Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who is a specialist in the treatment of diseases and deformities of the gums. These conditions include: periodontitis (a.k.a. gum disease, pyorrhea), gingivitis, gum recessions, and “gummy” smiles, among others. Periodontists also have extensive training in the placement of dental implants as well as the treatment of medical disorders affecting the mouth (stomatology).
What Education Does a Periodontist Have?
Before being eligible to attend their periodontal residency, all Periodontists must have a degree in Dentistry (DDS or DMD). A DDS or DMD degree denotes a general education in all areas of dentistry. This includes fillings, crowns, dentures, etc., so that a Periodontist is familiar with all areas of general dental care.
In order to become a Specialist in Periodontics, a Periodontist must have completed three years of specialty education at an American Dental Association-approved graduate / residency program. Periodontal residency programs teach residents advanced treatment of the gums, oral medicine, and the placement of dental implants.
Only a doctor who has satisfactorily completed this rigorous training can call himself or herself a Periodontist and be recognized as a Specialist in Periodontology.
When Should You See a Periodontist?
Usually, it is your general or family dentist who will determine that you need the care of a Periodontist and refer you to the specialist of their choice. However, you should be aware of common signs of gum problems as well as other conditions that a Periodontist can treat for you:
As noted above, Periodontists treat many conditions. A Periodontist will first perform a very thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and oral structures to determine what treatment is necessary and appropriate.
If diagnosed with periodontitis (a.k.a. periodontal disease, gum disease, pyorrhea), the treatment will focus on removing the harmful plaque and tartar that is putting the health of your gums and the longevity of your teeth in danger. In some instances a simple cleaning and instructions on how to clean your teeth will be all that is necessary. If there has been destruction of the tissues that support your teeth and pockets have formed, then treatments that are more extensive may be necessary. These may include non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing (a.k.a. “deep” cleanings; smoothing of the root surfaces) or occlusal adjustments (correcting your bite).
If the bone supporting the teeth has been damaged, surgical treatment may be recommended. Surgery can take the form of a minor reshaping of the supporting bone or regeneration of lost bone. The specialty of Periodontics increasingly treats bone loss by the regeneration (re-growth) of the bone. In most cases, there are several possible ways to treat the various types of periodontal disease. A Periodontist is trained in the available methods for treating damage to the gums and can help you make a decision about what is the best treatment for you.
Sometimes there are defects or imperfections in the gums that keep patients from having the smile they always wanted. These include: an uneven gum line due to “short” teeth or receded gums; insufficient clinical crown height (often referred to as a “gummy” smile); lost or collapsed gums due to extracted or missing teeth, “black holes” between teeth, bridges, or implants; and sensitive teeth due to gum recession. Cosmetic gum surgery techniques (a.k.a. Periodontal Plastic Surgery) can help correct these imperfections – the results can often be dramatic as shown by the photos below. Click on the thumbnails to view a larger image.
The Southwest Society of Periodontists presents cutting-edge continuing dental education so that its members are familiar with the latest methods available for the treatment of periodontal disease, cosmetic gum surgery, and dental implants. If you have any questions regarding these conditions and/or treatment, please call one of our members to arrange a consultation appointment.
Members of the Southwest Society of Periodontists are available to you for the evaluation of your teeth and gums. They are all fully trained and recognized specialists in treatment of gum disease and the placement of implants.
Need a Periodontist? Visit the American Dental Association’s web site to find a Periodontist near you. Read the disclaimer, then enter your location and desired specialty (Periodontics). Just follow the link!
For more information follow this link.
What Education Does a Periodontist Have?
Before being eligible to attend their periodontal residency, all Periodontists must have a degree in Dentistry (DDS or DMD). A DDS or DMD degree denotes a general education in all areas of dentistry. This includes fillings, crowns, dentures, etc., so that a Periodontist is familiar with all areas of general dental care.
In order to become a Specialist in Periodontics, a Periodontist must have completed three years of specialty education at an American Dental Association-approved graduate / residency program. Periodontal residency programs teach residents advanced treatment of the gums, oral medicine, and the placement of dental implants.
Only a doctor who has satisfactorily completed this rigorous training can call himself or herself a Periodontist and be recognized as a Specialist in Periodontology.
When Should You See a Periodontist?
Usually, it is your general or family dentist who will determine that you need the care of a Periodontist and refer you to the specialist of their choice. However, you should be aware of common signs of gum problems as well as other conditions that a Periodontist can treat for you:
- If you have any of the common signs of periodontal disease, such as bad breath, bleeding when you brush or floss, a bad taste in your mouth, or loose teeth.
- If you have missing teeth and you would like to find out if dental implants are appropriate for you. They can be an long-lasting, esthetic alternative to partials or bridges.
- If you are not happy with your smile and think that the condition or appearance of your gums may be a significant reason for that (i.e. gum recession or a “gummy” smile).
- If periodontal treatment has been recommended for you but you would like to have a second opinion by a specialist.
As noted above, Periodontists treat many conditions. A Periodontist will first perform a very thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and oral structures to determine what treatment is necessary and appropriate.
If diagnosed with periodontitis (a.k.a. periodontal disease, gum disease, pyorrhea), the treatment will focus on removing the harmful plaque and tartar that is putting the health of your gums and the longevity of your teeth in danger. In some instances a simple cleaning and instructions on how to clean your teeth will be all that is necessary. If there has been destruction of the tissues that support your teeth and pockets have formed, then treatments that are more extensive may be necessary. These may include non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing (a.k.a. “deep” cleanings; smoothing of the root surfaces) or occlusal adjustments (correcting your bite).
If the bone supporting the teeth has been damaged, surgical treatment may be recommended. Surgery can take the form of a minor reshaping of the supporting bone or regeneration of lost bone. The specialty of Periodontics increasingly treats bone loss by the regeneration (re-growth) of the bone. In most cases, there are several possible ways to treat the various types of periodontal disease. A Periodontist is trained in the available methods for treating damage to the gums and can help you make a decision about what is the best treatment for you.
Sometimes there are defects or imperfections in the gums that keep patients from having the smile they always wanted. These include: an uneven gum line due to “short” teeth or receded gums; insufficient clinical crown height (often referred to as a “gummy” smile); lost or collapsed gums due to extracted or missing teeth, “black holes” between teeth, bridges, or implants; and sensitive teeth due to gum recession. Cosmetic gum surgery techniques (a.k.a. Periodontal Plastic Surgery) can help correct these imperfections – the results can often be dramatic as shown by the photos below. Click on the thumbnails to view a larger image.
The Southwest Society of Periodontists presents cutting-edge continuing dental education so that its members are familiar with the latest methods available for the treatment of periodontal disease, cosmetic gum surgery, and dental implants. If you have any questions regarding these conditions and/or treatment, please call one of our members to arrange a consultation appointment.
Members of the Southwest Society of Periodontists are available to you for the evaluation of your teeth and gums. They are all fully trained and recognized specialists in treatment of gum disease and the placement of implants.
Need a Periodontist? Visit the American Dental Association’s web site to find a Periodontist near you. Read the disclaimer, then enter your location and desired specialty (Periodontics). Just follow the link!
For more information follow this link.