Who is a periodontist?
The etymology of the word periodontics traces back to two Greek words, "peri" (around) and "odont" (tooth); thus, the medical stream of periodontics focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating problems around the tooth, commonly known as the gum area. Periodontists care for dental issues such as gum recession, periodontal/gum diseases, and bone loss. They also specialize in placing dental implants.
Gum problems occur when the tissue around your teeth gets infected, usually by plaque-forming bacteria that build up on your teeth. It leads to inflammation below the gum line. Early-stage gum disease is called gingivitis. Good oral hygiene and frequent visits to a general dentist can address this problem. However, a more advanced gum disease, periodontitis, may demand more extensive medical care. A periodontist has the expertise to tackle such severe conditions.
Apart from handling sensitive periodontal and implant cases, these oral care experts also provide a broad spectrum of specialized services. These services include root surface debridement (removal of damaged roots), scaling and root planing (cleaning the infected surface of a tooth's root), dental inflammation treatment, and cosmetic periodontal procedures.
What's the difference between a dentist and a periodontist?
The primary distinction between a dentist and a periodontist is in their specific areas of expertise and level of education. A general or family dentist primarily deals with preventative and restorative dental treatments, such as routine cleanings, filling cavities, and placing dental crowns or bridges. To become a general dentist in the U.S., they must complete a four-year dental school program.
On the other hand, a periodontist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats oral conditions affecting gums, jawbone, and other supporting structures of teeth. They undergo extensive training for three years beyond dental school to specialize in periodontics. Their expertise addresses gum-related issues and more complex dental cases in this field.
What type of procedures does a periodontist perform?
A periodontist can conduct a wide range of periodontal procedures, including maintenance, scaling root planing, and various types of periodontal surgery.
- Periodontal maintenance: Periodontal maintenance involves a specialized teeth cleaning procedure similar to a regular dental cleaning performed at a dentist's office. However, it goes beyond just cleaning the teeth. During this procedure, your periodontist also assesses the health of your gums and measures the depth of pockets around your teeth. Deeper pockets may indicate bone loss around the teeth. Many individuals require periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months to manage gum disease effectively. Your periodontist will determine the appropriate cleaning schedule that best suits your needs.
- Scaling and root planing (periodontal cleaning): Scaling and root planing (SRP), also called deep cleaning, involves comprehensive dental cleaning. The key distinction is that it uses local anesthesia to numb the gums. This enables the hygienist to perform a deep cleaning below the gum line, targeting the hidden harmful bacteria. Additionally, they smooth out the surfaces of the tooth roots to stop the accumulation of plaque and bacteria.
Periodontists suggest scaling and root planing as effective treatment options for individuals with early-stage (mild) gum disease.
- Periodontal surgery: Periodontal surgery is a standard procedure performed by periodontists involving various surgical treatments:
- Gingival flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery): This procedure is used to manage moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis). The periodontist makes incisions and gently moves the gums away from the teeth, providing access to deep-seated infections under the gum line. After cleaning the tooth roots thoroughly, the gum tissue is repositioned and stitched back into position.
- Gum grafts: This procedure treats gum recession, where insufficient healthy gum tissue surrounds the teeth. The periodontist adds tissue to the areas with thin gums. The graft material may come from the roof of the patient's mouth or a licensed bone and tissue bank.
- Tooth extractions: Periodontists regularly extract teeth, especially for hard-to-remove teeth or those broken off at the gum line.
Why may a general dentist refer you to a periodontist?
Periodontal diseases are an increasingly common phenomenon. More than 50% of American adults over 30 have some form of periodontal issues. General dentists may manage minor periodontal diseases. However, extensive medical research suggests that periodontal disease is linked to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other chronic ailments. More critical periodontal irregularities may require a higher level of proficiency that only a trained periodontist can provide.
Some probable reasons your general dentist might refer you to a periodontal expert for more advanced treatment:
- You have bleeding, swollen, or receding gums.
- You have lost a tooth.
- There's been a change in your bite (how your upper and lower teeth are placed against each other while biting or chewing).
- You are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort within, around, or underneath your gums.
- You have a personal or family history of respiratory disease, heart problems, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, or cancer.
- You're an excessive smoker, increasing the risk of periodontal and allied diseases.
Apart from addressing these medical conditions, periodontists also specialize in surgical procedures that require finesse, such as placing dental implants. Hence, you may be referred to a periodontist if:
- You need multiple implants, a more complicated procedure that presents several alternatives that only a specialist can choose from.
- You have a compromised or partially eroded bone structure that requires an implant.
- You need an implant near the sinus in the upper back jaw. It means a professional must raise your sinus floor through sinus augmentation, identify adequate bone for the implant, and create sufficient space between the implant and the sinus.
What will happen when I visit a periodontist for the first time?
On your first visit to a periodontist, you should tell them about any discomfort you face. They may probe further for personal health conditions and medications you take regularly.
The doctor will then:
- Review your medical history to check if any pre-conditions contribute to your symptoms.
- Run an oral check for bleeding gums or plaque and tartar buildup.
- Measure the space between your teeth and gums, called the gum pocket.
- Take X-rays to identify if there's been any bone loss.
The periodontist will draw up a comprehensive treatment plan based on these tests. Your periodontist, a dentist, or a dental hygienist may periodically monitor the entire procedure. Deep cleaning of the gum area or prescribed antibiotics can often control gingivitis (early stages of gum disease). More advanced cases may require surgical procedures.
Your periodontist may recommend lifestyle changes and home remedies to help keep gum disease in control and prevent further damage. The doctor may advise you to:
- Maintain healthy oral habits by brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid gum injury.
- Brush gently.
- Use an electric toothbrush that is effective against plaque buildup.
- Rinse your mouth regularly with a dentist-recommended mouthwash.
- Get periodic dental cleanings.
- Quit smoking or chewing tobacco to protect your gum area and prevent other health hazards.
Is periodontitis (gum disease) possible to treat?
Gum disease is not always curable, but management with proper treatment is possible. However, it cannot be fully treated because you cannot restore it once you lose the supporting structure around your teeth. Periodontal treatment can help decrease infection and regain bone and tissue to some extent.
Genetics is also an essential factor to consider. Numerous forms of oral bacteria exist, and some people are just more likely to have the type that causes gum disease.
However, one stage of gum disease is completely reversible: gingivitis (very early periodontal disease). If your dentists can detect gingivitis early on, they can treat it with regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene. Your dentist may also refer you to a periodontist near you for specialized treatment.
What are the questions I should ask my periodontist?
Before you consider treatment options, you may have some questions or concerns regarding the treatment procedure. If you have gum disease, here are some questions you can ask your periodontist:
- What stage of gum disease am I in?
- Will I need surgery, or will nonsurgical treatment work?
- Do you provide sedation dentistry options?
- How long will the recovery take?
- When can I return to my workplace/school?
- How often do I need dental cleaning?
How can you ease dental anxiety?
If you experience troubling symptoms before your dental appointment, such as heart palpitations, profuse sweating, crying outbursts, and dizziness, you likely have dental anxiety. The condition may force you to delay timely periodontal care, which can be detrimental to your gum health in the long term. You can try various coping strategies to manage your fears and worries regarding periodontal visits:
- Keep your dental team informed: You must tell your periodontist and their staff about your dental anxiety. They can offer solutions to make the appointment safe and comfortable for you. For instance, the dentist may explain the treatment plan to you in detail, give you enough breaks during a procedure, or discuss helpful techniques to help you feel at ease.
- Practice relaxation techniques: To calm your body and mind, try deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and muscle relaxation. Incorporating these methods into your daily routine is a good idea. If not, practice them a few days before the periodontal appointment. These practices are also helpful when in the waiting room or the dental chair.
- Bring a distraction: You can take your mind off the distressing thoughts with the help of your favorite distractions in the dental office. You can read a book, listen to music, or watch a movie during the appointment.
- Ask a loved one to accompany you: Having a supportive partner, family member, friend, or caregiver by your side can help you calm your nerves, too. You can request that your periodontist allow them to be in the dental room.
How can adults maintain good dental health?
By incorporating certain oral hygiene habits into your routine, you can maintain excellent dental health for a lifetime. Here are some tips to keep your mouth healthy and your teeth strong:
- Drink fluoridated water and use fluoride toothpaste.
- Practice proper oral hygiene. To remove dental plaque, brush your teeth twice daily and floss between them daily.
- Visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you do not have any natural teeth or wear dentures.
- If your medicine causes dry mouth, ask your doctor for another medicine that may not cause this problem. If you cannot avoid dry mouth, drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum, and avoid smoking and alcohol.
- See your doctor or dentist if you notice sudden changes in taste and smell.
Where can you find a reliable periodontist near you in Los Angeles, CA?
Dental problems can jeopardize your eating habits, sleeping patterns, and working ability and, generally, reduce the quality of your life. Some periodontal issues can become severe enough to necessitate surgical measures. The delicate nature of some treatments mandates that you seek proper professional help. In your quest to find the best periodontists in Los Angeles, Zocdoc is the right choice.
It takes quick and easy steps to open an account on Zocdoc. Once registered, you can search by specialty, location, date, and insurance plan. We have an in-built insurance detector for assistance if you aren't sure about your insurance plan.
Now, you must wonder, "What happens if I do not have dental insurance?" or "What if I do not want to use insurance for my appointment?" You can mention "I'm paying for myself" in the search bar in both cases. Zocdoc will match you with an extensive list of providers accepting patients who want to pay out-of-pocket. For any more related information, feel free to look up Zocdoc's patient help center page.
Our physician profiles contain information about their educational qualifications, professional accreditations, hospital affiliations, awards, licensures, areas of expertise, and overall experience. You can also learn about their languages and whether they treat children well.
You must review the verified patient testimonials to understand their specific specialization first-hand. Once ready, you can proceed with our seamless appointment scheduling procedure with a chosen periodontist near you. Select the purple video icon if you wish to opt for an online consultation; we also offer in-person visits.
All bookings through Zocdoc are simple, safe, and free.
Vital statistics of periodontists in California, USA
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, about 5415 periodontists practice in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The same source reveals that periodontitis affects nearly 50% of U.S. adults over 30.
As per the California Department of Public Health, over 70% of third-grade students and about 54% of kindergarten children have problems with tooth decay. About 38% of the state's population aged 35-44 had a tooth extraction because of decay or gum disease.
The same study shows that approximately 10.4 people out of 100,000 in California get oral cancer.
According to a Los Angeles County Department of Public Health report, approximately 40% of adults in LA County had permanent teeth removed in 2021 due to tooth decay or gum disease.
Sources
WebMD
American Academy of Periodontology
National Center for Biotechnology Information
North County Dental Group
California Department of Public Health
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Healthline
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
