Is a Periodontist the Right Dental Professional for You?
If you’ve been told you should consult with a periodontist, you likely have advanced periodontal disease, also known as severe gum disease. If so, you’re hardly alone. Experts say about half of Americans have gum disease, and that percentage is even higher for those 65 and older.
Periodontal disease is not a diagnosis to ignore, as it’s the leading cause of tooth loss and erosion of facial bone tissue. But which type of dental professional should you turn to for help? Your regular dentist can treat mild and moderate cases of gum disease. But if you have an inherited predisposition toward this condition or it’s crept up on you due to long-term bad habits like tobacco use and poor oral hygiene, you may need treatment from a periodontist or an oral surgeon who specializes in tooth and gum restoration. This guide will help you decide which type of dental specialist to choose.
Periodontist vs. Oral Surgeon
As their title implies, periodontists specialize in treating gum disease. If a patient’s periodontal infection is severe but their teeth and gum tissue can be saved, treatment may include deep dental cleaning, also known as scaling and planing. A periodontist can also offer treatments such as tissue recontouring for gum recession and bone grafting for patients whose bone loss has made them ineligible for dental implants.
For patients who have many missing or failing teeth in one or both jaws, an oral surgeon who specializes in full arch and full mouth dental implants may be a better choice. The board-certified oral surgeons at New Teeth Now, for example, have decades of experience in treating patients with extensive tooth loss due to gum disease. If you’ve been struggling with multiple failing teeth and you’d like to explore a whole-mouth, one-and-done solution that doesn’t require bone grafting and other lengthy preparations, New Teeth Now stands ready to assist you.
Signs You Might Need a Periodontist or an Oral Surgeon
How do you know if it’s time to see a periodontal specialist? Keep an eye out for signs like swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth. These could indicate underlying gum issues that require specialized care. In many cases, patients are referred to a periodontal professional during a trip to their local dentist, who advises them that their gum disease has advanced too far for routine dental treatment.
Key Factors to Consider
When selecting a periodontist or an oral surgeon, several factors come into play:
- Qualifications – Look into the specialist’s credentials. Board certification and extensive experience are indicators of a specialist you can trust. You’ll also feel more confident about entrusting your care to a professional who can provide evidence of many satisfied patients.
- Treatment approach – Consider the periodontist or oral surgeon’s treatment philosophy. Does your prospective provider thoroughly discuss your concerns and medical history as well as evaluate your oral health condition? Is there a priority placed on your comfort along with evidence of excellent results?
- Financial considerations – Discuss payment options and insurance coverage upfront to ensure a transparent billing process.
- Range of services – Check the clinic’s offerings to see whether you can get all the treatments you need, including X-rays, tooth extractions, dental implant placement, and custom-crafted replacement teeth, all under one roof.
- Comfort and atmosphere – A welcoming environment can make all the difference in your treatment experience. Evaluate the clinic’s ambiance and staff demeanor to ensure you feel at ease.
Your First Appointment
Once you’ve chosen a periodontist or dental implant specialist, schedule your first appointment. Bring along your dental and medical history, insurance information, and any relevant X-rays. During the consultation, expect a thorough examination and a discussion of treatment options tailored to your needs.
Trust Your Instincts
Above all, trust your instincts when selecting a periodontal professional. If you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities, you’re on the right track. However, if something feels off or you’re not satisfied with your experience, don’t hesitate to explore other options. Remember, your oral health is an important element of life. Don’t settle for anything less than the best.
A Way Forward
Choosing the right specialist to help you address your advanced periodontal disease and failing teeth is a crucial step toward achieving optimal oral health. If you have periodontal disease and extensive tooth loss, New Teeth Now will be happy to help you explore your options at one of our state-of-the-art dental clinics, where we offer comprehensive restorative procedures using high-quality dental implants and natural-looking teeth that are custom crafted in our in-house dental lab.
What’s more, our board-certified oral surgeons have vast experience in treating complex cases, including those in which patients were told they were not candidates for dental implants due to extensive bone loss, or were told they would have to undergo weeks of bone grafting before implants could be placed. Thanks to our innovative zygomatic dental implants, which integrate into the cheekbone instead of the jawbone, we’ve been able to replace the teeth of many patients who thought they would have to settle for a less desirable option, such as dentures.
By considering factors like qualifications, treatment approach, and comfort, you can find a specialist who meets your requirements and puts you on the path to a healthy smile. Remember, your oral health journey is unique, so take the time to find a periodontal specialist who’s the perfect fit for you. To get started, contact New Teeth Now today to schedule a consultation.
