Table of Contents
What Is Periodontitis?
It is an oral condition affecting the gums and jawbone. Typically, periodontitis refers to the advanced and severe stage of infection. It occurs if you allow the initial gum infection to go without treatment for long. The first stage of infection is called gingivitis. Usually, the symptoms are mild and often without permanent damage. The primary cause of periodontitis is poor oral hygiene, allowing plaque and tartar to build up in your mouth. Further, other factors like smoking, hormonal imbalances, and genetics can increase your risk of this disease.
What Does a Periodontist Do?
The primary role of a periodontist is to cater to gum health. Therefore, any diagnosis and treatment that directly or indirectly impacts your gum and jaw health are within the jurisdiction of a periodontist near you. The reason is that infections of the gums eventually damage the jawbone. Some of the areas of treatment for periodontists are:
- Periodontal disease – also called gum disease.
- Dental implants – periodontists can replace your missing teeth through an implantation surgery by placing dental implants in the jawbone.
- Gum graft surgery – is a procedure for restoring damaged gum tissue using transplanted grafts.
- Gum contouring – entails treatments to reshape the gum tissue for cosmetic improvements. Gum contouring can revolve around gum reduction surgery to overcome a gummy smile.
- Preventive care for periodontium health.
Why Do You See a Periodontist?
The primary reason why patients visit a periodontist in Spring is to manage the symptoms of periodontitis. Without treatment, the symptoms can advance and cause permanent oral problems like tooth loss. Some symptoms that make you visit a periodontist are:
- Swollen, tender, and reddened gums – are typically the first signs of periodontal disease.
- Receding gums – the infection in the gums causes them to pull away from teeth.
- Exposed tooth roots – making your teeth weaker and appear longer than they are.
- Bleeding gums – when you have periodontitis, the bleeding is prolonged. You will experience it especially when you brush your teeth or eat raw foods like apples and carrots.
- Dental pain – first, the pain will be on your gums. Eventually, as the infection worsens, your jawbone will also experience pain. The pain may make it difficult for you to eat properly.
- Spaces between teeth – the more your gums get damaged by the infection, the less support they offer your natural teeth. Eventually, the gums receded enough, allowing teeth to shift. The spaces look like small, black triangles near the gum line, usually called open gingival embrasures.
- Week, shaky teeth – over time, the infection in your gums damages the jawbone and weakens teeth enamel. You may incur many dental issues, including wobbly and weak teeth. Eventually, teeth can start falling off. If not, a dentist in Spring will recommend a tooth extraction treatment.
Can’t Another Dentist Treat Your Gums?
All the dental experts at Charm Dental – Spring are trained, skilled, and experienced to handle different oral needs. Technically, every dentist should offer services that cater to different parts of your oral cavity. However, specialization allows some dental experts to prioritize an aspect of oral health for in-depth and comprehensive care.
Periodontists are specially trained and experienced in handling periodontium health. Therefore, although general dentists will examine your oral cavity and make an accurate prognosis, they will most likely refer you to a periodontist for comprehensive care. Besides, periodontists are most suited to perform complex gum-relate procedures than other dentists.
Tips by Periodontists to Maintain Healthy Gums and Jaws
Although a periodontist will cater to your gum-related oral needs, (s)he will not accompany you home. Therefore, you must learn to care for your own dental needs between dental visits. As a rule of thumb, visit your dentist routinely for dental exams and cleanings. They boost your oral care measures at home to maintain excellent oral health. Some tips to help you care for your gums and jawbone at home are:
- Eat healthily – your mouth needs a constant and sufficient supply of nutrients and minerals to remain healthy.
- Drink water – keeping your mouth hydrated reduces acidity and flushes out toxins from your mouth and overall body.
- Keep your mouth clean – you can never compromise on daily teeth brushing and flossing.
- Avoid hard food and non-food items – they risk damaging your tissues and causing fractures and lacerations.
