A periodontist is a dental specialist focusing on the gum tissue and jaw bone. They perform various procedures, including gum disease treatment, bone grafting, and dental implants. Sometimes, knowing when you need to see a periodontist can be difficult. Here are some signs you may need to make an appointment:
You Have Receding Gums
When the tissue surrounding and shielding your teeth begins to recede, more roots are exposed, and gum recession occurs. It can lead to sensitivity, tooth loss, and other serious oral health issues. Poor dental hygiene is usually to blame, mainly when using a hard-bristled toothbrush or missing the six-monthly cleaning and examination appointments. When plaque accumulates on and between your teeth, it can turn into tartar, which only a dentist can remove if left untreated for an extended period.
It’s time to see the best periodontist in Los Angeles if you have sinking gums, as evidenced by a visible notch or indentation where the gum line once was, or by sensitive teeth! Minor gum recession is often reversible with prevention, such as quitting smoking, practicing good dental hygiene, and visiting the dentist regularly. A periodontist may recommend flap surgery or grafting to revive the gum tissue and bone when gum recession becomes more advanced. This procedure covers the exposed roots, reduces sensitivity, and prevents further recession.
You Have Painful Gums
Pain in the gums is a warning sign that you may have advanced gum disease. Treatment is available for this progressive condition that may eventually result in tooth loss. A periodontist can thoroughly clean your teeth and gums to control the disease. They can also take X-rays to assess the amount of bone loss due to gum disease. Swollen or painful gums are also signs of gum disease. It would help if you visited a periodontist right away to receive treatment to prevent the progression of gum disease. A periodontist will also evaluate your risk factors for gum disease, and they may prescribe antibiotics to help control the problem.
You should also see a periodontist if you have noticed changes in your bite. It is a common side effect of gum disease, and it can make eating difficult. A periodontist can address this problem and restore your regular chewing pattern. To remove bacteria from the surface of your teeth, they can also perform additional procedures like scaling and root planing.
You Have Sensitive Gums
When you experience tooth and gum sensitivity, even the most primary dental care can become an uncomfortable chore. Sensitivity often occurs when eating or drinking cold or hot foods and drinks, but it can also be triggered by brushing or flossing too hard or using the wrong toothbrush or floss. Gum sensitivity can be a sign of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. The gum tissue surrounding your teeth may eventually be destroyed if periodontitis results from untreated gingivitis. It can even lead to bone loss, increasing the risk of tooth loss.
If you have sensitive gums, see your dentist as soon as possible. They may recommend a treatment such as desensitizing fluoride gels or rinses to help reduce the sensitivity and protect your teeth. In addition, to improve your gums’ condition and lessen sensitivity, they suggest gum regenerative treatments like tissue sculpting or gum grafting. To help stop further sensitivity, they could also advise cutting back on or removing acidic foods and beverages from your diet. Gum sensitivity is also an early warning sign for diabetes.
You Have Gum Disease
While bacteria are present in everyone’s mouths, they only become harmful when food and liquids combine with the bacterium to create a sticky substance called plaque. This plaque clings to teeth, where it can harden into tartar. Since it creates a space for more bacteria to grow, tartar is hard to eliminate. Gum disease may result from this in the future. When a person suffers from gum disease, their gum tissue recedes, and pockets form between teeth and the gums. The pockets harbor bacteria that attack the ligaments and bones supporting teeth. Once this support system is compromised, the teeth can move apart or fall out entirely.
Early treatment by a periodontist can preserve teeth by halting the advancement of gum disease. Additionally, it can lower the chance of developing other severe medical disorders like diabetes and heart disease. The periodontist might suggest aesthetic tissue sculpting in addition to clearing away plaque and tartar. This procedure reshapes gum tissue, exposing more of the natural tooth structure to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.
You Have Gingivitis
Everybody’s mouth is home to millions of bacteria. It is common and usually not harmful, but it can irritate gum tissue if plaque—a sticky layer of bacteria—accumulates on the teeth and gums. The irritation may lead to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease and the most common reason dentists refer patients to periodontists. Gingivitis typically presents as red and swollen gums that may bleed when brushed. A periodontist can assist in treating the signs and symptoms of gingivitis and stop it from worsening until tooth loss, gum disease, and other oral health issues arise. Prompt treatment of gingivitis involves professional dental cleaning, improved oral hygiene, and daily use of antibacterial mouthwash to kill bacteria linked to gingivitis. Treating underlying health issues or adjusting medications that can impact gum tissue is also helpful.
Periodontists perform gingival flap surgery to remove bacteria from the pocket between the teeth and gums (called a periodontal pocket). They may recommend topical or oral antibiotics to control inflammation, and they can use bone-reshaping surgery to treat advanced gum disease that includes exposed roots and bone damage.
