Periodontal FAQ's
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and the connective tissues between your gums and teeth. Periodontal disease can be identified by swollen/red/ gums that bleed easily, loose teeth and deep pockets between your gums and teeth/tooth root. Periodontal disease can affect one or many teeth.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
The most common cause of periodontal (gum) disease is a progression in plaque build-up from the bacteria and food particles in your mouth harden to form a harder substance known as tartar. This bacteria that is allowed to stay on your teeth and gumline start to irritate your gums causing them to become inflamed. Gums then start to pull away from your teeth causing pockets of bacteria and allow the plaque and tartar to spread below the gumlines and break down the bone and connective tissues of the gums. This process is known as periodontitis.
What Is A Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dental practitioner certified to specialize in the treatment of periodontal disease and dental implants. Our specialists have an additional two full years of advanced surgical training, beyond dental school, and a Master of Science Degree in periodontal (gum) procedures to meet your unique needs.
A periodontist has expert skills, and a vast knowledge of the research in the specific areas of non-surgical and surgical treatment of gum disease (gingivitis and advanced periodontitis), replace missing teeth with dental implants and regenerating lost bone and gum tissue.
When Should I See A Periodontist?
While many patients are referred to a periodontist if additional treatment is required beyond what your general dentist is capable of doing, we recommend contacting a periodontal specialist like those at teamPerio if you are noticing any of the following:
- Loose teeth
- Discolored gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Receding gums
- Teeth that appear to be 'drifting' out of place
