subject: Periodontist Help Can Mean Improving Oral Health [print this page] A periodontist specializes in the treatment of periodontitis, a condition involving a serious infection in the gums. This condition often destroys all of the soft tissues that it meets over a period of time. It can also lead to the destruction of the bones that help to hold the teeth into place. Over time, the condition can lead to tooth loss. It has also been linked to much more serious health risks including heart attacks and strokes. For this reason, if your regular dentist says you need this type of help, seek out a specialist to help you.
Do You Need to See One?
If your dentist says you need a periodontist, chances are good he or she has seen symptoms of this disease occurring in your mouth. Some of the symptoms may include red, bleeding gums especially when brushed, swollen gums, gums that no longer are present or are receding significant and the development of spaces between the teeth. Additionally, individuals with this condition often cannot improve their bad breathe even with good oral hygiene. Eventually, tooth loss is a big factor. For some, this condition can be painful.
Treatment Options
If the condition is present, what can be done about it? The good news is that there are treatment options that can help significantly but many are not available or not performed by a standard dentist. That is why a specialist is often necessary.
The treatment used will depend on the severity of the condition. The dental care provider is likely to use a method call scaling to remove the tartar and buildup from the surface of the tooth and from between the gums. Root planing is another step, which will help to smooth the root surfaces, which stops the buildup of tartar from continuing. Antibiotics may be helpful in some cases. These medications can work to stop the growth of bacteria, which is behind this type of disease development.
In some situations, the dental care provider may want you to have a type of surgery that can improve the condition. Numerous options are available including flap surgery, soft tissue grafts and bone grafting. All procedures have some risk but many can be very effective at restoring oral health and preventing the worsening of this condition.
A periodontist will first start by examining you mouth to determine the presence of the condition and the severity of it. He or she will then offer options for improving it. This process may take several weeks or months to complete but it can, ultimately, be one of the best decisions you can make. Not only does it reverse the condition but also an effective treatment can give you back a healthy, beautiful looking smile.
