What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who has completed a university post-graduate specialty program in periodontics. Periodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the maintenance of oral health and the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, as well as the placement of dental implants. Periodontal specialty programs are an additional 2 to 3 years in duration following graduation from the 4 year dental school program.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease, periodontal infection or pyorrhea) is an ongoing infection in the gums around your teeth. The cause of periodontal disease is infectious bacteria which gets deep into your gums.
This infection starts destroying the bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The main cause of periodontal disease is plaque, the sticky, colorless film that forms on your teeth. Other causes may include smoking and/or tobacco use, diabetes, genetics, pregnancy, puberty, stress, taking certain medications, grinding your teeth, poor nutrition, and other diseases that interfere with the body's immune system.
The mildest form of periodontal disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis is completely reversible as it is generally caused by poor brushing and flossing habits. Symptoms of gingivitis may include redness, swelling, or bleeding in your gums. Left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, which is when bacteria spread below the gumline resulting in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.
Do I have periodontal disease?
It is best to have a dentist or periodontist examine your mouth. Signs of periodontal disease include bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, loose teeth, swelling in the mouth, shifting of teeth, and bad breath. However, most people have very few noticeable symptoms and are first diagnosed by their dentist.
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Do your gums ever feel swollen or tender?
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Do you have persistent bad breath?
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Do you ever have aching, itchy, sore or tender gums ?
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Do your gums ever bleed when you brush your teeth or when you eat hard food?
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Has it been more than 6 months since you had a dental cleaning?
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Have you noticed any spaces developing between your teeth?
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Have you noticed your teeth are separating or protruding?
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Have you noticed that your gums are receding (pulling back from your teeth) or your teeth appear longer than before?
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Have you noticed pus between your teeth and gums?
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Have you noticed any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite?
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Do you ever develop sores in your mouth?
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Do you have tooth sensitivity to hot or cold?
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Are your teeth becoming loose?
If you have any of these symptoms, take action to protect your gums and your health. Consult a periodontist.
If you have already lost teeth due to periodontal disease, you may be interested in exploring dental implants, the permanent tooth replacement option.
How do I know if I need to see a periodontist?
Periodontal disease is typically silent. Your gums can look quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can be present. To be certain about periodontal disease, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for signs of infection.
You may not realize that persistent swollen, red or bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath are warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss as well as complicate other health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. |
