What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a specialist in the field of dentistry who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. Periodontists treat gum disease by identifying and cleaning the root of the tooth, removing plaque and tartar from around the teeth, and by providing patient education on oral hygiene.
What are the Different Types of Gum Problems Periodontists Can Help With?
There are many different types of gum problems, and periodontists can help relieve them all. Here are the four most common types of gum problems and how a periodontist can help::
- Gingivitis or gum disease- This is an inflammation of the gums caused by a combination of bacteria, plaque, and poor oral hygiene habits. In severe cases, gingivitis can lead to tooth loss.
- Periodontal pocket- This is a space between the teeth and gums that can become filled with plaque and bacteria. If it becomes too large, it can affect the underlying bone and cause tooth loss or other oral health problems.
- TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder- this is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the jaw muscles and surrounding joints. It's usually caused by stress or overuse, but it can also be related to certain dental conditions like periodontal disease.
- Surgical treatment- If gum problems don't improve with medication or conservative treatments, a periodontist may need to perform surgery to remove the problem area or clean and treat the teeth and gums properly
How Do Periodontists Help Relieve Gum Problems?
Periodontists are dental professionals who specialize in the treatment of gum disease and other oral health issues. They use a variety of methods to treat gum problems, including periodontal therapy (periodontal cleaning and restoration), implant surgery, and tooth extraction. Periodontal therapy is a highly effective way to treat gum problems and can help improve your oral health overall.
Types of Gum Problems
There are a variety of gum problems that can plague people, and dentists often have to treat them. Periodontists help relieve these problems by treating the gums and surrounding tissues.
Inflammatory gum diseases, such as periodontal disease, are caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria produce an inflammatory agent called lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which triggers the body's immune system to attack the surrounding tissues.
Treatment for inflammatory gum diseases typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria and tooth removal or scaling to reduce inflammation. If left untreated, inflammatory gum diseases can lead to tooth loss and chronic pain.
Bacterial gum diseases are caused by an overgrowth of specific types of bacteria. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria and tooth removal or scaling to reduce inflammation. If left untreated, bacterial gum diseases can lead to tooth loss and abscesses in the jawbone (osteomyelitis).
How Often Should I Visit a Periodontist?
There is no one definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of your gum disease and other medical conditions you may have. But generally speaking, you should visit a periodontist at least every six months if you have moderate to severe gum disease, and every year if you have mild gum disease.
If you have healthy teeth and gums, you may only need to visit a periodontist every few years.
Periodontal care is a combination of prevention strategies, such as regular brushing and flossing, along with treatment for gum disease when it develops. Treatment options may include scaling and root planing (to remove plaque and calculus), antibiotics (if your infection is serious), or surgery (to remove diseased tooth or bone).
If you have poor oral hygiene or diabetes, Periodontal care may be more challenging for you to achieve. In these cases, your doctor may recommend special treatments or a referral to a specialist.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
To prevent gum disease, use B. Weiss water flosser. This device uses a high-pressure stream of water to remove plaque and bacteria from between teeth. It is easier and faster than brushing and flossing. Plus, it is more effective in removing plaque.
Conclusion
Periodontists are specialists in the field of oral health. They work to prevent and treat diseases, infections, and other problems that can affect the gums and teeth. Gum disease is one such problem, and it is a big contributor to tooth loss. Periodontists may recommend treatments such as periodontal flossing, antibiotics, or even surgery to help relieve gum problems. If you are experiencing gum pain or have trouble chewing because of bad dental hygiene, it is important to see a periodontist for advice on how to improve your dental care.
Disclaimer:
The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen. The author and publisher do not take responsibility for any consequences resulting from the information provided in this article.