Gum care is an important component of oral care. When gum problems arise, patients can often benefit from seeing a periodontist for advanced gum care. These dental providers diagnose and treat issues with the gums, delivering targeted care to preserve oral health and prevent further complications. Understanding the role of a periodontist and recognizing when to seek advanced gum care can help you keep your smile healthy for years to come.
A periodontist is a dental provider who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease (periodontitis) and other conditions affecting the soft tissues and supporting structures of the teeth. They receive additional training beyond general dentistry, equipping them to manage complex gum-related issues and perform advanced surgical procedures, such as gum grafts and dental implant placement. Their work involves restoring gum health, halting the progression of disease, and ensuring the longevity of the teeth and surrounding structures.
There are many types of gum problems that could indicate the need for advanced gum care. Some are symptoms of gum disease, which can lead to other oral health problems like tooth loss if ignored. Here are five signs to see a periodontist for specialized gum treatments:
Gum irritation — such as redness, swelling, or tenderness — is often an early sign of gum disease. Persistent gum inflammation, in particular, may indicate early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) or periodontitis if the condition has advanced. This inflammation results from plaque and tartar buildup, which harbor bacteria that irritate the gums. Periodontists can remove the bacteria causing the inflammation and the pain accompanying it.
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back and exposes more of the teeth than is healthy. This condition can result from aggressive brushing, gum disease, or other factors. Periodontists can address gum recession through various procedures, such as gum grafting, which involves using tissue from another area of the mouth to rebuild the gums.
Exposed tooth roots from gum recession can lead to heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. Often, tooth sensitivity is a sign of underlying gum issues that require professional care. Periodontists can assess the cause of sensitivity and recommend treatments such as desensitizing agents, protective coatings, or procedures to cover exposed roots.
Loose teeth may indicate advanced gum disease, where the supporting structures, including the gums and jawbone, have been compromised. The bacteria associated with periodontitis break down these structures, leading to instability in the affected teeth. Early intervention from a periodontist can prevent tooth loss and preserve the natural smile.
It is normal to have bad breath every now and then. However, gum disease may be at play when nothing seems to freshen one’s breath. Periodontists can address the source of chronic bad breath (halitosis) with deep cleanings and other advanced procedures to remove bacteria and restore fresh breath.
Periodontists offer various advanced gum treatments to address gum disease and related conditions. These procedures target the root cause of each issue to help restore oral health effectively.
Often, the first approach will be scaling and root planing, a deep dental cleaning that removes plaque and tartar below the gum line and smooths the roots of the teeth. This treatment helps to prevent further bacterial growth and encourages the gums to reattach to the teeth’ roots.
If the issue has spread too far beneath the gums, flap surgery may be necessary. In this advanced technique, the periodontist makes small incisions in the gums to lift them away from the roots, removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cannot be reached with non-surgical treatments. Flap surgery helps reduce gum inflammation, promotes healing, and reattaches the gums to the teeth.
Sometimes, the issue is a loss of gum tissue, such as with receding gums. In these cases, a periodontist may perform gum grafting to rebuild the gum line and protect exposed tooth roots. This procedure has the added benefit of enhancing the appearance of the smile. Similarly, the periodontist may perform bone grafting to rebuild parts of the jawbone lost to periodontitis.
Finally, many periodontists can also perform dental implant surgery for patients who have lost teeth due to gum disease. Implants provide a durable, natural-looking solution that restores function and prevents further bone loss.
If you have been dealing with gum problems, it is best to consult a periodontist so that you can get to the root of the problem. Getting prompt treatment can result in faster pain relief and better oral health outcomes. Contact Novel Smiles today to get started with an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.novelsmiles.com or call Novel Smiles at (703) 942-8882 for an appointment in our McLean office.
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