Periodontist Frequently Asked Questions

Most everyone has a general understanding of what is involved in going to the dentist, but are unaware or uncertain of what services an alexandria periodontist provides, when periodontal care is needed, and what causes periodontal issues to develop. To help answer these questions and provide you with insight into the field of periodontology and steps you can take to improve and maintain your periodontal health, please refer to the following:

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease develops when gums become infected due to prolonged buildup of plaque, which over time, hardens and turns into calculus. If left untreated, this calculus begins to cause the pockets in your gums to deepen, which creates more room for bacteria to accumulate. Over time, this bacteria begins to wear away at your gums, causing them to recede, which in turn weakens the structural support of your teeth, eventually resulting in significant oral health issues developing, such as teeth becoming loosened or falling out, a change in your natural bite, and/or the deterioration of your jawbone. Once the jawbone has deteriorated past a certain point, it will no longer be able to support a dental implant.

Periodontal disease is categorized by three levels of severity. At the earliest stage (gingivitis), symptoms are relatively minor, and most commonly present as gums that bleed easily, slightly recessed gums, and/or chronic halitosis. This stage of the disease can generally be corrected by making changes in lifestyle habits, scheduling an appointment for a deep cleaning or scaling and root planning procedure, and regular periodontal maintenance (at least every six months).

If these interventions are not taken, gingivitis will progress to periodontitis. At this stage, pockets will continue to deepen and symptoms will increase in severity, such as significant gum recession, loosened teeth, and a change in your bite. Treatment options at this stage typically involve a scaling and root planning procedure or LANAP, as well as a gum graft or Pinhole Surgical Technique to correct recessed gums.

If periodontal disease is not treated at this stage, it will progress to advanced periodontitis, which can result in the loss of a tooth or teeth, severely recessed gums, and jawbone deterioration. At this stage of the disease, significant intervention and surgical treatment will be necessary. Treatment options will vary depending on individual need, but may include a dental bone graft, dental implants, All-on-4 Dental Implants, and more frequent periodontal maintenance.

How do I know if I have periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease may not be evident in the earliest stages, which is why it is so important to schedule regular dental or periodontal maintenance, as doing so will ensure that the disease is caught and treated early. If you notice any of the following symptoms, this may be an indication that you have periodontal disease.

  • 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 that have fallen out
  • Change in your bite or the fit of your dentures

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your periodontist as soon as possible. If gum disease is treated early enough, there is a much better chance of reversing the issue and preventing unnecessary damage from occurring.

What are the differences between periodontists and dentists?

Like dentists, periodontists must complete an undergraduate degree and a doctoral degree in dental surgery or dentistry. Licensed periodontists must also complete additional specialized training that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of issues related to the periodontium. General dentists are typically the best option for patients who require general dental support, such as fillings, dental crowns or bridges, pediatric care, and other common oral health needs. Patients who have developed gum disease and/or require dental implants will benefit from receiving specialized care from a periodontist.

How can I prevent periodontal disease?

Everyone is at some risk of developing periodontal disease, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, and even reverse periodontal disease in the early stages. The most effective method for preventing periodontal disease is to practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth twice daily and avoid sugary beverages and/or foods that are sugary or starchy. Patients who are at an increased risk of periodontal disease should also rinse their mouth with water after every meal and schedule appointments for periodontal maintenance every three or four months, instead of the traditional recommended six months.

How often do I need to have periodontal maintenance?

How soon you need to schedule a follow-up appointment will be determined by your treatment plan and whether surgical procedures are required, such as a tooth extraction, dental implant, gum contouring, crown lengthening, etc. Frequency of periodontal maintenance will also depend on the severity of your case, your susceptibility for developing periodontal disease, and the level of self-care you practice at home. Patients who have good general oral health may only need to schedule periodontal maintenance every six months, whereas patients who are more susceptible to periodontal disease, or who are in the early stages of treatment may need to schedule periodontal maintenance every three or four months until the disease is corrected.

Additional factors that will impact the recommended frequency of visits include your commitment to at-home self-care and lifestyle habits, such as the type of foods and beverages you consume on a regular basis and/or use of tobacco products. To reduce the frequency of periodontal maintenance, practice good self-care, eat a healthy diet, and avoid use of tobacco.

Do I still need to see my general dentist if I see a periodontist?

The best way to optimize your oral health and prevent periodontal disease and other issues from developing is to continue being seen by your general dentist as well as your periodontist. By sharing your case history and providing specialized support, you can be confident that you are receiving comprehensive support designed to meet your unique needs.

Can children develop periodontal disease?

Although it is uncommon for children to develop periodontal disease, it is recommended that pregnant mothers schedule a routine dental examination and cleaning to reduce the risk of periodontal bacteria spreading to their child. It is also important to ensure that your children practice good oral hygiene habits and are seen regularly by a dentist. By establishing good habits at an early age, your child will be much more likely to continue these habits into adulthood, when their risk of developing periodontal disease increases. If you do notice common symptoms of periodontal disease in your child (bleeding gums, chronic halitosis, extreme sensitivity), schedule an appointment for an evaluation with your dentist or periodontist to determine the underlying issue.

How do I find a periodontist and what should I look for to make sure they are the right fit for me?

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 it is determined that 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, which include 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: 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.
  • 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 or not they are certified to administer IV sedation.
  • Clinic amenities: Along with making sure you are receiving care from a qualified 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.

Do periodontists perform cosmetic procedures? If so, what type of procedures do they do?

Periodontists are primarily focused on identifying and addressing underlying health issues that affect the periodontium; however, many of these issues can result in the cosmetic appearance of a patient’s smile becoming negatively impacted, such as when gums recede or teeth become discolored. There are several periodontal treatment options that can correct these issues, including teeth whitening, gum contouring, gum grafting, and Pinhole Surgical Technique. Additional cosmetic procedures that may be offered include porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and laser gum depigmentation.

Can periodontists fix missing teeth?

Yes. Periodontists can provide a range of treatment options for patients who are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, including dental implants, implant supported dentures, All-on-4 dental implants, and Teeth-in-a-Day. Although having missing teeth can have a negative impact on the cosmetic appearance of your smile, failure to correct missing teeth can also place individuals at an increased risk of developing other oral and physical issues, depending on the location of the missing tooth or teeth. Common consequences of not correcting missing teeth include increased risk of developing periodontal disease, shifting teeth, jawbone deterioration, and facial sagging.

What options do I have if I can’t afford periodontal treatment?

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.  Patients who do not have dental insurance may consider enrolling in a dental plan or explore financing options, which are offered at many periodontal clinics. 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.

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