What Is a Periodontist?

“A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks.” But, how can you smile when you have a gum problem or other dental concerns? The only way to fix this is to schedule an appointment with a periodontist in Boca Raton. 

Sometimes referred to as the periodontium, periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the gums and other tooth-supporting tissues.  While every general dentist is trained to diagnose and treat minor periodontal disease (gum disease), more complex or severe cases are referred to a periodontist, who has extra training and experience in periodontics treatments. 

Everything You Need to Know About a Periodontist 

What’s a Periodontist? 

Periodontists are dental professionals who specialize in the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of dental implant problems and gum diseases. They undergo an additional three years of study and training after earning the essential dentistry degree. This training allows them to detect underlying issues and provide a variety of successful treatments, especially when the dental problem is complex.  

What Is Periodontitis? 

Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease, is when the gum tissue surrounding your teeth becomes inflamed. An accumulation of bacteria that hardens into plaque and tartar causes this condition. Such collection leads to gum inflammation, bleeding, and poor breath over time. And, this dental disease can progress and jeopardize the structural integrity of your teeth if left untreated. 

What Periodontists Do When You Have Gum Disease 

Treatment for minor to moderate periodontitis begins with less invasive, non-surgical treatments, including scaling and root planing. This treatment involves the use of specialized hand tools to deep-clean tooth surfaces below the gum line.  

More invasive gum surgery may be required to repair loose “pockets” if gum disease has progressed so that gum tissue no longer supports your teeth. Your periodontist will open a small flap in the gums and remove the affected tissue to allow the healthier gum tissue to naturally reconnect to the teeth during a pocket reduction operation.  

Advanced periodontal disease can severely damage supporting tissues and erode your jaw bone, leading to tooth loss if left unchecked. Regenerative techniques, including treatments that promote tissue growth, gum grafts, and bone grafts may be performed to reverse the damage caused by the gum infection or inflammation. 

Procedures Performed by Periodontists 

Although periodontists primarily specialize in gum disease treatments, they also offer several procedures such as: 

• Dental Implant Surgery – An implant is an artificial tooth root inserted in the place of a missing tooth. This surgery aims to replace damaged, decayed, or missing teeth with a durable, natural-looking prosthetic tooth. 

• Crown Lengthening Surgery – To remove the appearance of a “gummy” smile and establish a healthy space between the bone, gums, and teeth, excess gum and perhaps bone tissue is reshaped. 

• Gum Graft Surgery – Covers exposed roots to protect teeth from decay, reduce sensitivity, address receding gums, and maybe prevent further recession. 

Why You Need to See a Periodontist in Boca Raton 

The keys to maintaining good dental health include regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to a general dentist for complete cleaning and exam. However, it only takes a small amount of unremoved plaque and tartar to cause gum disease. Once this disease advances to a complex or complicated condition, you will definitely need the help of a periodontist. 

At 5th Ave Dental, we offer exceptional treatments that are worth your time and money. Call our office today to learn more!