What does a periodontist do?
A periodontist is a dental professional who specifically targets periodontal disease. Periodontists can prevent, diagnose, and treat the disease, and they can also place dental implants if you need them.
In essence, they specialize in treating the gums and roots of your teeth. While many periodontal issues can be treated by a general dentist, a periodontist is mainly dedicated to helping patients who need expert gum care.
Periodontists are able to perform several surgeries to alleviate severe pain in your gums. They are also specifically qualified to place, repair, and maintain dental implants.
What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a gum infection that typically results from bad oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth improperly or not often enough or neglecting to visit your dentist can all lead to developing periodontitis. If left untreated, it can affect your teeth, jaw bones, gums, and even lead to tooth loss. Untreated periodontitis has also been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
If you haven’t developed it yet, you should continue to visit A Plus Cosmetic Dentistry for check-ups while taking care of your teeth at home. Remember to brush at least twice a day and floss between your teeth.
What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
Periodontitis comes with many symptoms, so you should watch out for them in order to catch it early and seek help. Symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Swollen gums
- Tender or painful gums
- Loose adult teeth
- Bad breath
- Painful chewing
- Bright red or purple color in gums
- Receding gums
- Gums that are bloody or have puss
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you may have periodontitis or be at risk of developing it. You should visit A Plus Cosmetic Dentistry for a diagnosis.
Are there different types of periodontitis?
There are several different types of periodontitis, and a proper diagnosis can lead to a more successful recovery. Periodontitis typically worsens over time when left untreated, so it is important to catch it early and visit the team at A Plus Cosmetic Dentistry for help. The three most common types of periodontitis are:
Chronic periodontitis
Chronic periodontitis is extremely common and is caused by plaque buildup. Over time, unchecked chronic periodontitis can eat away at your teeth and gums and eventually cause you to lose your teeth.
Aggressive periodontitis
Only a small number of people are genetically predisposed to developing aggressive periodontitis. The disease progresses quickly and can cause you to lose your teeth rapidly if left unchecked. Taking care of your teeth and visiting the dentist regularly can prevent the onset of aggressive periodontitis, even if you are genetically predisposed.
Necrotizing periodontal disease
Necrotizing periodontal disease is caused by severe malnutrition or problems with your immune system, leading to the death of tissue in your gums. If you are being treated for cancer or if you have an HIV-related infection, you may be at risk of necrotizing periodontal disease.
To learn more about treating gum disease, book an appointment online or over the phone with A Plus Cosmetic Dentistry today.
