What Is a Periodontist?
In addition to completing an undergraduate degree and dental school, a licensed periodontist denton texas must also complete a residency program, which typically lasts between 30-36 months. This additional education is focused on understanding the cause and treatment of gum disease, and other issues and aspects of the periodontium (supporting structures of the teeth). Although it is not a requirement, many periodontists also take board-certified examinations to demonstrate a commitment to continuing education and mastery of their field. A periodontist must become recertified every six years.
Periodontists are often recommended to patients who have developed issues related to the periodontium, such as gum disease. Periodontists can perform a variety of procedures, ranging from preventative to cosmetic to surgical. For more severe cases of gum disease that have resulted in loss of teeth, periodontists may perform dental implants, full mouth reconstruction, and/or bone grafts, whereas in less severe cases, a periodontist may perform milder procedures, such as periodontal maintenance or scale and root planing to halt or reverse the effects of gum disease. Oftentimes, general dentists and periodontists work in partnership to develop a comprehensive care plan that is individualized to a patient’s unique oral health care needs.
What is Involved in a Periodontal Examination?
Your first periodontal examination will involve a thorough examination of your mouth, with a focus on evaluating the health of your gums, alignment of your bite, and status of your teeth. During this examination, your periodontist will also look for indications of jaw dysfunction, gum recession, loss of bone, and other indications of periodontal disease. If necessary, an X-Ray or other diagnostic test may be taken to determine a diagnosis.
Once a proper diagnosis has been made, your periodontist will discuss available treatment options and answer any questions you have. Once a treatment plan is determined, the examination will be complete, after which a follow-up appointments can be scheduled if necessary.
How is Periodontal Disease Treated?
Periodontal treatment will be determined by the nature and severity of your periodontal disease. To determine this, a thorough examination will be performed, which will involve the use of a specialized tool to measure the pocket depth of your gums. Gums that are healthy will have a pocket depth of 4mm or less, whereas pockets that are deeper than 4mm generally indicate that periodontal disease is present.
To treat periodontal disease, it will first be necessary to remove bacteria that has formed beneath the gums, and then inhibit the ability for bacteria to collect and harden into tartar, which is done by a scaling and root planing procedure. Once the bacteria has been removed, additional procedures and steps can be taken to reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease and/or correct the impact periodontal disease has already had on your oral health.
Patients who have experienced gum loss may have a gum graft or Pinhole Surgical Technique procedure performed, whereas patients who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease may have a dental implant or implants placed. For less severe cases of periodontal disease, improved at-home care and scheduling more frequent periodontal maintenance may be sufficient to correct the issue and prevent similar issues from developing in the future. Which type of periodontal treatment or treatment options are right for you will vary from patient to patient and be determined by your unique needs.
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