What is a periodontist?
Dentists specializing in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease are known as periodontists. They are also experts in handling issues of the bones supporting the teeth and installing dental implants. If your regular dentist suspects complex periodontal problems, they will probably direct you to a periodontist.
Periodontists provide specialized treatments such as scaling and root planing to deep clean below the gumline in case of plaque accumulation and root surface debridement to remove damaged root tissue. They also perform cosmetic periodontal procedures and treat oral inflammations.
Periodontists must attend a four-year dental school to receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree. After dental school, they must complete a three-year residency training in periodontics. To practice as a periodontist, they must get board-certified by the American Board of Periodontology.
Periodontist vs. prosthodontist
It is easy to confuse a periodontist and a prosthodontist. The confusion is due to the similarity of the terms and the fact that both refer to dental specialists. While both receive similar education and training, they are two completely different types of practitioners. They are also certified by separate boards.
A periodontist's primary responsibilities include diagnosing and treating diseases affecting structures around the teeth. They also focus on preventing and managing conditions associated with gums and bones around the teeth and perform dental implant surgeries. Older individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular issues frequently experience periodontal diseases.
On the other hand, prosthodontists focus on tooth restoration and oral cosmetics. They can perform reconstructive surgeries for people with complex oral cosmetic needs and treat congenital oral conditions, dental trauma, and oral injuries. They also help with sleep disorders affecting the mouth, like clenching jaws. Prosthodontists attend to people of all ages.
When to see a periodontist?
Occasionally, your regular dentist can provide you with the necessary treatment. But seeing a periodontist near you might be the best option if:
- Your gum disease is worsening
- Complex oral conditions
- Possibility of tooth loss
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Pain when chewing
- Receding gum line
Your periodontist can address an uneven gum line through cosmetic dental procedures. After evaluating your symptoms, your periodontist may suggest surgical or non-surgical methods to resolve your problems. They may also recommend scaling, root planing, laser treatment, crown lengthening, dental implants, and regenerative procedures to promote the growth of new bone and tissue.
What types of procedures do periodontists carry out?
A periodontist can actively perform a broad spectrum of periodontal treatments, encompassing periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planing, and multiple types of periodontal surgery.
Periodontal maintenance
It involves conducting teeth cleaning that closely resembles a standard dental cleaning. However, in addition to cleansing your teeth, your periodontist or hygienist assesses your gum health and measures the pockets around your teeth (which deepen when bone loss occurs). Many individuals needing periodontal maintenance should schedule these cleanings every three to four months, with your periodontist tailoring a cleaning schedule suitable for your needs.
Scaling and root planning
Also called periodontal cleaning, it is a deep dental cleaning that requires local anesthesia to numb your gums. It allows your hygienist to perform a thorough cleaning beneath your gum line, targeting hidden harmful bacteria. Additionally, they smooth the surfaces of your tooth roots to restrict the accumulation of plaque and bacteria. Periodontists commonly recommend scaling and root planing for individuals with early-stage (mild) gum disease.
Periodontal surgery
It is a routine procedure conducted by periodontists and encompasses various surgical periodontal treatments, including:
- Performing gingival flap surgery: This procedure, also known as pocket reduction surgery, effectively treats moderate to severe periodontitis (gum disease). In this surgery, your periodontist makes incisions and skillfully displaces your gums from your teeth, allowing for a thorough examination of the deep-seated infection below the gum line. After meticulously cleaning your tooth roots, your periodontist repositions the gum tissue and secures it with sutures.
- Conducting gum grafts: This procedure addresses gum recession by adding tissue where the gums have thinned. Your periodontist can obtain grafting material from the roof of your mouth or a licensed bone and tissue bank.
- Performing tooth extractions: Periodontists regularly extract challenging-to-remove teeth, particularly those broken at the gum line.
- Administering dental bone grafts: Periodontal infection can deteriorate the bone supporting your teeth. To counter this, your periodontist can introduce a bone graft to stimulate bone regeneration in the affected area. Usually, a bone and tissue bank provides these grafting materials, but they can also use bone from another area in your mouth.
- Executing surgical crown lengthening: When a tooth fractures close to the gum line and there isn't enough room for a dental crown, your periodontist can address the problem. They remove a small portion of gum and bone tissue around the affected tooth, guaranteeing that the crown fits correctly.
- Enhancing smiles with smile lifts: A smile lift can improve excessive gum tissue covering teeth during a smile. During this procedure, your periodontist removes gum tissue, and sometimes a minor amount of bone, around affected teeth. A smile lift can be performed independently or in combination with veneers for a comprehensive smile makeover.
- Addressing frenum issues through frenectomy: Frenums are connective tissue bands linking different body parts. In the mouth, there are lingual and labial frenum. An overly tight frenum can lead to problems like tongue-tie or gum recession. A frenectomy involves an incision by your periodontist to release the frenum and alleviate these issues.
Furthermore, many periodontists also offer dental implant placement services. However, this procedure is common to periodontics, as oral surgeons and some general dentists can also perform it. Most periodontists provide sedation dentistry options, such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV (intravenous) sedation, to ensure comfort during these procedures.
Why is gum health important?
Research shows that your gum health impacts your overall well-being in various ways, such as:
- Lung health: Some studies suggest that gum health might help improve lung health for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Periodontal disease can also make you more susceptible to respiratory infections like pneumonia.
- Heart health: Moderate to severe gum disease can increase inflammation levels. Some studies also suggest that inflammation from severe gum disease might be linked to the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Nutritional health: Untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss, making eating healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables harder. Chewing problems can lead to poor nutrition and cause other issues, including fatigue and dizziness.
- Memory: According to a 2023 report, there is a link between gum health and memory. Study participants with gingivitis consistently performed poorly in memory tests compared to participants with healthy gums. The findings suggest that tooth loss and gum disease are associated with shrinking in the hippocampus, a part of the brain that impacts memory and learning. This builds on existing evidence that ties gum disease to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Can pregnancy affect dental health?
Dental health plays a crucial role in your overall health, and during pregnancy, it becomes an essential part of prenatal care. Pregnancy increases the risk of oral health issues, which can, in turn, affect both maternal and fetal health. Research suggests a connection between gum disease and preterm birth (before 37 weeks), which may lead to health complications for the baby. Maintaining good dental hygiene during pregnancy promotes a healthier pregnancy and reduces risks for the baby.
Hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy can significantly impact oral health:
- Hormonal changes: Increased levels of progesterone and estrogen can make gums more sensitive, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and a higher risk of gingivitis (gum disease).
- Dietary changes and cravings: Changes in eating habits and cravings during pregnancy can affect dental health. Some women develop pica, a condition where they crave non-food items (like ice or clay), which can harm teeth.
- Morning sickness and tooth erosion: Frequent vomiting exposes teeth to stomach acid, weakening enamel and increasing the risk of cavities.
- Loose teeth: Hormonal changes can temporarily loosen the ligaments and bones supporting teeth, making them feel less stable.
- Pregnancy tumors (pyogenic granulomas): These non-cancerous, red, swollen lumps may form on gums due to excess plaque. They usually disappear after childbirth but may require removal if they cause discomfort.
Common dental problems during pregnancy include:
- Cavities (tooth decay): Pregnancy increases susceptibility to cavities, and the bacteria causing decay can be passed to the baby, affecting their future dental health.
- Mercury exposure from dental fillings: The FDA advises against amalgam (silver) fillings during pregnancy due to mercury content, which may harm fetal development. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings are a safer alternative.
- Gingivitis and periodontal disease: Untreated gum inflammation can lead to infection, loose teeth, and even systemic issues like bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream).
- Tooth erosion: Stomach acid from vomiting can wear down enamel, increasing sensitivity and decay risk.
Seek dental care if you experience:
- Swollen, bleeding, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth or new gaps between teeth
- Mouth sores or lumps
- Tooth pain or pus along the gum line
Prompt treatment of dental issues is safe during pregnancy and helps prevent complications. Expectant mothers can protect their health and their baby's well-being by prioritizing oral hygiene.
Tips on good oral hygiene
The leading reason for gum disease and other periodontal conditions is the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth due to poor oral hygiene. Plaque, tooth decay, and gingivitis can all result due to this. To ward off these illnesses, you can contribute by engaging in tooth brushing a minimum of two times daily, flossing after eating, and consistently employing antimicrobial mouthwash. Ensure you replace your toothbrush every three to four months, as worn-out toothbrushes can injure your gums.
Try to make it a habit to use toothpaste rich in fluoride and drink only fluoridated water for solid and cavity-free teeth. Cut down on consuming sugary and acidic foods and drinks in substantial amounts. Examples include soda, candy, and cakes. Cut down your consumption of alcohol and try to eliminate the use of tobacco products. Make plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables a part of your diet. Besides providing your body with the nutrition it needs, its crunchy texture can help exercise your jaws while you bite and chew.
Finding a good periodontist near you in New York
Practicing good oral hygiene and habits can help prevent most dental health issues. However, aging and the onset of chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease could make you vulnerable to specific oral health conditions. These issues often require the care and attention of a periodontist. Going through a long list of recommendations and enquiring about every doctor from the list can be tiring and time-consuming. Thankfully, with Zocdoc, you can easily avoid the hassles of searching for the right periodontist.
Zocdoc helps you in your search with its user-friendly interface and extensive database of qualified medical professionals active across the US. The first step is creating a free account on the Zocdoc platform. Type your symptoms or the type of specialist you seek in the search bar. Choose your preferred location, appointment date, and insurance details. Gender, location, and languages spoken are some criteria you can use to refine your search. Our insurance detector lets you find an in-network periodontist near you.
While you can add medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your Zocdoc account, you can only search for and schedule an appointment with one plan at a time. If you have multiple insurance plans, you can mention your secondary plan and carrier in your notes for the provider in the last step of your booking process. Plus, if your provider uses Zocdoc's intake forms, you can add details about your secondary insurance while filling out your forms online. For more insurance-related queries, check Zocdoc's patient help center.
After you have the list of possible matches:
- Click on individual profiles for more details.
- Read about their areas of expertise, hospital affiliations, and educational qualifications.
- Check the verified patient ratings and reviews to know more about the periodontist's work ethic.
The profiles and patient reviews are regularly updated to help you make the right choice with all the relevant information at your fingertips. You can also schedule a virtual appointment before an in-person session with a periodontist near you. Some periodontists on the list may be available on weekends and after regular business hours.
All bookings made on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and free!
Oral health statistics for New York and the United States
Good oral health practices, when introduced in childhood, can help curb the occurrence of dental problems later on in life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 13.2% of children aged 5-19 had untreated dental caries during 2015-2018 in the US. For the same period, the number of adults aged 20-44 with the same condition was nearly 26%. For age groups 45-64 and 65 years and older, it is about 25% and 20%, respectively.
The same source shows that in 2019, about 86.9% of children aged 2-17 nationwide had a dental visit in the past year. The figure for adults aged 18 and above was 63% in 2020. According to the 2020 statistics provided by America's Health Rankings, roughly 67% of all adults in New York State reported seeing a dentist or visiting a dental clinic within the past year. Among these, around 62.7% of adults fell in the age group of 18-44, similar to the national number of 62.6%. About 71% of them belonged to the 45-64 age group, and nearly 69% of people were 65 and above, compared to the national numbers of 66% and 67%, respectively.
The same source provides additional data, indicating that in 2020, approximately 12% of New Yorkers aged 65 and older reported that they had undergone the removal of all their teeth due to decay or gum disease. This figure is slightly lower than the nationwide figure of 13.4%.
Sources
American Academy of Periodontology
Cleveland Clinic
University of Rochester Medical Center
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
American College of Prosthodontists
University of Illinois Chicago
Healthline
America's Health Rankings[1]
America’s Health Rankings[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Academy of Neurology
Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation
March of Dimes
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