What is the difference between a dentist and a periodontist?

They have extended training in the soft tissue (gums) and bone. 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.

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 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.

Why would you need to see a periodontist?

Loose teeth and gum recession.

If you notice that your teeth seem to appear elongated or that your gums are receding at all, then you should schedule an appointment with a periodontist. Longer-looking and loose-feeling teeth can indicate recession of the gums and/or bone loss as a result of periodontal disease.

What type of procedures does a periodontist perform?

What is the Difference Between a Periodontist and a General Dentist

What are some of the early warning signs of periodontal disease?

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.

Can a general 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.

Can periodontitis be cured?

Periodontitis can only be treated but cannot be cured. Gingivitis, on the other hand, can be prevented by maintaining proper oral hygiene practices and visiting the dentist for checkups and exams.

Can periodontitis be reversed?

Periodontitis can't be reversed, only slowed down, while gingivitis can be reversed. This is why it's important to catch it in its early stages and prevent it from moving on to periodontitis.

Do periodontists 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.

How does a periodontist fix receding gums?

Minor gum recession may be treated with a specialized deep cleaning known as root scaling and planing, which aims to reduce the size of pockets that develop in the gums. For cases of more advanced recession, dental surgery known as gum grafting can help to restore your smile and your oral health.

Is gingivitis the same as periodontal disease?

Gingivitis is gum inflammation and, when left untreated, can progress to more serious stages of periodontal disease, such as periodontitis. Plaque accumulates in the areas between the teeth, which inflame the gums. Even though gums are irritated, gum recession does not occur until later stages of periodontal disease.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 do you get rid of deep pockets in gums?

What are the 4 stages of periodontal disease?

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.

How long does it take to cure periodontal disease?

The length of time it will take your gums to heal depends on the severity of your gum disease. It can take anywhere from 2 – 4 weeks, while deeper pockets can take months to completely heal. Because your mouth will be tender and inflamed, a soft food diet is advised for the first few days.

Which toothpaste is best for periodontal disease?

Use Corsodyl Toothpaste, which physically removes the build of plaque bacteria along the gum line, helping to keep the seal between your gums and teeth tight. When used to brush twice daily it is 4x more effective* than a regular toothpaste at removing the main cause of bleeding gums.

How fast does periodontal disease 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.

How do you fix periodontal disease?