If you ever had a medical issue affecting you (like a heart or skin condition), you probably didn’t think twice about seeing a doctor who specializes in that field. You’d set up an appointment with a dermatologist or cardiologist.
When you have an issue with your oral health, the same should hold. If you’re exhibiting severe gum disease symptoms, your best chance is to see a periodontist miami.
But how do you know when it’s appropriate to see a periodontist and when it’s OK to see a general dentist? There are usually a few tell-tale signs that it’s time to visit a periodontal specialist.
What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dental specialist in treating diseases of the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth. Other names for this type of dentist are periodontists, gum specialists, or oral surgeons. These people possess skills to keep the mouth clean and healthy by getting rid of bacteria that cause bad breath.
You might want to think of a periodontist south miami fl as a general dentist plus. Like the dentist you see for your semi-annual checkup, a periodontist has graduated from dental school. They then trained for three years beyond basic dental school, in a periodontal residency or post-graduate program. During that residency or program, the dentist focuses on the treatment of gum or periodontal disease.
What Are Common Reasons for Seeing a Periodontist?
If you’ve had a toothache, you know the importance of good oral health. As your dentist can tell you, gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss and tooth decay. Yet, patients who suffer from chronic tooth pain do not realize the possibility that their dentist could refer them to a periodontist miami fl.
Gum Health At Risk
Seeing a periodontist miami and getting treated isn’t a one-and-done deal. Even after undergoing periodontal surgery or another effective treatment, seeing a periodontist for regular follow-up appointments is a must. You can go back to your general dentist, but the periodontist who treated your gum disease will understand your condition best and will know how to best handle any complications that may arise or what to do if the disease recurs.
YOUR GUMS ARE BLEEDING AND RED
Gum bleeding can be caused by a variety of factors. During their cycle or pregnancy, some women observe that their gums are particularly sensitive and bleed readily. Brushing your teeth with too much pressure and force might cause the gums to bleed more regularly.
However, if your gums are frequently red, inflamed, or bleeding, it could be a symptom of gum disease in its early or more advanced stages. When tartar and plaque accumulate on the gums and just beneath the gum line and become irritated.
If you’re concerned about bleeding gums, seeing a periodontal specialist can be a good idea. It will give you a chance to deal with the problem in its earlier stages.
YOU’VE NOTICED OTHER CHANGES IN YOUR GUMS
Although bleeding or irritated gums are often early signs of gum disease, the condition can also cause other changes to the gum tissue as it advances.
One of those changes is known as the gingival recession. When your gums recede, they pull away from your teeth, exposing the roots.
Gum recession can make your teeth feel more sensitive, as the root is exposed and no longer protected by the gums. Having receding gums is also often a cosmetic concern for people. When the roots of the teeth are visible, they look longer, which can make you feel self-conscious.
Decaying Teeth
Teeth with a significant amount of decay may require a root canal, but they will almost certainly need a crown. A dentist can place the crown, remove diseased teeth, and examine gum tissues to see if further treatment from a periodontist south miami is required.
Another sign that it’s time to see a periodontal specialist is if you’ve started to notice unwanted changes in your teeth. As the gums become more and more irritated and begin to pull back away from the teeth. The teeth can become loose in the mouth. Teeth can change position, making your bite uneven or causing you discomfort when you chew.
In the most advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Seeing a periodontist as soon as possible after you notice any changes to your gums or teeth can help you keep all of your teeth.
CHRONIC BAD BREATH or Halitosis
Everyone gets bad breath from time to time. It could be due to a particularly garlicky dinner you had the night before or because you drank too much coffee.
However, if bad breath is an ongoing problem and you’re frequently embarrassed by it, it could be a symptom of something worse, such as gum disease.
The bacteria that cause gum disease can also produce a foul odor in your mouth. If nothing seems to help your foul breath, get in touch with a periodontist.
Recommended By Most Family Dentists
At this point, you might be wondering why you can’t just see your regular family dentist if you’re concerned about your gums. Many general and family dentists can indeed assist with the early stages of gum disease. If you’re concerned about the health of both your teeth and gums, seeing your family dentist is likely to be your first step.
One of the main reasons why you would see a periodontist is if your family dentist recommended it. A general dentist can usually help you when you have a mild case of gum disease, such as gingivitis. But, more advanced cases require the skill and experience of a trained periodontist.
Your dentist may also refer you to a periodontist if your gum disease meets certain criteria. For example, if you are under age 35, or have pockets that are deeper than 5mm, you’ll most likely get referred to a specialist. Your dentist should refer you to a periodontist if you:
- have clear symptoms of an aggressive case of periodontal disease
- display signs of considerable gumrecession
- can not be treated by your current dentist
Periodontal Treatment Options for Periodontal Diseases
Medications
Periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis are caused by bacterial infection in the mouth. This infection can lead to oral inflammation, loss of teeth, and other dental problems. Medications can be an effective treatment option for periodontal diseases when used in conjunction with other treatments such as root planing or dental implants.
Antibiotics are a common medication used to treat periodontal disease. These medications work by targeting the bacteria that cause periodontal disease and reducing levels of oral inflammation. In cases where antibiotics have been ineffective at controlling the infection, surgical interventions may be necessary to reduce pocket depths and restore healthy tissue.
Anti-inflammatory medications can also be beneficial in treating periodontal disease. These drugs reduce inflammation around the affected area, allowing for easier access for dental care procedures such as root planing or periodontal surgery. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also effective at reducing pain associated with periodontal disease.
Finally, oral rinses containing antiseptic ingredients may also help combat symptoms of periodontal disease. These rinses can reduce bacteria levels in the mouth, helping to prevent gum infections from developing or worsening over time.
No matter which medication is chosen as part of your treatment plan, it is important to follow all instructions thoroughly and discuss any concerns with your dentist or periodontist before beginning any new medication regimen
Non-Surgical Treatments
Periodontal procedures such as root planing and scaling, gum surgery, and osseous surgery can be used to treat periodontal disease in its early stages. These treatments are designed to remove bacteria from the pockets around the teeth and reduce inflammation of the gums and soft tissues.
Common signs of periodontal disease include bleeding gums, receding gums, loose teeth, bad breath, pain while chewing or brushing your teeth, and red or swollen gums. If any of these symptoms are present, a deep cleaning may be necessary to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line that can contribute to periodontal disease. During this procedure, the dentist will use special instruments to clean the area thoroughly.
In some cases, a more extensive procedure may be necessary if non-surgical treatments fail to control the infection. Surgical interventions such as flap surgery may be recommended to access deeper pockets around the teeth where bacteria have accumulated. This can be followed by other treatments such as bone grafts or guided tissue regeneration which help promote healthy gum tissue growth.
Periodontal care is essential for maintaining optimal oral health. It is important to schedule regular visits with your dentist or periodontist for professional cleanings and checkups so any signs of periodontal disease can be caught early on before it progresses too far.
Surgical Procedures
Surgical interventions such as flap surgery can be used to access deeper pockets around the teeth where bacteria have accumulated. During flap surgery, tissue from the affected area is carefully lifted away and then cleaned and smoothed in order to promote healthy gum tissue growth. Bone grafts and guided tissue regeneration may also be necessary to truly restore healthy gum tissue.
When considering surgical treatments for periodontal disease, it is important to consult with a dental professional who specializes in periodontics. A trained periodontist can evaluate your unique situation and determine if you are a suitable candidate for these types of dental procedures. The periodontist will also be able to discuss all available options with you so that you can make an informed decision about your dental treatment plan.
Benefits of Seeing a Periodontist
Miami periodontist Dr. John Paul Gallardo offers patients a variety of gum disease treatment options. If you think it’s time to see a periodontal specialist, call our office number today or fill out the contact form below.