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 periodontist?

Your dentist can refer you to a specialist if they think you need extra treatment. You might sometimes want to go straight to a periodontist, such as when you're interested in dental implants. Familiarizing yourself with the different types of dentist will help you get the best treatment.

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.

Can a regular dentist treat periodontal disease?

While a general dentist can treat gum disease with cleanings, and scaling and root planing, a periodontist can treat advanced periodontal disease cases that a general dentist cannot.

What can a periodontist do that a dentist can t?

A periodontist can do a gum graft, where they take tissue, usually from the roof of your mouth, and use it to cover the receded gum line. A healthy gum line can help stop tooth decay, reduce sensitivity and pain, and improve your smile. Other surgical treatments a periodontist can perform include: Laser treatments.

How do you know when it's the right time to send a patient to the periodontist?

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.

Does a periodontist do deep cleaning?

During a deep cleaning, the periodontist will use a probe to measure your gum pockets. Pockets are spaces between your gums and teeth that are wider than five millimeters. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, everyone should have their gums examined by a dentist at least once a year.

What are the 4 stages of 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.

How does a periodontist clean your gums?

In scaling, your periodontist will use a hand-held dental scaler to manually scrape the plaque from your teeth above and below your gum line. They may also use an ultrasonic tool with a vibrating metal tip, plus a water spray to wash tartar away.

Do periodontists check for cavities?

These include detecting and treating cavities, improving a patient's oral hygiene, and providing tooth replacement options for missing teeth or teeth that need to be removed.

Can a periodontist do a root canal?

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.

Can a periodontist do fillings?

Not all periodontists offer routine care, but we do. In addition to providing periodontal treatment and dental implants, our team can help you maintain your smile and oral health through routine exams, cleanings, x-rays, and fillings.

What does a periodontist do at a consultation?

A periodontal consultation will normally begin with a short interview. The periodontist will ask questions concerning your lifestyle, medical history, and dental hygiene. You will need to provide information about your past and current health concerns as these can be the result of or result in a periodontal disease.

Can a general dentist do gum surgery?

While oral surgeons often perform surgical procedures on patients to improve their overall oral health, general dentists can also perform surgery on their patients. This is convenient for patients who would rather have their primary dentist perform any necessary oral surgeries.

How long is a periodontal exam?

A hygienist can complete a thorough periodontal chart in five to seven minutes when assisted by a team member. The ADA has indicated that a complete periodontal exam must be recorded for patients on an annual basis.

What is the best mouthwash to use for periodontal disease?

What vitamins should I take for periodontal disease?

Vitamin C. When it comes to periodontal health, you can't go wrong with vitamin C. Vitamin C helps support the body's entire immune system, that includes protecting your gums and teeth.

What happens if you don't treat periodontal disease?

Long-term risk of untreated periodontal disease

Untreated gingivitis will progress into periodontitis, which is a more severe stage of gum disease. The infection and pockets deepen while eating away at your jaw until your teeth become loose and fall out.

Will my teeth eventually fall out with periodontitis?

Periodontitis often remains completely painless until it's incredibly advanced, but it can cause pain as your teeth begin to loosen. Eventually, untreated periodontitis will lead to tooth loss.

Can gums recover from periodontal disease?

The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.

What does periodontal pain feel like?

Periodontal abscesses usually occur in areas with periodontal pockets, in which deep spaces are generated around the teeth. They cause a dull, gnawing, localized pain but are not painful to percussion. The discomfort ranges from low intensity aches to severe acute pain.

What is the main cause of periodontal disease?

Overview. Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden.

How can I deep clean my gums at home?

Ways to deep clean at home

Brushing the teeth two times a day, along with flossing, are the key ways of keeping teeth and gums hale and healthy. You should ensure that your toothbrush is soft and doesn't cause bleeding. Investing in an electric toothbrush is also a viable solution.

Can teeth fall out after deep cleaning?

It's very unlikely your teeth will fall out after having them deep cleaned. Some people may find that their teeth feel looser after having the treatment. This is because removing the tartar from the pockets between the gums and teeth creates a gap between the two, which can cause the teeth to feel loose.