In the simplest terms, a dentist treats the teeth, gums, and other areas of the mouth while a
periodontist only treats the gums and the bone supporting the teeth
. The periodontist typically sees severe, complex cases that require a specialist rather than having the patient see a general dentist.
Why would you need to see a periodontist?
Gum disease and dental implant treatment
are the most common reasons to see a periodontist. But you can benefit from a periodontist’s skill in other areas: Tooth extraction, which many periodontists refer to as tooth removal. Bone grafting to repair bone loss after tooth removal.
What type of procedures does a periodontist perform?
Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as
scaling and root planing
(the cleaning of infected root surfaces), root surface debridement (the removal of damaged tissue), and regenerative procedures (the reversal of lost bone and tissue).
Can a general dentist treat periodontal disease?
A general dentist can
treat gum disease through routine cleanings, scaling and deep cleanings
called root planing, and antibiotic medications. Usually, a periodontist’s cases are complex or severe, triggering the need for a specialist rather than a general dentist.
Can a periodontist do oral surgery?
This dental
professional can also perform oral surgery
. However, the practice is only limited to the soft and hard tissues in the mouth. Periodontists are responsible for looking after your gums and making sure that they function accordingly in supporting your teeth.
Are you put to sleep for gum surgery?
Most gum surgery procedures take around 2 hours to complete. In some cases,
the surgery will require a person to be asleep or partially asleep during the procedure
. Other times, the surgery only involves the use of a local anesthetic to numb the gums. The injection of the numbing medication can be mildly uncomfortable.
How much does a periodontist cost?
| New Patient Consultation $295 | Periodontal/Peri-implant Therapy $400 – $5,000 | Implant Placement $2,100 – $4,800 per implant | Staged Grafting $1,500 – $3,500 | Periodontal Surgery $600 – $3,000 |
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How often should you see a periodontist?
The Journal of Dental Health recommends periodontitis patients revisit their periodontist for periodontal maintenance
every three months
. This three-month time frame has been proven effective in keeping the progression of periodontal disease at bay.
What can I expect at a periodontist consultation?
You can also expect the periodontist to
perform a brief dental examination to add his or her notes
to your medical file. This examination generally begins with a look at your head, neck, and jaw for any signs of temporomandibular joint disorder. He or she will then examine your mouth, teeth, throat, and gums.
What exactly does a periodontist do?
PeriodonTAL Specialists
A periodontist is a dentist who
specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease
, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation.
How do you brush your teeth with periodontal disease?
Place the
brush at a 45-degree angle where the teeth meet the gums
. Press firmly, and gently rock the brush back and forth using small circular movements. Brush chewing surfaces vigorously with short back-and-forth strokes. Brush your tongue from back to front.
What is the best mouthwash to use for periodontal disease?
- Best Overall: TheraBreath Healthy Gums Periodontist Formulated 24-Hour Oral Rinse. …
- Best Budget: ACT Anticavity Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash. …
- Best Alcohol-Free: Listerine Zero Cool Mint Mouthwash. …
- Best Sensitive: CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash. …
- Best for Dry Mouths: Colgate Hydris Dry Mouth Mouthwash.
Can you ever get rid of periodontal disease?
Your dentist can help catch early signs of gingivitis at your regular cleanings and checkups. In most cases, you can cure gum in this stage. However, as the disease progresses and
reaches periodontitis, it can’t be cured, only treated
.
Is it better to go to an oral surgeon or a periodontist for dental implants?
The
periodontist
focuses on the health of soft and hard tissues in the mouth. Any good dentist can cure gum disease in the early stages, and an oral surgeon can handle most cases mid-stage cases. But if the disease is advanced, a periodontist may be suggested.
Who is better for dental implants oral surgeon or periodontist?
Periodontists
receive the highest level of training of any dental professional when it comes to implant procedures. Dental implants may be the best choice for an individual whose gum disease has reached the point of infection that can not be treated.
Who performs periodontal surgery?
Periodontists
are dentistry’s experts in treating periodontal disease. They receive up to three additional years of specialized training in periodontal disease treatment in both non-surgical treatments and periodontal plastic surgery procedures.
