A periodontist is specialized in diagnosing, preventing, and treating periodontal diseases and placing dental implants. A periodontist also focuses on treating oral inflammation. During a regular exam, a periodontist helps the patients prevent the development of gum diseases. If you are looking for a well-certified periodontist, contact Woodlands dentist.
What Does a Periodontal Dentist Do?
A periodontist helps in managing signs of gum problems. Gum diseases occur when the tissues around the teeth are infected. Plaque-forming bacteria which add up on the teeth often cause swelling, and it spreads beneath the gum line.
Gingivitis is the early form of gum disease. This condition can be controlled with treatment by seeing a dentist regularly and keeping your teeth and mouth clean. More advanced gum disease may require thorough treatment. A periodontist will solve the following gum problems.
Reasons to See a Dentist:
Swollen or Puffy Gums
Tartar and plaque-forming bacteria might cause inflammation, which is the first sign of gingivitis. When it is left untreated, the rash can form pockets around your teeth. This inflammation raises the risk of infection, which leads to tooth loss.
Swollen gums usually make the teeth look more petite. They can appear dark red instead of a healthy light pink. This inflammation can be treated in the early stages by taking care of your oral hygiene and deep cleanings at your dentist.
Gums That Bleed Easily
Inflammation also causes your gums to bleed when flossing, brushing, or eating. You should see your dentist if your gums appear tender when touching, your brush appears pinkish after brushing, or you spit blood when flossing.
Painful Chewing
Gum inflammation may form pockets around your teeth with time, which makes them more sensitive and loose, you can also develop problems while chewing. Schedule an appointment with your dentist when you notice changes in how the teeth fit together or the formation of new spaces between your teeth.
Receding Gum Line
Gum diseases do not always cause receding gums according to this dentist in Greenville. They can also happen after brushing your teeth too hard, hurting the gum tissues. A periodontist might fix the issue for cosmetic purposes, lowering the risk of gum problems in the future.
Receding gum, which doesn’t result in too hard of brushing, is a sign of another gum disease stage. At this point, a periodontist examines the issue and advises on the proper treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Nonsurgical treatments. Root planing and scaling are non-surgical treatments to eliminate tartar and plaque from deep beneath the gum line. These procedures are at times used with antibiotic or antimicrobial medicines, depending on the case. A periodontist can also prescribe a tray delivery system to wear at home.
Surgical treatments. Periodontitis and gingivitis can make your gums pull back, or recede, exposing the tooth root. A gum graft can be done, where tissue is generally taken from the top of your mouth and covers the receded gum line. A healthy gum line helps reduce sensitivity, stop tooth decay, pain, and improves your smile.
If you have severe, frequent gum problems, you should visit a periodontist to have your teeth and mouth examined to determine the leading cause of the problem and the treatment option you should take. Contact Scott Young, DDS, to have gum procedures to ease your pain.