgeons and can give you information about the surgeon and their experience in the industry. If you have any concerns about the surgical process, your general dentist can also answer your questions, based on their understanding of your condition.

Can a general dentist do scaling and root planing?

General dentists can perform both the scaling and root planing parts of the procedure. Some dentists may recommend their patients see a periodontist if their teeth are in need of more work. If your dentist recommends a periodontist, it is worthwhile to ask why.

Can periodontitis be cured?

Can you reverse periodontal disease? The damage done by gingivitis can often be reversed by ridding your gums of the infection. Periodontitis is more advanced, however, and often does damage to your teeth and gums that's impossible to reverse without extensive dental treatments.

Why would my dentist send me to a periodontist?

Periodontist Training

Because of their extensive periodontal training, Periodontists are sought by general dentists and other dental professions to treat patients with extensive medical history or complex problems, that lie outside of a general dentist's knowledge, capability, or skill set.

How does a periodontist fix receding gums?

To fix receding gums, we can use a procedure called a gum graft. This is a minor surgical procedure that involves taking healthy gum tissue from another part of the mouth and attaching it to where the gums have receded, providing extra tissue to build the gums back up.

When do dentists refer to a periodontist?

Anyone exhibiting signs of gum disease should schedule an appointment with a periodontist. Your dentist may refer you to a periodontist if they are unable to treat you. If you are under age 35 and have deeper gum pockets than normal, your dentist may suggest you see a periodontist.

What procedures do periodontists do?

Rough spots on the tooth root are made smooth with planing by our periodontist. Smoothing these rough spots helps to remove bacteria and provides a clean surface for the gum to reattach to the teeth. Flap surgery/pocket reduction surgery: For more advanced stages of periodontal disease, surgery may be required.

What is the main cause of periodontal disease?

It's usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and getting regular dental checkups can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment for periodontitis and can also reduce your chance of developing it.

Can 4mm gum pockets be reversed?

Professional cleaning

Small pockets of 4 or 5 mm may be reduced in size with professional dental cleanings along with aggressive at-home oral hygiene habits. Your dentist will recommend you brush and floss at least twice daily. You may also be given an antibacterial mouthwash.

Do periodontist do root canals?

Periodontists are concerned with the health of gums and treating gum disease and inflammation. On the other hand, Endodontists specialize in tooth roots and oral pain. Patients are most commonly referred to them for a complicated root canal.

When should you go to periodontist?

If you have noticed that your teeth have begun to feel a little loose, you should definitely visit a periodontist. Even if you think it is just your imagination, it's a good idea to schedule an examination, since this could be a very early sign of serious gum disease and underlying bone damage.

How much does periodontal treatment cost?

During this procedure, your dentist will clean the pocket carefully, removing tartar deposits after lifting up the gums to clean underneath them. The gums will then be sutured to fit more tightly around the tooth. This procedure typically costs between $1000 and $3000 without insurance.

How quickly does periodontitis progress?

Slight Periodontal Disease

During the early gingivitis stages, gum inflammation can occur in as little as five days. Within two to three weeks, the signs of generalized gingivitis become more noticeable. If you still leave this untreated, it would progress to slight periodontal disease.

Can you live with periodontal disease?

Living with periodontal disease can cause aesthetic complications and bone loss of a serious nature. Unlike other injuries, periodontal disease does not cause any pain. It is a silent disease when the teeth gum becomes inflamed and bleeds.

Does a periodontist do deep cleaning?

A deep cleaning performed by a periodontist goes a long way when it comes to treating periodontal disease. Gum disease is often the result of poor oral hygiene and not seeing a dentist regularly.

Do gums reattach after deep cleaning?

While any gum loss experienced due to gum disease will not grow back, the majority of patients can expect their gums to reattach after undergoing a deep cleaning. This is because all of the harmful bacteria has been removed, allowing the gums to once again be healthy.

Can a dentist treat receding gums?

Receding gums treatment for mild cases can be effectively treated by your dentist and hygienist i.e. you will be prescribed a course of deep cleaning (also known as tooth scaling and root planing) to get rid of plaque and tartar build-up below the gum line, so your gums can heal.

Is periodontal surgery really necessary?

Gum surgery may be necessary for anyone who is suffering from gum disease. This is a common and very serious condition. In fact, most adults will suffer from some form of gingivitis during their lifetime. The severity of the condition will determine what steps one can take to alleviate it.

Why is periodontal surgery necessary?

You have periodontal disease

Plaque turns to tartar, which leads to gum inflammation and tooth decay. Bacteria can loosen gums and cause an infection that may eventually lead to tooth loss. The good news is that periodontal surgery can stop and even reverse the damage of periodontal disease.

Are you asleep during gum surgery?

The Gum Graft Procedure

You will receive sedatives so you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the process. You may receive local anesthesia that keeps you awake while numbing your gums. Your dentist will then extract some tissue from your mouth.