The Benefits of Seeing a Periodontist
There is no denying that seeing a general dentist is an excellent choice for your regular dental care. However, extra help from a specialist may be necessary when it comes to certain dental issues. Has your dentist mentioned something like dental implants or recession? Do you struggle with bleeding gums or loose teeth, even bad breath? These are just but a few dental problems that may necessitate visiting a periodontist.
If you’re wondering whether or not seeing this dental expert is right for you, then you’re in the right place. The information on this page will explain the main benefits of having a periodontist check the status of your oral health.
What is a Periodontist?
While dentists and periodontists have a lot in common, periodontists have obtained further education to acquire special knowledge about the gums, bone and teeth. In other words, periodontal specialists focus on conditions, diseases, and other health issues affecting the gums. Dr. Hobbs graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Besides earning a doctorate in dentistry, Dr Hobbs receive an additional training at the prestigious University of California at San Francisco while simultaneously earning a Master's Degree in Oral Biology.
Key Benefits of Visiting a Periodontist
Now that we know who a periodontist is, here are the four main reasons you may need to see a periodontist instead of sticking with your regular dentists when suffering from some tooth or gum infection:
Periodontists can Help Prevent Unnecessary Tooth Loss
When your gum infection damages your gum pocket tissues beyond repair, losing your tooth becomes a reality. With a periodontist, however, you can potentially retain your tooth through a procedures such as Laser Assisted Surgery, Soft Tissue Grafting, and Use of Your own Growth Factors by Obtaining Platelet Rich Fibrin. Other treatment options include Scaling and Root Planing. Scaling will leave your tooth clean, and additionally we use the latest technology to remove microbial biofilm from your teeth.
Periodontists Provide Specialized Dental Care
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you need to floss and brush regularly. Regular dental cleanings are also important. However, these routines may not be effective if you have a gum infection. In infected gums, the pocket between your gums and teeth may swell, making it necessary to seek special help. That’s where a periodontist comes in.
Replacement of Missing Teeth
Have you lost any of your teeth as a result of trauma, disease, or any other reason? The good news is that Dr. Hobbs can help replace lost teeth with dental implants. Thanks to proper understanding of the gum, jaw bone, and tooth structure, periodontists are the best choice for dental implant surgery. Our office has the latest technology and only uses the best implant system in the world, Straumann Implants.
Handling Advanced Cases of Gum Disease
Due to its pervasive nature, periodontal disease (or gum disease) can cling to your gingival tissue. If this happens, your entire dental system can be damaged, resulting in tooth loss, chronic oral infections, and other oral health issues. Handling these rather complex gum disease cases is best done by a periodontist.
Periodontal disease has been linked to numerous systemic diseases including:
- Periodontal Disease and Systemic Conditions such as Diabetes
Periodontal disease and diabetes have a strong two-way relationship. Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, and conversely, severe periodontal disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels in diabetics. - Cardiovascular Disease
Periodontal disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. The inflammation caused by gum disease is thought to contribute to the development of these conditions. - Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Periodontal disease has been associated with preterm birth and low birth weight babies. - Respiratory Diseases
Bacteria from the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs and contribute to respiratory problems like pneumonia. - Alzheimer's Disease
Emerging research suggests a potential link between periodontal disease and the progression of Alzheimer's disease. - Rheumatoid Arthritis
Some studies have indicated a connection between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis. - Certain Cancers
Some studies have found a correlation between periodontal disease and an increased risk of certain cancers, including kidney, pancreatic, and blood cancers, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.