Why A Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who treats periodontal disease. We are experts in the supporting structures of the teeth. A periodontist places emphasis on prevention. It is the periodontist’s responsibility to recognize disease, determine if it is advancing, and then stop its progression so you don’t lose your teeth.

When you were a child, did you ever get a bad scrape that became red and swollen? That was caused by bacteria that got under your skin. The area became infected and inflamed. It may have lasted for days or weeks, but eventually the inflammation went away. The inflammation disappeared when your immune system conquered the bacteria and the infection healed.

With an ongoing infection, your immune system never wins the battle; the infection keeps growing and the inflammation never goes away. Periodontal disease is an ongoing infection in the pockets around your teeth: Your immune system cannot conquer the bacteria, and without treatment, it will get worse.

What Can Cause a "Burst" of Infection Activity?

People with periodontal disease have low resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes an ongoing gum infection that grows in "bursts" of activity. Each time it grows, more support for your teeth is lost. Some factors that can cause a "burst" of activity are:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Dental plaque
• Smoking
• Genetic factors
• Stress or tension
• Diet
• Age
• Illness

Getting Periodontal Infection Treated Right Away

When you have an periodontal infection bone is actively being destroyed, it is therefore very important that you contact us without delay to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. We will be able to determine the treatment necessary to control your periodontal infection and set you on a path toward excellent oral health.

Symptoms of Periodontal Infection

Periodontal infection is usually painless until it reaches an advanced stage. However, there are some symptoms which can indicate the presence of periodontal infection.

These include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush), or at other times
• Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
• Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
• Pus between your teeth and gums when you press down on the gums
• Bad breath
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Any change in the fit of partial dentures
• Loose, separating or protruding teeth
• Spaces between teeth

If you notice any of the above warning signs of periodontal infection, please contact our office for a periodontal examination.

Important Note: Your gums can look and feel quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can still be present. To be certain about any periodontal disease, have your periodontist examine you for signs of infection.

Who is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Many periodontists have also taken advanced training in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. Periodontics is one of the eight specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.