So you finally relented and went to the dentist for your annual check up and to your dismay you were told that you must be referred to a Periodontist. What is that you wonder and now are even more nervous than before. A periodontist is a dentist with three additional years of education above and beyond dental school. The term periodontal is derived from Greek meaning “around the tooth” and periodontists specialize in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases, and in fitting dental implants.
Upon your visit, you can expect the periodontist to review your medical and dental history, before commencing to exam your teeth and gums. The periodontist will check for receding gum lines, check the depth of the gum pockets by inserting a special instrument, check for loose teeth, bite-positioning, and signs of inflammation. In addition, they may take x-rays to check for problems associated with the bones. Although most of a patient’s Periodontal Services can be met by their family dentist, research indicates a strong relationship between the occurrence of periodontal disease and systemic diseases, such as diabetes, heart conditions, and liver and kidney conditions. Therefore, it is in the patients best interest to be under the care of a periodontist to receive their periodontal care. People exhibiting moderate to severe instances of periodontal disease are best served by an ongoing partnership between between the general dentist and the periodontist.
In the modern world, periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss. No person is immune to developing periodontal disease. Typically, the periodontal disease progresses slowly, over a number of years. Some of the periodontal conditions that can lead to tooth loss include gingivitis, gum disease, and bone loss. By checking the pockets, or space between the teeth and the gums, periodontists can determine the degree of gum disease. Gum disease is rated mild, moderate and severe. Periodontists are able to diagnose and treat, and even reverse, many forms of periodontal diseases. In cases of acute gum disease, the periodontist will perform a procedure called scaling and root planing which removes debris and bacteria. Another common procedure is a gingivectomy or gingivoplasty -; essentially a reconstruction of the gums to create a more natural look due to the receding gum lines. Additionally, periodontists are experts in the placement and repair of dental implants. Visit Zfdental.biz for further details.
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