When Should You See A Periodontist?

Anyone suffering from a serious gum infection or periodontal disease needs to see a dentist. If you are considering seeing a periodontist or want to know when to see one, you have come to the right place. Although traditional dentists can diagnose and treat a variety of oral health conditions, a periodontist is a specialized expert in the placement of dental implants and the treatment of periodontal disease. 

A periodontist diagnoses, prevents, and treats periodontal disease. In certain cases, traditional dentists may be able to treat minor gum issues. But, they would refer patients to a periodontist for treating severe issues. 

What Is A Periodontist?

In the simplest of words, a periodontist is a specialized dental expert who treats oral health issues leading to debilitating dental issues. My Dentist San Francisco website describes a periodontist as a dental professional who diagnoses, prevents, and treats gum disease. 

In order for someone to become a periodontist, they have to seek 3 extra years of education after standard dental school. Thus, a periodontist would be able to perform both restorative and cosmetic periodontal procedures while prioritizing function and aesthetics. Besides being a gum specialist, a periodontist also provides a variety of treatment such as scaling and root planing. You can also count on them to provide root surface debridement.   

Signs You Need To See a Periodontist

With a huge percentage of the population suffering from some sort of gum disease, periodontists are in huge demand. However, you might be wondering when to see one. Visiting a periodontist will help ensure that early symptoms of gum disease are taken care of. If you fail to get treated, you will end up experiencing difficult oral health conditions. Generally, the following signs require you to visit a periodontist at the earliest.

1. A Change in Bite

One of the signs that you need to see a periodontist is a change in bite. If you have noticed a change in your bite, it would require urgent attention. See a periodontist if your teeth feel different while brushing, talking, or chewing. Keep in mind that different bite patterns point towards different issues which would lead to long-term problems if left unattended. Therefore, you will need a periodontist to evaluate the reasons behind the change.

2. Bleeding, Swollen, or Red Gums

Another obvious sign that you should see a periodontist is bleeding, swollen, or red gums. You should watch closely to determine if your gums bleed whenever you brush or floss. Seek a qualified periodontist if they do in order to address minor issues early on. Otherwise, they could easily evolve into painful and expensive problems later on.

3. Loose Teeth

Next, you would need to see a periodontist if you have loose teeth. It could be a sign of serious infections (like periodontitis) or thinning bone structure. In case your teeth start to feel loose, you must visit a periodontist immediately. It is always better to be on the safe side. The fact is that as periodontal disease progresses, it moves or migrates teeth.

4. Receding Gums

In addition to the above, receding gums also require you to see a periodontist. Even though it is natural for our gums to recede as we age, it does not mean that you should have very noticeable results. If your teeth look a lot longer, advanced gum recession might be to blame. It is caused by periodontal disease and only a local periodontist would be able to help you out.

5. Oral Pain and Discomfort 

If you feel oral pain and discomfort, a periodontist will be able to trace the specific tooth causing the problem. If there is pain underneath, around, or within your gums, it could be a sign of a serious underlying issue. It makes sense to schedule a comprehensive examination with the dentist to get to the root of the problem. The periodontist will take the best steps to ensure the problem is taken care of.

6. Sensitive Teeth

Finally, for those of you who have sensitive teeth, seeing a periodontist is the ultimate solution. If you feel pain whenever you eat hot or cold foods and beverages, chances are that you are experiencing underlying periodontal disease. The thing about gum disease is that it makes your teeth vulnerable and exposes bacteria to the roots. 

Conclusion

Once you have gone over the post, you will know when to see a periodontist. It is important that you take notice of the above signs to get the treatment that you deserve.