Five of the Most Common Reasons People See a Periodontist 

There’s a good chance you’ve seen the word periodontist included on a list of other types of dentists. But, What Does a Periodontist Do? This professional specializes in treating gum diseases of various kinds. In order to become a periodontist, the person must study for four years in dentistry school and continue their education with three more years spent studying periodontics. The dentists at New York Total Dental describe periodontists like this on their website:  You may have heard the term gingivitis or experienced bleeding gums at some point in your life. If not taken care of, this can eventually lead to periodontists. Loss of bone from inflammation is referred to as periodontists, whereas gum inflammation without bone loss is called gingivitis.

Check out five of the most common reasons people seek out the help of a periodontist.

Discolored Gums

The color of healthy gums is a light pink. Discoloration can be an indication of problems with a person’s gums. A periodontist is trained to examine a person’s gums to determine the cause of the discoloration. Gingivitis can discolor a person’s gums as well as smoking and even some types of medications. It’s best to visit a dental professional such as a periodontist who understands the causes behind discolored gums and, most importantly, what to do about it.

Changes in Bite

As people age, they sometimes experience changes in their bite. They may detect it whenever they eat or perhaps they can see a difference as they close their teeth together in front of a mirror. A periodontist can determine why a person’s bite is changing and recommend treatment for it. This is especially helpful if a person starts to experience jaw pain due to a changing bite.

Tooth Pain

Sometimes people experience pain in one or more teeth when they bite down on a piece of food. This may be a result of sensitivity or it could be a sign of a more complicated problem such as an infection at the root of a tooth due to bacteria. A periodontist has the skills and the equipment to diagnose the issue and help solve the problem to relieve the tooth pain.

Receding Gums

Most people experience receding gums as they age. But, sometimes, deep pockets of space from around the gums or between teeth. This is an issue that can be addressed by a periodontist. This professional may discover a case of gum disease or other bacteria that needs to be cleared up in order to stop or slow down receding gums.

Loose Teeth

Someone who has several loose teeth is likely to seek the expertise of a periodontist. Sometimes teeth become loose due to the beginnings of gum disease. Or, they may be loose because of bone damage under the gums. A periodontist is skillful at figuring out why teeth are becoming loose and can offer treatments to solve the issue and help the person look better in the process.

Dental Procedures

In addition to treating those five issues, a periodontist also performs dental procedures. This professional can put in dental implants and lengthen crowns. Also, a periodontist does scaling and root planning as well as connective tissue grafting.

Lastly, these are just five common reasons why people visit a periodontist. Of course, there are many other reasons why people seek the attention of this professional. If there is any question as to the health of your teeth or gums, it’s best to go with a periodontist who can assess the situation as quickly as possible and determine the right treatment for you.