A periodontist is one of the lesser-understood types of dentists. These specialists focus on gum diseases, working to give patients healthier mouths. If you notice that your gums are sensitive or see signs of damage, you should visit a professional dentist in Ottawa. Ignoring these issues can lead to gum disease, pain with every bite, and other severe mouth conditions. Here is our guide to periodontists, what they do, and why patients often need their expertise. The primary focus of this dental specialty is both the surgical and non-surgical management of periodontal disease and the placement of dental implants.
Who Are Periodontists?
A periodontist is a master of many trades. This type of dental specialist anticipates future gum and tooth problems, treats existing ones, and repairs past damage. The role of an Ottawa dental care periodontist is to protect all the supporting structures of your teeth. These professionals are trained to ensure that your gums, jawbone, and connective gum tissue function at their best.
When a dentist identifies an issue with any of these components, immediate action is required. Untreated gum damage can lead to tooth loss or, in extreme cases, severe gum or jaw disease that might necessitate the removal of part of the jawbone. This is why periodontists are often referred to as the plastic surgeons of dentistry.
Periodontists typically work to resolve soft tissue issues in your mouth before they become more significant problems. Prevention is a key part of their job, but surgery is often necessary in many cases. To become a periodontist, an individual must first complete regular dental school training. Afterward, they receive three years of specialized training.
This specialization focuses on gum and tooth health. During this period, the dentist learns how to place implants, perform jaw and gum surgeries, and treat cancerous gums. Thus, a periodontist is a dentist who undergoes several additional years of training to perform more specialized types of oral care.
Treatments Performed by a Periodontist
A periodontist is capable of performing a wide variety of treatments to stop the progression of gum disease, replace missing teeth, and improve the appearance of the smile.
Common Treatments Performed by Periodontists:
- Implant Placement: When one or more teeth are missing, the periodontist can create a natural-looking replacement by anchoring a prosthetic tooth to the jawbone.
- Osteoplasty: After periodontal disease has been treated, the periodontist can reshape the affected tissue to create a natural-looking and pleasing smile.
- Gingivoplasty: As gums recede due to periodontal disease, the teeth may appear longer, creating a “toothy” smile. The periodontist can remove tissue or straighten the gum line to create a more balanced appearance.
- Bone Grafting: Dental implants can only be placed if there is sufficient bone to anchor the prosthetic tooth. If bone loss has occurred, bone grafting is an excellent technique to add or “grow” bone to support the implant securely.
- Deep Pocket Cleanings: As periodontal disease progresses, it becomes harder to clean the pockets between the soft tissues and the teeth. The periodontist can scale and root plane the teeth to remove debris and infection-causing bacteria.
- Crown Lengthening: To reveal more of the natural tooth, the periodontist may remove some of the surrounding tissue.
Why You Might Need a Periodontist
A periodontist is an essential type of dental specialist. You may need to visit one if you are experiencing gum issues or have been referred by your general dentist. A periodontist is qualified to treat mild, moderate, and advanced gum disease by first addressing the bacterial infection at its source, providing periodontal treatment, and offering education on proper oral hygiene and effective cleaning techniques.
If you have questions or concerns about your gum health, always feel free to ask your Ottawa dentist for more information.
