Role of Periodontist in Treating Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the major dental issues, which is detrimental not only to your oral health but to your overall health as well. A periodontist can help in treating your gum disease and prevent it from progressing further. Let’s have a detailed look at the role of a periodontist.

What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist in Park Ridge is a dental specialist who is extensively trained in periodontics, which is the specialized field of dentistry that deals with the supporting tissues of your teeth i.e. the bone and gums. A periodontist undergoes advanced training in these specific areas after the dental school. They typically take up a 3-year residency program.

What Procedure Does a Periodontist Perform?

The periodontist diagnoses the gum disease and evaluates the treatment options suitable as per the stage of the disease. Apart from diagnosing and recommending, they also perform gum grafting and periodontal therapy, which involves deep cleaning of the infected gums. The periodontist can also perform complex extractions, place implants, do sinus lifts, and much more.

When Do I Need to See a Periodontist?

Signs that you need to see a dentist near you include:

• If your teeth feel loose or there is a sudden change in your bite, it can be an indication that you are suffering from serious gum disease or bone loss and you need to visit a dental clinic.
• If you have been noticing bleeding while brushing along with receding and swollen gums, it is also a sign of gum disease and you need to see the periodontist as early as possible.
• Another sign of gum disease is bad breath. Chronic bad breath or a sour taste in the mouth is an indication of harmful bacteria in your mouth, which causes gum disease.
• Did you know that there is a link between gum disease and your overall health? So, if you are experiencing conditions such as cardiac issues, diabetes, kidney disease, etc., it can increase your chances of developing periodontal disease, and having periodontal disease can put you at risk of developing this disease.