A periodontist is a dentist that specializes in treating the gums, and the areas that surround the teeth, as well as the roots and underlying bone below. Good periodontic health is a crucial part of maintaining good oral health, since unhealthy gums can lead to serious dental problems such as tooth loss, and even more serious issues that can affect the bone structure of your jaw. But what exactly is periodontal disease, and how do you know when you need to see a periodontist?
Periodontal disease is a condition that affects the health of the gums. It is characterized by inflammation that, over time, can cause serious damage to the gums and can also lead to or exacerbate other serious health issues such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as diabetes. It can even cause complications during pregnancy. Having medical issues can also lead to or exacerbate periodontal disease.
Since there is such a connection between periodontal disease and other possible medical issues, as well as the fact that periodontal disease can lead to serious oral health problems such as tooth loss or deterioration of bone, it is imperative that you see a periodontist if you think there is any chance at all that you have periodontal disease or even if you think you might be at risk of having periodontal problems in the future.
In fact, the best way to improve issues that exist due to periodontal disease is to prevent problems from arising in the first place, or at least to stop any issues from progressing once they are identified. The sooner you can see a periodontist to start treating your gums, the better, so that you don’t suffer the long-term and potentially serious consequences that can arise from more advanced conditions.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, you should visit a periodontist as soon as possible. By doing so, you can begin on the road to improving the health of your gums and warding off any problems that can arise from worsening gum disease. A periodontist will perform procedures as needed, such as scaling and planing, and will provide more effective techniques for keeping teeth and gums clean and healthy than your regular dentist may be able to do. If needed, periodontists can also perform more invasive treatments, including surgery if warranted, to help maintain and restore gum health.
So, what are some of the signs that you need to see a periodontist? Most often, a dentist will refer a patient to a periodontist because they recognize that the patient has unhealthy gums, such as gingivitis or periodontal disease. Signs and symptoms that may be apparent include swollen gums, receding gums, gums that are red or that bleed when brushing, gums that hurt, and teeth that may feel loose because surrounding gums are beginning to pull away. Persistent bad breath that does not get better with regular brushing may also be a sign of periodontal issues.
If you exhibit any signs of gum disease, or if your dentist recommends that you are at risk of periodontal disease or sees signs that gum issues have begun, don’t delay in seeing a periodontist. Doing so can improve your oral health, can safeguard your overall health against negative impacts from gum disease, and can be the key to saving your gums, your teeth and the underlying bone in your jaw.
For more information about periodontal disease in Queens, NY contact Park Dental Care at 718-274-1515.
