What Conditions Do Periodontists Treat?
Once they leave dental school, periodontists train for an additional three years. This additional training gives periodontists the skills and knowledge to specialize in treating issues that affect gum tissue and the underlying bone tissue.
A periodontist specializes in treating the following conditions.
Gum disease
When a patient suffers from gum disease, which occurs when oral bacteria attack the gum tissue and underlying bone, a periodontist is the professional to see. You can recover from mild gum disease with adjustments in your oral health practices. But you'll need the help of a periodontist to cure severe gum disease.
One of the main ways a periodontist can treat gum disease is by removing bacteria from beneath your gum tissue via root scaling and planing.
Gum recession
Gum recession is a symptom of gum disease. Once gums recede, they don't return to their former positions. Once a periodontist has dealt with the gum disease, they can perform gum surgery to restore the gums to their former state. To do that, they will remove some tissue from elsewhere in the mouth.
Unattractive gums
If you simply aren't happy with the way your gums look, then a periodontist can change your gum position so that they appear more attractive. For instance, if you have a gummy smile, a periodontist can raise your gum tissue so that more of your teeth show and less of your gum tissue shows when you smile.
Bone loss
Bone loss occurs in the months following tooth loss. Bone loss also occurs as a result of gum disease, as oral bacteria attack both the gum tissue and the underlying jawbone. Periodontists can restore the shape of your face by performing bone grafts to restore lost jawbone. They also use bone grafts to prepare jawbones for dental implants.
Missing or loose teeth
When you want to replace a tooth with a dental implant, then you need the help of a periodontist. Periodontists excel at placing dental implants. And because they specialize in gum and bone tissue treatments, they can ensure your mouth is fully prepared for dental implant surgery.
Even if you have gum disease, a periodontist can first treat your gum disease and then place bone grafts and dental implants to restore your smile and your confidence.
If you are suffering from any of these conditions, seek out a periodontist near you. With their help, you can restore damaged gum or bone tissue, or simply improve the appearance of your gums.
Share
