When You Need a Periodontal Dentist

For most people, all they really need from a dentist is regular cleanings at bi-annual visits to their office. They have little to no trouble with cavities, trauma, or dental diseases. For others, a dentist can be just as important as any other special medical physician like a dermatologist or an ear, nose, and throat doctor. Some people have dental health problems that need special attention. Whether these problems are the result of genetics or lifestyle choices, it helps to have a dental health professional with the specialized background to take care of you.

The most common disease treated in the field of dentistry today is periodontitis. This is the medical term for gingivitis or gum disease. It is a commonly occurring problem for many people. For some, excessive abuse and unhealthy habits of eating, drinking, and smoking can cause this disease. For others, there could be a chemical imbalance that their body creates as a result of genetic mutations. For these patients, they need to make sure that they're working with a periodontal dentist. 

Periodontal dentists work with the full spectrum of patients currently suffering from the disease. There are several stages to this disease, ranging from gum discomfort and mild bleeding to severe gum tissue damage and the loss of teeth. A periodontist will be able to work with all kinds of patients, helping improve the overall health of their mouth through oral procedures. They will also help a patient understand how best to treat their oral healthcare problem at home with tools like water picks and gentle brushing techniques that continue to improve their overall dental health.

The good news is that because this is such a widespread issue and almost every patient is a risk for gingivitis, many dentists are also trained in periodontistry. Many general dental offices are equipped with the technology necessary to monitor and improve the dental health of their gum disease patients. Some offices, however, may be better equipped to handle more severe stages of gingivitis than others. A common surgery involves a laser procedure that removes diseased gums to encourage healthy growth of new gum tissue. Not every office may have the needs you require as a patient with periodontitis. 

If you are in later stages of this disease, you are probably aware that you need a periodontal dentist. If you are unsure of whether you need this kind of special attention ask yourself the following questions:

Do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth? 
Do I have excessive discomfort or bleeding when I floss?
Do I have trouble enjoying the foods I love because of gum discomfort?
Do I have noticeably red or irritated gums?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it is a good idea to make sure your regular dentist is also a periodontist. This way they can monitor the early signs of the disease and help you reverse them for better oral health.