What Do Periodontists Do for Patients?

Healthy gums and healthy teeth go hand in hand. Unhealthy teeth and gums not only affect your dental health but also affect your overall health. As per a CDC report, about 47.2% of people above 30 in the United States suffer from periodontal disease. If the supporting structure of your teeth is affected, periodontists are the most appropriate dental specialists you can consult.

Visit Dr. Natalia Silva, DDS, at Ideal Smiles of Stamford for specialized dental treatments in Stamford, Connecticut.

What Does a Periodontist Do?

Periodontal disease aka gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. A periodontist is a dentist specializing in the soft tissues of your mouth that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases. 

When to See a Periodontist?

Visiting a periodontist may be required when your gums become inflamed or infected. If your general dentist believes that your oral health issues require specialized care they may refer you to a periodontist.

Below are some conditions that may require a visit to a periodontist:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Sores in the mouth
• Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums 
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth
• Pus between the gum and teeth
• Bad breath

Periodontal Treatments

Surgical Treatments

If you have advanced periodontal disease, you may require dental surgery treatments such as:

• Bone Grafting: Bone grafting is performed when periodontal disease destroys the bone around the tooth root. This helps prevent tooth loss by holding the tooth in place.
• Flap Surgery:This procedure restores the bone destroyed by bacteria. In this surgery, a small piece of biocompatible fabric is placed between the existing bone and tooth, allowing the bone to grow back fully.
• Soft Tissue Grafts: Damaged gum tissue causes your gum line to recede. It may be necessary to reinforce some of the damaged soft tissue using a graft. This helps reduce further gum recession, giving your smile a more pleasing appearance.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Less invasive treatments are recommended for gum issues that are in their initial stages:

• Root Planing: This procedure smooths out the root surfaces to allow the gums to reattach. 
• Antibiotics:Antibiotics help control bacterial infections. Oral antibiotics are necessary to eliminate infection-causing bacteria.
• Scaling:This procedure removes plaque and tartar from your teeth surfaces and beneath your gums.  

To learn more about periodontal treatments, schedule an appointment with Dr. Natalie Silva at Ideal Smiles of Stamford by calling (203) 359-2222 or visit us at 86 Prospect St Suite 300, Stamford, CT 06901.