Periodontist Frequently Asked Questions

There are ten areas of specialty practice in the field of dentistry. A periodontist in newark oh must first complete the four years in dental school and then focus another three to seven years in the study of periodontics. This specialty deals with the supporting structure for your teeth. Not only the soft tissue of the gums but also the many periodontal ligaments that are under all the teeth. All elements that work together to keep your teeth in place through times of extreme pressures delivered via biting and chewing.

What exactly does a Periodontist do?

There are three major procedural areas that a periodontist will specialize in. The first and foremost is the health of your gums. Almost half of the American adults today over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. If the disease progresses to a point that the family or general dentist is not trained to deal with the situation a periodontist will be recommended.

A second major procedure in periodontics is that of crown lengthening. Not a health-related issue like gum disease, this is more cosmetic in nature. Again, many Americas share the problem of having a gummy smile. This is when you smile and proportionally you see more of your gums than your teeth. An easy fix, the periodontist will trim back the soft tissue exposing more of the crown of the tooth. Just like that you have a proportioned smile.

The third procedure gaining popularity is that of a dental implant. An implant is both cosmetic and functionally healthy. If you lose a tooth you should directly replace that tooth, or the neighboring teeth will shift into that gap affecting your bite pattern. An implant is the most natural looking option available today. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone. When the post has fused to the jaw an extension, or abutment is put on the post. Then an artificial crown fabricated out of porcelain or ceramic in a dental lab will be affixed to the abutment. You can’t tell the difference from your natural teeth. The implant is also very healthy in that is promotes good bone density. In fact, you will also experience better biting and chewing sensations than a traditional dental bridge.

Questions that should be asked Frequently of a periodontist

The first questions that should be asked of the periodontist are qualifying questions directed at the level of education and the amount of experience regarding your particular procedure.

Can I see before and after photos documenting other successful procedures like mine?

This is a question that should be asked 100% of the time. A periodontist will be proud of their work and will surely like to show the positive results.

Is the periodontist board certified?

All periodontists must take at least three years of specialized training after dental school. Some then will elect to take a board-certification examination, which is offered once a year. If certified it shows another level of competency and re-certification is required every six years.

My dentist says I have signs of periodontal disease. Can I request a consultation?

Your general dentist the majority of the time will have a relationship in your community with a periodontist, or even more than one if they excel at one procedure or another. A consultation is mandatory as you introduce a new face into your dental scheme. Make sure you know exactly what the game plan is to address your disease.

Does the periodontist have a favorite procedure?

It is certainly conceivable that the periodontist might spend the majority of the day dealing with gum disease procedures and does not have the artistic element to address a crown lengthening procedure. Or, they may not have had a lot of experience with dental crowns. These are very fair questions when you are qualifying their ability to perform your particular procedure. It might be out of their comfort zone and another referral would be advantageous.

Do you feel you are conservative or aggressive in your treatments and procedures?

Good question in qualifying the mindset of the periodontist because there will be a difference. You might also want to qualify their approach with your family dentist as well. Bring the consultation back to your regular dentist and let them weigh in on the suggested resolution.

Questions that pertain to Periodontal Disease, or Gum Disease

What causes Gum Disease?

There are between 100 and 200 different species of bacteria in your mouth at any given point of time throughout the day. If you do not exercise good oral hygiene habits when it comes to brushing your teeth that bacteria will quickly become a sticky substance called plaque. The buildup of bacteria carrying plaque causes damage like creating cavities. It will also work down the tooth to infect the soft tissue of the gums. Other than self-inflicted poor oral hygiene, other causes can be related to smoking, genetic factors, stress and how you do or don’t deal with it, your diet, your age and if you have any other illnesses.

Are There Different Types of Gum Disease?

There are really just two different levels or stages that the gum disease progresses through. The first level is called gingivitis. This is when the infection just begins. It is also the stage in which the disease can be easily abated and reversed. If left unattended the next level is call periodontitis. At this point damage will be incurred, such as bone loss and loose teeth. That is why the regular exams are so important. The only way to reverse either stage is the removal of the infecting plaque through scaling, root planning and antibiotics.

What are the signs or symptoms of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is painless and very progressive. You need to look for visual signs. At first your gums will begin to become swollen. Then the gums will change in color. Your gums might take on a darker shade of pink. Bad breath is another symptom. Your friends or family might make a comment about this. You could have an unusual taste in your mouth. These are all signs of the initial stage, gingivitis. Once the disease progresses in the next stage your gums will begin to bleed, and the swollen gums will start to recede from the teeth. This creates pockets which accelerate the disease since food particles can now sit in those pockets adding to the infection. Now the disease can result in a loose tooth as a result of some bone loss with the root.

Do you administer a local anesthetic for the deep scaling process?

This is a question that doesn’t always have an immediate answer. The evaluation of your situation and the depth of the plaque will be a factor. Also playing a role is the level of infection in your gums and how swollen and sensitive they are.

Does the Treatment Hurt?

Simple scaling usually does not need any local anesthetic. If the scaling must go deeper than a local application will keep you pain free. Your gums will be tender after the procedure but nothing an over the counter pain reliever can’t handle.

Questions that are directed at Crown Lengthening

What is the procedure like to address my gummy smile?

It is easy and common. In fact, a large part of the population has this same dilemma. It is not harmful, it is not unhealthy, it is simply undesirable when your smile plays such a huge role in identifying your self-esteem and your self-confidence. The periodontist will administer a local anesthetic for the tissue to be addressed. Once the gum is numb either a surgical scalpel or a laser will trim away the unwanted tissue exposing more of the white crown of the tooth. In a few days the gums will be healed, and your teeth and gums will be in proportion when you smile.

Questions regarding a Dental Implant

How much does a dental implant cost?

The published average for a dental implant ranges from $1,000 to $4,500. This can depend on the location of the tooth, the materials used, the geographic location of your market and the periodontist. If an implant is your solution you might want to ask several offices for their suggested cost.

How long does the procedure take?

A tough question to answer because the periodontist does not know the makeup of your body. The surgical implanting of the post may be just an hour but the time for your jawbone to accept that titanium post, to fuse it, may take several weeks or months. Then the second visit is the placement of the crown on the abutment, again a visit of an hour.

How is the life expectancy of the dental implant?

If you continue with good oral hygiene and realize that you need to take proper care of your teeth and your gums implants today have a 98% success rate. They can literally last a lifetime, where a traditional bridge will last about 10 years.

Questions around the Logistics of the Procedure

I need implants but can’t afford them. Is there financial assistance or a payment plan available?

Some dental practices will be able to help you establish funding assistance. They may also know of different insurance plans that can help offset the cost. The state dental society is a good resource for finding funding. Finally, if there is a local college or university nearby their dental school might offer the procedure at a reduced rate and offer a payment plan.

What can I do at home to prevent gum disease?

This question should be answered even without being asked. You should simply develop some good oral hygiene habits. The dental industry strongly suggests you brush your teeth twice a day for a least two minutes each time. You should also floss once a day. This easy habit will remove the plaque daily and prevent it from damaging buildup and consequently infecting your gums.

Is gum disease genetic?

Recent research shows the gum disease is indeed hereditary. If your parents have dealt with gum disease, then you need to be proactive in taking the necessary steps to prevent yourself from going through it as well.

Is there a link between diabetes and gum disease?

Research has suggested that there is a link between gum disease and diabetes. The relationship actually goes both ways. If you have diabetes you are more susceptible to contracting infections like gum disease. If you have advanced gum disease it can and will affect blood sugar levels contributing to diabetes.

Are periodontal treatments covered with Medicare or Medicaid?

Medicare does not cover any dental treatments at this time. Medicaid is administered state to state, so coverage varies.

Its Time to Trust your Family Dentist and Their Referral

After you have finished your procedure at the periodontist, and they are comfortable with your recovery you will be returning to your regular dentist. If you have developed a good working relationship with your family dentist and it is the gum disease that has snuck up on the two of you, trust the suggested referral when a periodontist is suggested for further treatment. You’re not the first. Your dentist will have developed a relationship based on the successful results from previous patients. Your general dentist knows that the periodontist has earned their trust and must continue to pursue continuing education in their field to maintain that trust. This referral will reduce your stress in trying to qualify the credentials of someone that will be assisting you will an important part of your anatomy and your oral hygiene. When it is all said and done remember, any one of these periodontal procedures directly affects your smile. A healthy smile has been proven to add seven years to your life. A healthy smile boosts your immune system. It is easier to project yourself within your personal and professional circles with a healthy smile. After the procedure is behind you develop and maintain those healthy habits and assign a value to your smile, one that is invaluable.

More information on Periodontists : What does a Periodontist do?