How to Choose a Periodontist

Although a general dentist is typically able to address common oral health issues, such as the need for a cavity being filled, a root canal, and/or non-surgical interventions, oral health issue affecting the periodontium are best treated by a periodontist. Oftentimes when periodontal care is necessary, your regular dentist will provide you with a recommendation of a trusted local clinic or individual. If you have a good, trusting relationship with your general dentist, there is a good chance that whoever they recommend will also be a good fit to meet your specific oral health needs. All the same, it is important that you feel confident with the person providing care to you and/or your family.

If you do have periodontal disease and/or require periodontal support, there are several important things to keep in mind to determine which periodontist is the best fit for you, including the following:

• Geographic proximity: Is the office located close to where you live, work, or socialize?
• Qualifications of staff: Where did the periodontist receive their degree and how long have they been in practice? Are they board certified? If so, how recently have they been certified?
• Treatment philosophy: Every periodontist will have a slightly different philosophy when it comes to treatment. Some periodontists are inclined to suggest surgical intervention to immediately address and correct the issue, whereas others focus on non-surgical approaches and making lifestyle changes to slowly correct the issue. Either approach is valid, but it is important that you are aware of and feel confident in their approach to providing you with care.
• Cost, insurance, and financing options: Concerns over the financial burden of periodontal treatment are extremely common. Patients who have dental insurance may find that a significant portion of their treatment costs are covered, although this is less likely for cosmetic procedures. Every clinic has slightly different methods for handling payment, what types of insurance companies they work with, and options for financing. Before scheduling any major periodontal procedures, have a discussion and/or research the clinics policies to ensure you are receiving care in a manner that does not cause undue financial hardship. If financial concerns are preventing you from seeking the treatment you need to maintain your oral health, discuss these issues with your periodontist, who can provide additional suggestions to ensure you receive the treatment you need.
• Available treatments; While most clinics offer the same basic services, there are certain procedures that may or may not be offered, such as Pinhole Surgical Technique or Wilckodontics, as well as cosmetic procedures, such as LANAP or laser gum depigmentation. Some clinics also specialize in certain types of procedures, such as dental implants or cosmetic procedures. Ask your periodontist candidly what their level of expertise, familiarity, and comfort is when performing the type of procedure you require.
• Available sedation levels: Although many periodontal procedures can be performed without the use of dental sedation, it is important to know what types of sedation are available and whether they are certified to administer IV sedation.
• Clinic amenities: In addition to making sure you are receiving care from a proficient periodontist who understands and aligns with your treatment goals, it is also important that you feel comfortable in the space where you will receive care. This includes a relaxed décor and calm environment, and staff that are courteous and make you feel confident that you are receiving optimal care tailored to your unique needs.

How Do I Know if I Need Periodontal Care?

Periodontal disease may not present itself in the earliest stages, but if left untreated, will continue to progress in severity, at which point more obvious symptoms will develop. The following are some of the most common indications that periodontal disease has developed:

• Tender or swollen gums
• Deep pockets that have formed between your teeth and gums
• Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
• Mouth pain with no clear source
• Gum recession
• Pus forming between the gums and teeth
• Pain while eating (typically due to an infection that has developed around the root of the tooth)
• Mouth sores
• Chronic bad breath
• Sensitivity to extreme temperatures
• Teeth that have become loose
• Teeth fall out
• Change in your bite or the fit of your dentures

Your First Periodontal Appointment

Once you have scheduled an appointment for your first periodontal visit, be sure to bring along a list of your current medications, your dental insurance information, and if applicable, a referral form and/or relevant X-rays.

While every patient will have a slightly different experience, your first periodontal appointment will typically begin with a review of your dental and medical history. Next, they will examine your jaw joints, neck, and head, the structures in your throat and mouth and your gums and teeth. They will also use a special probe to measure the depth of the pockets of your gums. Healthy gums should have a depth of 3 mm or less, whereas patients who have developed periodontal disease will have pockets that are deeper than this. If necessary, an X-Ray may also be taken to inform possible treatment options.

Once this information has been collected and the examination is complete, a diagnosis will be made and a treatment plan that is informed by your medical history and current periodontal health will be developed. Your periodontist will explain the underlying cause of whatever issue you may have, what treatment options are available, what treatment approach they recommend, and an overview of what to expect during the recommended treatments. They will then ask if you have any questions, and once these have been answered and a treatment plan has been developed and agreed upon, your first visit will be complete and a follow-up appointment can be scheduled.

If after your first appointment you are confident that your periodontist understands your needs and preferences, and you have a clear understanding of what treatment options are recommended and why, then you have likely found a periodontist who is a good fit for you. If you do not feel comfortable with the treatment plan, or are dissatisfied with the overall experience at the clinic, it is perfectly reasonable to seek care at another clinic or with another periodontist. When taking care of your oral health, it is important that you feel you are in good hands and receiving the type of care that you deserve.

Available Treatment Options and Areas of Expertise

In addition to finding a periodontist whom you trust, it is also important to choose a periodontist who can provide you with the treatment support that you require. Before you decide which periodontist is right for you, review their website or contact their clinic to determine what type of procedures are available and if their clinic specializes in any particular type of procedure.

For example, some periodontal clinics may emphasize the important of non-surgical procedures, such as scaling and root planning or frequent periodontal maintenance, whereas other clinics may emphasize surgical intervention, such as pocket reduction, gum regeneration, and/or gum lifts. There are also certain specialized procedures that certain clinics may or may not offer, such as Pinhole Surgical Technique or Wilckodontics, as well as different dental implant types, such as All-on-4 or Teeth-in-a-Day. Additionally, some clinics may specialize in providing cosmetic procedures, such as ridge augmentation, gingival sculpting, soft tissue grafting, and/or laser gum depigmentation.

These are all important areas of support, but to ensure you receive the care you need, take time to identify what your priorities and preferences are when it comes to treatment options and align yourself with a periodontist and/or clinic that meets those priorities and preferences.

More on Periodontists : First Visit to a periodontist