Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Or do your mouth feel a little sore or swollen? Most of us don't really pay much attention to these things. But these can be very important signs about your oral health. If you have a complicated gum problem that is difficult for a regular dentist to manage, that's when you need the help of a 'Periodontist'.
Simply put, who is this Periodontist?
A Periodontist is a dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases of our gums and the bones around our teeth . To be precise, it's another sub-specialty within the field of dentistry.
Do you remember what we call the yellow film that forms on our teeth? We call it plaque . This is a film of bacteria that forms on our teeth from the foods we eat. If this is not cleaned properly, over time it turns into a hard layer like stone. We call it tartar .
When this dental plaque and tartar begin to spread below the gum line, our gums become inflamed, meaning they begin to swell.
- Early Stage: The early stage of this is called Gingivitis . In this stage, the gums become swollen and may bleed when brushing your teeth. But the good news is that this stage can be completely cured with good oral hygiene habits and regular cleanings as advised by a doctor.
- Severe cases: However, if Gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into a more serious condition called Periodontitis . This is where not only the gums but also the bone that holds the teeth in place is damaged. In such severe cases, your regular dentist will refer you to a Periodontist.
What treatments does a Periodontist perform?
A periodontist can recommend surgical or non-surgical treatment options depending on your condition.
Non-surgical Treatments
These are the first treatments to try. One of the most important of these is Scaling and Root Planing . This is a deeper cleaning than a regular teeth cleaning. This involves scraping away plaque and tartar that are deep under the gum line, at the roots of the teeth, using special instruments. Sometimes, antibiotics may be given along with this treatment to control infection.
Surgical Treatments
Sometimes, if gum disease is very severe, surgery may be necessary. Don't worry, these are done to restore the health of your teeth and gums.
| Name of the surgery | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Gum Graft | This is done when the gums have receded and the root of the tooth is exposed. Usually, a small piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and used to cover the gap. This can reduce tooth decay and sensitivity. |
| Laser Treatments | Laser rays are used to remove infected gum tissue and kill bacteria. |
| Tissue and bone growth treatments (Regenerative Procedures) | A method that helps regenerate bone and tissue destroyed by gum disease. |
| Dental Crown Lengthening | Excess gum tissue is removed to expose more of the tooth. This is sometimes done for cosmetic reasons. |
| Dental Implants | If a tooth has been lost due to gum disease, an implant is placed in the jawbone to replace it with an artificial tooth or bridge. |
| Pocket Reduction Surgery | A surgery to reduce deep gaps (pockets) between the tooth and the gum where bacteria can accumulate. |
The important thing is that some of these treatments can be used for both gum disease and cosmetic reasons to beautify your smile.
What are the signs that you should see a Periodontist?
Your regular dentist can treat some gum problems, but if you have any of the symptoms below, especially if they seem to be getting worse, see a doctor right away and ask if you need to be referred to a periodontist.
| Symptom | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Swollen or puffy gums | This can be the first sign of gingivitis. Instead of a healthy light pink color, the gums appear dark red. The teeth may even look like they are chipped. |
| Bleeding gums | Do you bleed not only when brushing your teeth, flossing, and sometimes even when eating spicy foods? This is not normal. |
| Bad breath | If you continue to have bad breath even after keeping your mouth clean, it could be a sign of an infection under the gums. |
| Pain when eating | As gum disease progresses, teeth begin to loosen, causing pain and sensitivity when eating. |
| Receding Gums | Have your gums receded and you're starting to see the roots of your teeth? This is a sign of severe gum disease. But sometimes, brushing your teeth too often can also be a cause. Whatever the cause, it's important to see a doctor. |
What happens when you see a Periodontist?
There's nothing to worry about. When you visit a periodontist, they will first ask about your symptoms. They will also ask about any other medical conditions you have (e.g. diabetes) and any medications you are taking.
After that,
- The mouth is examined to check for bleeding gums and plaque and tartar buildup.
- Measuring the depth of gum pockets: The depth of the small gap between the tooth and the gum is measured with a special instrument.
- X-ray: An X-ray will be taken to see if there is any damage to the bones around the teeth.
Using all this information, your doctor will create a treatment plan that is best for you. He will also advise you on lifestyle changes you need to make to maintain healthy gums.
Take-Home Message
- Don't ignore bleeding, swollen, or bad breath as normal. These could be early signs of gum disease.
- If your regular dentist can't control the condition or thinks it's a bit more serious, he or she will refer you to a Periodontist. Don't be afraid to follow their advice.
- Brushing your teeth properly twice a day with a soft toothbrush, flossing between your teeth, and completely avoiding smoking are essential for maintaining healthy gums.
- If you have any concerns or doubts about your oral health, don't keep it to yourself and see your doctor right away for advice. Early detection makes treatment easier.
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