When Should You See a Periodontist?

According to the American Dental Association, periodontal disease is a disease that affects the gums and supporting bone. It is an inflammatory disease and can cause generalized inflammation if not treated promptly.

With mild to moderate cases of gum disease or related oral issues, your dentist may be able to handle treatment. But, when things start getting serious with your oral health and require more in-depth, specialized attention, you may need to see a periodontist or oral surgeon.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Therapy is the treatment of gum disease. If not treated, damage to the soft tissues and bones that support the teeth begins. The most common signs of periodontal disease are:

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Tender gums
• Bad breath
• Loose or sensitive teeth
• Painful chewing
• Receding gum line

If you have any of these symptoms, you may want to speak to your dentist to see if periodontal therapy is warranted.

Non-Invasive Treatments for Gum Disease

Performing invasive surgical procedures on the teeth and gums can disrupt the quality of the tissue. And a highly-trained dentist understands how important it is to care for sensitive gums.

You may need specialized periodontal treatment for services such as:

• In-depth periodontal cleaning is a routine cleaning that focuses on the tarter that leads to gum disease.
• Cleaning the teeth below the gum line, removing areas of food particles and bacteria. Referred to as scaling and root planing, the periodontist tries to save the gums by helping them to reattach to the clean surface.
• A gingivectomy to remove infected or loose portions of your gums.
• The use of antibiotics called Arestin in diseased gum pockets to help heal your infections.
• Offering help for loose teeth that result from damaged gums.

Keep in mind that these are just a few of the ways a dental with advanced periodontal training helps patients.

Ready to Make an Appointment?

If you have been dealing with sore or bleeding gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite, perhaps it is time to make an appointment with a dentist.

At Dental Partners of Vero Beach all of our dentists and dental hygienists are trained to handle periodontal disease and provide therapy. If your case is too severe and the teeth will be lost we will coordinate all appointments for you and make a comprehensive plan that may involve other specialists such as an Oral Surgeon for Dental Implants.

Find healing in the state-of-the-art treatment programs you will find at Dental Partners of Vero Beach, Schwibner & Associates. Contact us today at (772) 569-4118 or book an appointment online.