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If you have a problem with your gums, such as inflammation, redness, bleeding, or even loose teeth, then you should see a periodontist - a dental professional specializing in treating gum diseases.

As a specialist, you’re likely to visit a periodontist if referred by your general or pediatric dentist, if you exhibit signs and symptoms of gum disease or other problems affecting the support structures of your teeth. Periodontists can detect the early signs of problems affecting the gums, jawbone, and connective gum tissue, and recommend an appropriate intervention to keep them from progressing and heal them.

You may need periodontal help for problems affecting the:

• Gums - The vast majority of adults suffer from gum disease at least once in their lifetime. There are different levels of gum disease, from its mild, painless form known as gingivitis, to severe gum disease that often causes loose teeth, known as periodontitis. Advanced cases of gum diseases are quite worrisome, especially when you lose multiple tooth, resulting in the need for additional treatment to fill the gaps. Moreover, this could be an indicator of cancer, so your periodontist may need to perform an oral cancer exam to test for cancerous cells.
• Alveolar process - Issues affecting the alveolar process (section of jawbone supporting your teeth) could lead to loose teeth and even tooth loss if left untreated, because your tooth sockets are hosted here. Deterioration of your alveolar process can only be corrected by a periodontist, who has the training and skills to reset it and support your teeth.
• Cementum - This is a calcified substance connecting your gums and teeth. It also protects the teeth roots by connecting the alveolar bone with your teeth through the periodontal ligament (PDL). Unhealthy PDL can cause the attached tooth to erupt and grow abnormally. Visiting a periodontist can help to correct the problem.

See a periodontist today

A visit to the periodontist is like any other visit to a dental professional. In the dentist’s office, the periodontist will examine your teeth and gums, review your medical history and x-ray charts, and look for any conditions that may prevent you from receiving certain treatments before recommending an appropriate treatment plan for your case.

For mild cases of gum disease, the periodontist may recommend non-surgical procedures such as scaling and root planing to remove tartar under the gum line and in the gum pockets. For serious gum and bone problems, you may require surgical treatments such as pocket reduction and bone regeneration.

Please visit a Family Smile Dental Care office or request an appointment online

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