Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Do you always have bad breath? Do some of your teeth feel a little loose? These are issues that many of us don't pay much attention to, thinking, "It's normal." But in fact, these can be serious warning signs about your oral health. It's at times like these that we need the help of a specialist who goes beyond a regular dentist. That's what we call a 'Periodontist'. Today, let's talk about who they are, what they do, and why they are important to protecting your teeth for life.
Who is a Periodontist? Is he different from a regular dentist?
It's very simple. When you have a cold, you go to your family doctor (GP). But if you have a heart condition, you go to a cardiologist. It's the same with dentistry.
- General Dentist: He/She does general dental work like cleaning your teeth, filling your teeth, putting crowns on your teeth, and extracting teeth. Just like our family doctor. They come to work after completing a four-year degree from a dental school.
- Periodontist: They are specialists in the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth . Simply put, they specialize in the foundation of a tooth, which is the gums, the tissues that attach the tooth to the jawbone, and the jawbone. In addition to their general dentistry degree, they undergo three years of specialized training in this subject. That is why they are uniquely qualified to solve deep gum problems.
Think of it like a tree. The branches and leaves of the tree are the teeth. But if the roots of the tree and the soil around them are not healthy, the tree will die. Similarly, a Periodontist is someone who specifically looks after the roots of the teeth and the gums and bones around them.
When do you need to see a Periodontist?
There are several reasons why your general dentist may refer you to a Periodontist. Sometimes this may be for temporary treatment, sometimes it may be for long-term treatment.
For temporary treatment
Imagine you need a somewhat complicated procedure that a regular dentist can't perform. For example:
- Gum recession: If the gums have receded to the point where the root of the tooth is visible, a gum graft surgery may be necessary.
- Jawbone loss: If the jawbone around the tooth has eroded due to gum disease, a bone graft may be necessary.
- Frenectomy: Some people have a frenectomy, which is a procedure that involves the frenula (tissue under the tongue or upper lip ) to remove the frenulum (tissue between the tongue and upper lip). This can cause problems with speaking, eating, and even gum health. A periodontist performs a minor surgery to free the frenula.
After undergoing this type of treatment and recovering, the Periodontist will refer you back to your regular dentist.
For long-term treatment
Some people continue to need the services of a Periodontist.
- People with a predisposition to gum disease: Some people are genetically more likely to develop gum disease. People with diseases like diabetes mellitus are also at higher risk.
- People who frequently develop gum disease: In addition to regular teeth cleaning, these people should have a deep cleaning (periodontal maintenance) by a periodontist every 3 or 4 months.
In cases like this, your general dentist and periodontist work together to help maintain your oral health at its best.
What treatments and surgeries does a Periodontist perform?
The range of treatments performed by a Periodontist is very wide. These range from simple cleanings to complex surgeries. Let's take a look at the main treatments performed.
| Type of treatment/surgery | Simply put, what does it entail? |
|---|---|
| Specialized Periodontal Maintenance | This is a little more in-depth than a regular teeth cleaning. In addition to cleaning the teeth, the health of the gums and the depth of the cavities (pockets) around the teeth are checked. It is recommended to do this every 3-4 months for those with gum disease. |
| Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) | This is also called a "deep cleaning." It numbs the gums and removes bacteria and tartar that have settled beneath the gums and at the roots of the teeth. The surface of the tooth root is smoothed, which reduces the chance of bacteria re-attaching. This treatment is very effective in the early stages of gum disease. |
| Gingival Flap Surgery | This surgery is performed when the gum disease is severe (moderate to severe periodontitis). Here, a small incision is made in the gum, the gum is removed, and the infection and tartar inside are thoroughly cleaned. Then, the gum is put back in place and sutured. |
| Gum Grafts | This is done when the gums have receded too far and the root of the tooth is exposed. Usually, a small piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and transplanted to the lower gum area. This reduces tooth sensitivity and improves its appearance. |
| Complex Tooth Extractions | A Periodontist has a special ability to remove teeth that have broken down to the gum level, such as teeth that are difficult to remove. |
| Jawbone Reconstruction (Dental Bone Grafts) | A special type of bone grafting material is injected into the area of jawbone that has been lost due to gum disease to help the bone grow back. This is often done before dental implants. |
| Surgical Crown Lengthening | When a tooth is badly broken and there is not enough tooth left to fit a crown, this surgery removes some of the gum and bone around the tooth to create space for the crown to fit. |
| Gum lift for a beautiful smile (Smile Lift) | Some people have a gummy smile, which shows more gum than teeth. If this is a problem for your appearance, you can have a beautiful smile by surgically removing the excess gum tissue. |
In addition to these treatments, Periodontists also commonly perform dental implants . They are also able to use various anesthetic techniques (sedation dentistry) to keep you comfortable and pain-free during these procedures.
It can be a little scary when your dentist refers you to a periodontist. You might think, "Oh, do I have something serious?" But it's really nothing to be afraid of. It just means that your dentist cares about your oral health and is trying to give you the best treatment possible.
Just like healthy teeth, healthy gums are also important. Gum disease is a dangerous condition that can silently destroy your teeth. That's why a Periodontist is a valuable specialist who can protect the foundation of your teeth and help you keep your smile beautiful for life.
Take-Home Message
- A Periodontist is a doctor who specializes in the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth, rather than a general dentist.
- Never ignore symptoms like bleeding gums when brushing your teeth, bad breath, loose teeth, or swollen gums. These could be early signs of gum disease.
- If your regular dentist refers you to a Periodontist, don't be afraid to seek advice as soon as possible. It's the best investment you can make in protecting your teeth.
- Healthy gums are essential for healthy teeth, just like a strong foundation for a strong building.
- If you have any concerns about your gums, talk to your doctor about it.
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