What is a Periodontist?

A dentist who is a specialist in preventing, diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, placing implants, bone grafting, and performing cosmetic gum procedures is known as a periodontist. These experts are the people who can most effectively manage and treat oral inflammations and diseases of the gums. They receive a wide range of training that takes three additional years after dental school in order to treat the inflammation and disease processes of the gums. They are conversant with all of the latest methods in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease as well as using the latest in technology to combat gum disease. They are the premier clinicians to perform dental implant procedures and gum grafting procedures.

Periodontists often treat cosmetic aspects of periodontal disease as well as the inflammation itself.

A Periodontist is trained to treat complex or problematic cases such as those who have massive gum disease or very complicated medical histories in addition to their periodontal disease.

Periodontists offer various treatments for gum disease and inflammation, up to and including

• Scaling and root planing where the infected root is cleaned
• Root debridement where damaged tissue is removed
• Surgical procedures for those who have severe gum problems
• Regeneration of bone that was lost from periodontal disease or years of missing teeth
• Cosmetic gummy smile treatment if your teeth appear short and you’ve always wanted longer teeth

Periodontists often treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as those with severe gum disease or a complex medical history.

What Can You Expect?

On your first visit, your periodontist will typically review your medical and dental history. It’s important that your periodontist knows about your medical history in order to be aware of other medications that you’re taking and other conditions that may be present such as diabetes and heart disease, or even pregnancy. This will change the way in which you are treated and may change the medications that you are given.

The Gainesville periodontist will give a thorough examination of your gums and teeth to check for any conditions such as receding gums, problems with the way in which your teeth fit when you bite down and check your teeth to determine if any teeth are loose.

Your Gainesville periodontist will measure the depth of the space between your teeth and gums that is known as the periodontal pocket. That will followed by xrays to see the health of the bones below the gums.

Many times, your dental health may be managed by a dentist. Gainesville residents who may have some signs of periodontal disease are normally referred to a periodontist. Trained experts who can help to prevent or to treat gum disease or who can help you to get the perfect dental implant may be a requirement for your dental health.

Patients who have signs of any kind of moderate or severe level of periodontal disease, or patients with a complicated medical history should be managed by a periodontal expert or by a partnership between the periodontist and the dentist for the best level of care.

What should I see a Periodontist for?

If your general dentist has told you that you have periodontal disease, you should see a periodontist.

If your dental hygienist has told you that you have probing depths of more than 4mm, you should see a periodontist.

If you have gum recession or sensitive teeth, you should see a periodontist.

If you have missing teeth and desire to have dental Implants, you should see a periodontist.

If you have been told you are not a candidate for dental Implants because you do not have enough bone, you should see a periodontist.  Periodontists are experts in regenerating bone and soft tissue in patients that have inadequate bone for dental implants.

If you have a gummy smile, you should see a periodontist.  Periodontists are experts in correcting gummy smiles and helping you achieve beautiful teeth and smiles.