Periodontists, based on a definition given by the American Academy of Periodontology, are dental practitioners who have specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum disease. In simpler terms, periodontists have concentrated on addressing issues that affect the gums and bones that hold the teeth.
Every periodontist near me had to undergo three extra years of training after graduating from dental school and was also required to sign up for a periodontal residency program.
All periodontists’ primary objective is to save the patient’s oral tissue and bone by making them healthy again. In cases where the patient’s tissue and bone are extensively damaged, various procedures can be performed to heal/restore the diseased tissue or bone. They include:
- Osseous or hard-tissue procedures like bone grafting, tori removal, crown lengthening, and bone recontouring
- Extractions
- Soft-tissue procedures such as gingivectomy, gum recontouring, gum grafting, and frenectomies
- Dental implants installation
- Root-coverage procedures
What is Gum Disease
Gum disease or periodontal disease refers to a bacterial infection that affects gum tissues that hold the teeth in position. This disease is mostly caused by the failure to uphold ideal teeth flossing and brushing habits resulting in plaque build-up. Plaque is a film of oral bacteria that sticks and hardens on teeth surfaces.
According to a dentist in Coral Springs, FL, when gum disease is not treated early enough, its effects keep getting worse after every advanced stage. The results are bleeding, sore gums, chewing problems, and sometimes tooth loss becomes a certainty. This is one among other reasons why dentists in Coral Springs encourage patients to schedule dental check-up appointments every once in a while, as this allows for the early detection of developing oral issues.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
The human oral cavity normally harbors bacteria. When the bacteria combine with the food particles left behind after eating and the mucus present, it leads to the formation of a sticky and colorless substance on the teeth that were previously defined as plaque. Healthy oral practices like brushing teeth after every meal help eliminate plaque, but if an individual isn’t consistent with this practice, it hardens and turns into tartar. Getting rid of tartar by brushing teeth is next to impossible, and once they are formed on your teeth, the only way you can have them removed is by going to a dental hygienist or a dentist for professional teeth cleaning.
Designer Smiles FL is a dental clinic that offers professional dental cleaning services, gum disease diagnosis and treatment, and oral check-ups, among other services in Coral Springs, FL.
The Symptoms
Gum disease symptoms include:
- Receding gums
- Bad breath (halitosis) that doesn’t go away even after brushing
- Painful chewing
- Teeth and gum sensitivity
- Swollen or red gums
- Loose teeth
- Bleeding or tender gums
Periodontal Disease Risk Factors
Knowing the risk factors for gum disease is important because it helps you know whether your chance of contracting the disease is high or low and also teaches you of the factors within your control that you can avoid. Below is a list consisting of commonly known risk factors:
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Stress
- Oral hygiene
- Genetic factors
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Gender – Men are more likely to suffer from gum disease than women
- Osteoporosis
Diagnosis and Treatment
During the diagnosis of gum disease, our dentist in 33067 will:
- Inspect your gums for any signs that may indicate tissue inflammation
- Look for any pockets that may be around your teeth. This will be done with the use of a dental tool known as a probe.
- Ask questions about your previous medical history so that he/she can identify any risk factors or conditions that may lead to gum disease.
Curbing the infection spread is the key goal of gum disease treatment. The types and number of treatments suggested will vary from one patient to another, depending on how severe each patient’s case is. You should know that all forms of gum disease treatment require the patient to uphold healthy oral hygiene habits while at home for it to work effectively. Your dental practitioner may also recommend changing some behaviors like quitting smoking to improve the results of your treatment.
Tips on How to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
- Brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss before bedtime to get rid of particles between your teeth
- Visit your dental practitioner routinely for professional cleaning and check-up
- Avoid smoking
If you are looking for a periodontist near you in Coral Springs and surrounding areas like Village Square, Westchester, Turtle Run, Woodside, Hillsboro Pines, Windham, Running Brook Hills, and Commerce Park of Coral Springs, feel free to give us a call and book a consultation.