If something bad happened to your teeth and gums, then you might know about a periodontist. But what is a periodontist? Are all dentists periodontists? And how can I find one near me?
In a world with expensive dentists and medicine, it might seem like going to see a gum specialist is too expensive or indulgent. But there are ways you can pay for it!
In this article, we will help you find a doctor for your teeth. We will answer all the questions that come up after you find one.
What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the care of gum diseases and placing dental implants. During their education, they spend three years studying these areas after dental school. Though they focus on treating inflammatory and other oral diseases, placing implants when needed, and performing cosmetic procedures that improve function or appearance (including teeth whitening), these specialists also perform dental surgery and help people with tooth extractions.
Typical treatments in the office include scaling, root planing, and other procedures to remove diseased tissue or deposits from the pocket around a tooth (i.e., the space under your gum line where your teeth are anchored). This is done to treat gum inflammation or infection.
What Does a Periodontist Do?
People with something more complicated than a regular gum disease should consult a periodontist. This specialist can manage any tooth or gum problem, from bone grafting and root planing to deep pocket cleaning and the removal of soft tissues. He/she is trained in treatments involving dental implants such as periodontal surgery.
Dentists can typically handle mild issues with your gums, but a periodontist is best suited for complex or severe cases. They provide a range of services including bone grafting and gum treatment that requires dental implants.
Looking for a periodontist near me? Visit our directory for a list of periodontists in your area. We’ve added some of the best periodontists from all over the country to make it easy for you to find one.
Are all dentists periodontists?
Some dentists are not periodontists. Periodontics is an extra three years of education after dental school. Periodontists are experts in the gum. They can treat anything from mild gingivitis to severe periodontal disease.
Periodontists, also known as dental surgeons or periodontologists are focused on treating infections of the roots and teeth. They can provide root planing, debridement of damaged tissues, gum health care as well as surgical procedures such as implants and tooth reconstruction rather than oral surgery.
Why might I need to find a periodontist near me?
If you are experiencing any tooth-related problems, it is recommended that you find a periodontist near to your home or place of work. Symptoms such as bleeding while brushing teeth and eating point to a more serious condition that warrants professional attention.
Receding gums and loosened teeth can be a sign of gum recession and periodontal disease. As the disease progresses, it will move from your gums to your jawbone.
Other serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia and other disorders have been linked to periodontal infection. It can spread through the bloodstream into other parts of your body if left untreated.
If you suspect you are experiencing periodontitis, it is important to contact a periodontist near you as soon as possible. Periodontitus can be prevented with timely treatment.
How to diagnose gum disease
After searching for a gum specialist near you, they will determine how to diagnose any inflammation and infection.
Here’s a list of (5) techniques that are used to diagnose gum disease:
1) A comprehensive examination of your medical history may yield the cause for these symptoms.
2) Test your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth to find signs of inflammation that may indicate an infection.
3) The distance from the gums to the teeth can normally be determined between 1-3 millimeters. A clinical device used for this purpose is a dental probe that, when inserted under gum line at several sites on your mouth, may estimate pocket depth and be an indicator of gum disease if there are greater than 4 millimeters without any redness or other notable signs of inflammation.
4) X-rays of your jawbone are a common procedure to check for areas where you have bone loss from tooth decay.
5) In cases where the diagnosis is unclear from first examination, your doctor may order additional medical tests to establish what caused the infection.
A typically dentist can determine what has caused your disease. Then the periodontal specialist, like a dentist, can prescribe or perform the necessary treatments to remedy your symptoms.
What gum treatment methods are there?
Periodontists perform a number of procedures to treat your gums and prevent the progression of disease. Some treatments, such as laser gum surgery, can be completed in a single visit.
Others may require multiple visits and procedures over the course of several months or even years to achieve results. Here are some of the most common gum treatment options you can look forward to:
Gum Surgery – If scaling and root planing fail to treat your periodontal disease, gum surgery is another common option. Common types of surgery include flap surgery, gum grafts and bone regeneration. Deciding how aggressive treatment needs to be depends on what stage you are at with regard to gums that have receded from teeth. It is important to note that these procedures come with their own risks like bleeding and infection so careful planning is essential when undergoing a surgery.
Root Placement Dentures – A dental implant is a tooth root replacement for complete or partial denture bases that are connected to abutments (which in turn connects to the implants). With this option, you can enjoy eating without the need for false teeth. Your new “teeth” will feel and function much like your natural ones would if they were not missing from your jawbone.
Periodontal Plastic Surgery – In cases where gum disease has resulted in severe bone loss, periodontal plastic surgery may be recommended. This procedure involves reconnecting jaw bone to gums through tissue grafts after removing excess tissue and bone using surgical instruments.
Grafting– Gum grafts involve transplanting tissue between the patient and a donor site. This procedure is most commonly used to rebuild gum line, as well as prevent further bone loss by covering exposed roots with more gum tissue.
Bone Reshaping – In cases where the jawbone has been weakened due to severe gum disease, your periodontist may recommend reshaping the jawbone using a surgical therapy that involves cutting out part of it in order to restore its normal structure.
Root Canal Treatment– When you have an infected or damaged tooth root, cleaning and disinfecting will not be able to resolve the issue. The only solution left is removing all bodily fluids from inside the root system so that natural healing can occur on its own and leave behind healthy teeth without infections.
Dental Implants– A dental implant is a tooth root replacement made of metal, porcelain or ceramic. Such implants serve as an attachment point to secure false teeth onto your jawbone. This procedure eliminates the need for dentures by providing support and stability to install such artificial teeth.
Sedation Dentistry– Depending on the extent of periodontal disease you are suffering from, some patients require additional medications prior to undergoing gum procedures that cause discomfort and pain during treatment sessions. In this case, sedation dentistry can provide relief through oral dosages of medication provided by your periodontist in order for you to feel relaxed while carrying out treatments. Sedation dentistry is especially favorable before dental surgery it also helps to prevent post-operative nausea or vomiting.
Bone Grafting and Gum Surgery on Molars – Finally, when you have severe bone loss in your mouth that has been caused by dental cavities or gum disease, a periodontist may recommend grafting procedure directly to the roots of your teeth. The purpose of this procedure is to provide an anchor for gums growing underneath them while they heal completely.
Tooth Removal – In certain cases where oral surgery is required but not possible due to high risks involved, tooth extraction becomes necessary in order to prevent further complications from spreading through other areas in the jawbone. Your dentist will discuss the implications of having a tooth taken out with you and whether it’s best if given time to treat any infections before removing the infected tooth.
How much does the average visit to a periodontist cost?
So how do I find an affordable periodontist near me? Before we get there, you need to consider the price of any procedure. Depending on what treatment is needed and how advanced your gum disease is, the cost will range accordingly. If for example you only need a scaling and antibiotics then it’s less than if you needed surgery like removing tooth roots or needs work on implants in order to replace them.
Surgery often costs $1000 to $3000 without health insurance. You may need to take antibiotics for swelling following the surgery.
Affordable periodontist near me
If you need to find a periodontist, do an internet search for your zip code. Most of them will be able to see someone who needs urgent treatment. You can call your local dentist’s office and ask for a referral to a gum specialist in your area if you need that too.
You can also call your local health departments to find out about affordable dental services. CMS (1-800-MEDICARE) can tell you about programs in your area, including Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program).
Another option is to contact local dental schools to see if they have a periodontist clinic available at discounted rates. You may also contact the United Way to find out if discounted dental programs are available in your community.
If your dental condition does not require an emergency treatment such as getting implants or having a cosmetic procedure done, consider taking advantage of the opportunity to save on the cost of the prices for these procedures in other countries.
Taking care of your gums
(1) Periodontal disease is very easy to avoid. Keeping your mouth clean and hands away from your face will help maintain the health of teeth and gums, which can lead to an increase in overall health.
(2) Some steps you can take at home include:
(3) Brush your teeth twice a day or after every meal and snack.
(4) A soft toothbrush is good for your teeth. Use it to brush your teeth and replace it every 3-4 months.
(5) Electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque and tartar.
(6) After brushing your teeth, it is important to floss. It will get items out from between your teeth, under braces, and on dental bridges. Read about the best water flossers here.
(7) Use an interdental cleaner to supplement brushing and flossing.
(8) Don’t smoke or chew tobacco. It is not good for you.
To maintain a healthy smile, dental hygiene routines should include a little more of your time-but the cost and health benefits will make it all worth it.
How to Protect Your teeth from gum disease
Visiting your dentist to get routine cleanings, check-ups and deep cleaning is very important. If you have gum disease in the early stages, it can be reversed. It is very important to keep tabs on your gum health and visit regularly so that you can have your dentist investigate the health of your gums and teeth.
Conclusion
You should visit your periodontist if you have gingivitis or other types of gum disease. Other important steps to protect your oral health are taking care of it at home and visiting the dentist for routine cleanings.
If you suspect that you may need a periodontist, call your dentist today because the longer you wait to address gum disease, the worse it can get and therefore more complicated to treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a periodontist near me?
If you need a periodontist, ask your dentist or any other local dentist for a referral. You can also use the internet to find one near you.
What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a kind of dentist who treats diseases in your gums and around your teeth. They focus on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental disease. Periodontists also put implants in other people’s teeth if they need them.
How much does a periodontist cost?
Depending on what treatment you need, the price will change. If you only need your teeth cleaned and antibiotics, it will be cheaper. But if your teeth are so bad that they have to be removed and you also need a dental implant procedure, it could cost around 3k and higher.
Where can I find a periodontist?
You can find a periodontist by searching for one who specializes in gum treatments. You can use your zip code to do a search, or if you have trouble finding one near your home, then try looking for reviews of local dentists.
If you want to find periodontic specialists by zip codes, there are many websites that offer listings for periodontists in your local area.
Can a dentist be a periodontist?
Yes, a dentist can be a periodontist. Periodontists are dentists who specialize in gum treatments that go beyond the usual cleaning and examinations.
What do periodontists treat?
Periodontists are trained to diagnose gum disease as well as treat it. They also have advanced knowledge of other mouth problems that affect the gums and help prevent their occurrence.
Will braces make my gums better?
No, in most cases braces will not affect the health of your gums. If you have gum disease while wearing braces, you may need to visit your periodontist more frequently to be sure that gum health is being maintained properly.
What can I do at home to take care of my gums?
There are (3) things that you can do at home to take care of your gums:
(1) Brush twice a day using toothpaste that has fluoride in it and floss once a day. Be sure to brush for two minutes and floss between all teeth.
(2) Use mouthwash daily, but avoid frequent use (no more than three times a day). Avoid mouthwash with alcohol or other harsh chemicals.
(3) See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams, and see your periodontist when you have any signs of gum disease.
How will I know if I have gum disease?
Gum disease is usually painless until it has become advanced. Signs to look out for include:
· Your teeth look longer than normal when you smile and the gums around them are red or puffy.
· The tissue around your teeth becomes swollen, inflamed, irritated and tender.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects gum health. It is not contagious from person to person. It is caused when plaque or tartar build up on your teeth, and in time this hardened deposits irritate your gums. This can lead to inflammation and bleeding of the gums, causing them to pull away from the tooth itself. The longer this condition goes untreated, the more likely it is that your teeth will need a root canal or extraction.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Periodontal disease can be treated in a number of different ways, depending on the severity of the disease. Brushing and flossing regularly as well as visiting your dentist for regular cleanings are some preventative measures you can take, as is regular visits to your periodontist.
Can gum disease cause cancer?
No, periodontal disease does not cause cancer.
Is there a cure for periodontal disease?
Yes, there is a cure for periodontal disease. With proper care and treatments, gum disease can be reversed and the health of your gums maintained.
How long does it take to cure gum disease?
The length of time it takes for gum disease to be completely reversed depends on the severity of the disease, as well as the level of treatment a patient is receiving.
Are root canals necessary for gum health?
No, in most cases they are not necessary. If you have gum disease while wearing braces, then you may need to visit your periodontist
What is the difference between a general dentist and a periodontist?
General dentists typically treat teeth problems that affect the outside of your mouth, such as cavities or tooth decay. Periodontists are trained to diagnose gum disease as well as treat it. They also have advanced knowledge of other mouth problems that affect the gums and help prevent their occurrence.
If a general dentist has enough training, can they do periodontal work?
No, in most cases a general dentist is not trained to diagnose or treat gum disease.
A general dentist can refer you to see a periodontist if you need treatment for gum disease. A few select states allow dental hygienists to perform some of the treatments that are needed. You should discuss these questions with your local periodontist and be sure that he or she recommends someone who is right for you.
What happens if my teeth need to be pulled?
If your teeth need to be removed, you have two options: you can leave the gums alone or you can have a gum graft (a procedure in which tissue from another part of your mouth is placed over the area where teeth are missing).
Does periodontal disease run in families?
Yes, if your parents and other members of your family had periodontal disease, it is likely that it will affect you as well. As such, it is very important to visit a dentist and periodontist for regular cleanings. This will help prevent damage before it occurs.
How do I get dental insurance?
Dental insurance is a great way to save money on dental treatments. The two main types of coverage are:
· Dental insurance through your employer, and · Dental insurance you purchase on your own.
There are many plans available that cover preventative care, but not all of them offer extended coverage for periodontitis or other major dental problems. If you have questions about the different options that are available, talk to your local dentist to find out more about what will work best for you. Most dentists will help their patients figure out what type of plan is most suitable for their budgets.
How can I pay for dental implants?
Implant surgery can be expensive, so it’s important to set yourself up for good oral health before issues arise. A great way to do that is by saving up for the procedures you need now.
You can also save money on dental implants by considering a financing option called CareCredit®. This program will allow you to spread out your payments over several months or years, which may make it easier to afford the treatments you need.
It’s important to speak with your periodontist about what financial options are available and how they work before deciding on a payment plan; some programs offer flexible terms and low interest rates, while others might not be quite as beneficial.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
To quickly answer this question: brush and floss daily, visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and check-ups, and see your periodontist for regular visits. One of the best ways to avoid gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene habits every day!
What should I do about bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of many different things, including periodontal disease. Make an appointment with your local dentist or periodontist to determine the cause of your bleeding gums and receive treatment if necessary.
Why are my gums red and swollen all the time?
Gum swelling and redness are common signs of periodontitis. Visit your dentist or periodontist for a diagnosis and treatment, as soon as possible.