What Is a Periodontist?

In addition to requiring the same level of education as general dentists, certified washington dc periodontists undergo additional schooling dedicated to identifying and treating issues related to the periodontium. Periodontists can provide a range of treatments, including preventative treatment (regular periodontal maintenance), treatments that will halt and reverse periodontal disease (scaling and root planning, LANAP), cosmetic procedures (gum contouring, laser gum depigmentation), and corrective surgical procedures (dental implants, All-on-4).

Although every patient will have a slightly different experience, your first periodontal appointment will typically begin with a review of your dental and medical history so your periodontist can create a personalized treatment plan designed to address your unique needs. Next, they will examine your jaw joints, neck, and head, the structures in your throat and mouth and your gums and teeth. If necessary, an X-Ray may be taken to inform possible treatment options. If it is determined that periodontal disease is present, a follow-up procedure will be scheduled to correct the underlying cause; otherwise, your appointment will conclude with a professional cleaning, after which a follow-up appointment can be scheduled for regular maintenance, which is generally recommended every six months.

Treatment Philosophies

When selecting a periodontist, it is important to understand that every periodontist has slightly different treatment philosophies. Some periodontists believe that it is best to take a conservative approach when fighting periodontal disease and avoid surgery at all costs, whereas others tend to take a proactive approach, and view surgical treatment as an effective method to address and correct the issue as soon as possible. Both are reasonable approaches, but it is important that you communicate which approach you prefer, and that your periodontist is able to explain what treatment option they feel is right for you and why.

Ongoing Maintenance

In addition to helping correct specific periodontal issues, your periodontist will also create a maintenance program designed to address your unique needs. This treatment plan may involve specific at home self-care practices, as well as regular periodontal maintenance. Regular periodontal maintenance is typically recommended every six months, but patients who have developed periodontal disease or are at an increased of doing so may need to schedule appointments with greater regularity.

Additional Treatments Provided by Periodontists

Procedures commonly performed by periodontists include the following:

• Dental Implants
• Bone Grafting
• Sinus Lift
• Implant Replacement
• Crown Lengthening
• Gum Contouring
• Cosmetic Treatment
• Regenerative Procedures

How Do I Know if I Need to See a Periodontist?

Many patients are referred to a periodontist by their regular dentist, who identify issues during a regular examination, but it is important to be aware of warning signs that may indicate that you have developed periodontal disease. If you have experienced or are experiencing any of the following, schedule an appointment with a periodontist today.

• Gums are tender and/or swollen
• Receded gums
• Gums bleed easily while brushing or flossing
• Loose teeth
• Mouth pain
• Mouth sores
• Pus between the gums and teeth
• Change in bite or fit of dentures
• Halitosis

If you are experiencing these symptoms but do not have a regular periodontist, contact your dentist for an examination, or ask if they have a periodontist they can recommend.

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