How to Choose a Periodontist

Choosing a periodontist in your market may vary depending on your situation. Let us first look at what a periodontist specializes in and then why you might need one.

What does a Periodontist specialize in?

A periodontist is a specialty dentist that primarily focuses on the diagnosis, the treatment and prevention of periodontal diseases, which is gum disease. Periodontists are also trained to place dental tooth implants and gum contouring as well. A periodontist will have completed and graduated from a four-year doctorate program in dentistry. They then elect to continue with a three-year formal training in their specialty which is a periodontology residency accredited by the ADA, or American Dental Association.

Why would I need to see a Periodontist?

You are not alone if you need to see a periodontitis. Almost half of American adults over the age of 30 have some stage or level of periodontal disease. Gum disease is primarily caused by neglect and poor oral hygiene. If you do not brush regularly as advised a clear sticky substance called plaque will form on your teeth. That substance is carrying bacteria full of acids and sugar. When the plaque encounters the gums, the soft tissue will immediately become infected. The two levels or stages of gum diseases are called gingivitis and periodontitis.

What are the Treatments like for Gum Disease?

The periodontist must first exam your gums, your teeth and take some x-rays to identify issues below the gum line. If the gum disease is in the beginning stage you will receive a good, professional teeth cleaning. This cleaning will include a deep cleaning, going below the gumline to remove the damaging plaque. This process is called scaling and root planing. The plaque must be manually scraped from the entire tooth, including the root. This removes all the plaque and makes the roots smooth so plaque cannot immediately adhere to the surface. If the disease has advanced there may be bone loss that the periodontist will have to address.

What other Procedures does the Periodontist do?

Even though dealing with gum disease is an everyday procedure for the periodontist you may be seeking out their skills to correct your smile or for a dental implant. When you smile and see more gum than teeth this is affectionately called a gummy smile. The proportions between teeth and gums are out of balance. A periodontist is trained to do a crown lengthening procedure. They will simply remove some of your gum tissue and possibly some bone, so it exposes more of the crown of the tooth. After a brief healing period your smile will be perfectly healthy. This is an easy and common procedure.

A dental implant is after you have had a tooth extracted or have lost a tooth. The gap should be filled. You could choose a conventional dental bridge or have the new gold standard in tooth replacement, that being a dental implant. A periodontist is also trained in this procedure. When completed you cannot tell the difference from your natural tooth.

So How should I choose a periodontist?

If you have developed a relationship with your general family dentist and they give you a referral then you should trust their recommendation. They have developed a professional relationship based on prior referrals and successful results from that periodontist.

You might also consider some of the following points when qualifying your periodontist.

How long has the periodontist been in practice? Is the periodontist right out of school with cutting edge knowledge on techniques and technology? Or are they someone that has been in practice for some time who has experienced many cases and the results of different approaches to the disease. Which is better for you?

Are they up-to-date on continuing education and the recertification necessary? Does the periodontist meet the minimum qualifications, or do they actively seek out more educational opportunities? Are they perceived as enjoying what they do and look for opportunities to improve what they do and the services they offer?

Once the level of disease has been diagnosed, what is the proposed plan? Even if this periodontist is a trusted referral you owe it to yourself to discuss the suggested treatment plan and the pros and cons. Is the plan aggressive or conservative? Is their approach what is best for your lifestyle and your level of tolerance.

What will the proposed plan cost? Make sure the costs are discussed so there are not any surprises with the suggested procedure.

Review all Payment Options? What payment options are available? Does this periodontist have payment plans with in-house financing if your insurance does not cover the entire procedure? Make sure you address all these first to minimize your stress. The office should contact your dental insurance carrier for you.

Has this periodontist invested in new equipment and new technology? In many periodontal procedures they now use a laser. Does this periodontist have one?

How does this periodontist treat your pain? How aggressive is this periodontist when it comes to your pain management? Ask about the use of a local anesthesia during the procedure and their thoughts on prescription pain medication versus over the counter pain relievers. Address this prior to the procedure. You do not want to find yourself chasing the pain while recovering.

Bed side manner. Is the periodontist pleasant to talk with and patient when you ask questions? Is the office staff both accommodating and professional? Are they patient in dealing with your concerns? Make sure you are comfortable with them as thoughtful and caring people. This is important in the entire experience.

Does the periodontist practice alone? At the end of a workday this is still a business. Practicing alone might make them a more confident specialist. Sometimes larger multi-specialty dental groups will market the convenience of one stop does all dental care. This may not be the best approach for your situation.

Is this periodontist in a referral network? This is a fair question to ask. You might judge this periodontist by the group that they are associated with. You are the patient. You can ask as many questions as you wish to reach your level of confidence.

How about the dental lab this periodontist uses? If a dental implant is the procedure you are considering you can also check out the quality of the lab that is used. First ask the periodontist about their level of satisfaction with this lab or the technician involved. When the procedure is finished you are the one dealing with the implant for the next 15 years, not the dental lab.

Location, location, location. Yes, this is part of the equation of a successful experience. If you need to travel all the way across town to the office is it worth it? Your family dentist might have more than one referral. If not, you may have to do your own research with some of the suggested questions above.

Office hours. This is as important as the location. Do their hours work for your schedule? You are the customer.

What is their approach to emergency care?  If you need emergent care what are the procedures of this periodontist? This is an important question as well in establishing a good working relationship.

In summary, whether it is the treatment of gum disease, the improvement of your smile or a tooth replacement, you owe it to yourself to understand the profession. Make an educated decision when choosing a periodontist to get the results you deserve.

More on Periodontics : Your First Visit to a Periodontist