What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a person in the dental field who specializes in periodontal disease, or gum disease. This specialist will be able to examine the mouth of the patient and diagnose that person with a gum disorder. He or she will then help that patients to prevent and treat such a disorder. This person is skilled in a variety of dental procedures including surgical procedures, graphing, and cleaning.
Who should see a Periodontist?
Anyone who experiences swelling or pain in the gums should visit a periodontist. A person who has experienced bad breath, alignment changes, gaps, receding gums, or loose teeth should also make an appointment with this specialist. Bleeding gums are also irregular and should prompt an individual to visit a periodontist. The patient will need to be examined for the presence of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque build up in the mouth. After a certain amount of time, the plaque eats away at the tissue of the gums and periodontal disease forms. If it is not treated, it can lead to further problems that can become more expensive for the patient.
Periodontist Job Duties
The first duty of a periodontist is to consult with and examine any patient that comes in with the previously stated symptoms. He or she will examine the patient’s teeth and have a look at how that person is biting. The dentist will also check for loose teeth and gum recession. He may also take a series of X-rays to determine the health of the bones underneath the gums.
The second duty of the periodontist is to come up with a treatment plan according to his or her findings. For example, the patient may need to have the surface of the roots cleaned. He or she may need a dental crown placed. That person may also need to have antimicrobial medication administered. A periodontist is skilled in all of these areas.
Periodontist Procedure
A periodontist can perform cosmetic procedures such as crown lengthening and pocket reduction. He or she will be skilled in laser technology as well as operational procedures. A typical dentist of this type will have had extensive dental training followed by an additional three years of education. He or is is a master of all the latest innovative technologies and can offer a wide range of treatment and services. This type of dentist can help patients to either create or maintain a healthy smile.
