Periodontist Frequently Asked Questions?

Dentistry is a complex science. An industry or field that is under-appreciated. Think about all of the nutrition your body needs to maintain your daily functions. All that nutrition; both food and drink, must pass through your mouth. Now you realize that your mouth, your teeth, your gums, and all soft tissue, is a huge player in your game of life.

What Exactly Does a Periodontist Do?

The dental sciences actually have nine areas of specialties. We will identify these specialties prior to focusing on your periodontist at Periodontic Associates of Port Huron. The first and most common type of dentistry is the general dentist, also known as the family dentist. You should be visiting your family dentist twice a year for regular evaluations. They will compile a history of your oral hygiene and then complete the visit by professionally cleaning your teeth. The family dentist will not have the necessary tools and the medical background to deal with the specialties. They will have relationships with the following in your market: an orthodontist for the application of braces for teeth alignment, an oral surgeon for difficult tooth extractions or jaw surgery, a prosthodontist for complicated crowns, dental bridges, dentures, dental implants and veneers, an endodontist for issues inside of the tooth such as root canals, and finally your periodontist for the health of the soft tissue of your gums and the supporting hard tissue around teeth and their replacements.

We will categorize the questions pertaining to your periodontist. Question about healthy gums versus those pertaining to gum disease.

Questions pertaining to Gum Disease

What are the causes of gum disease?

At any time through the course of a day you may have over a 600 different species of bacteria in your mouth. If you do not exercise good oral hygiene when it comes to brushing your teeth twice a day that bacteria will shortly become a clear sticky substance called plaque. That plaque harbors sugars and acids that create decay and cavities. If allowed to come in contact with the soft tissue of the gums it will cause an immediate infection.  Other than neglect with poor oral hygiene, other causes can be related to smoking habits, family genetic factors, how you deal with stress, the quality of your diet, your age and if you have any other medical illnesses.

What are the signs or symptoms of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is basically painless, so you need to look for visual signs. The first sign might be your gums swelling. You may also notice a change in the color. Your gums will take on a deeper shade of pink. Your family or friends might comment about your bad breath, or you might have an unusual taste in your mouth. These are all signs of gingivitis. When the disease advances your gums will start to bleed and the swollen gums will start to pull away and recede from the teeth. This creates pockets adding to the disease acceleration because bacteria can sit in these pockets. If neglected this long you may notice a loose tooth as a result of some bone loss around the root.

Are There Different Types of Gum Disease?

There are different stages that the gum disease progresses through. The first stage or level is called gingivitis. This is when the infection just begins. This is also the stage in which the disease can be easily abated and reversed. The second level is call periodontitis. At this stage damage will be incurred, such as bone loss and loose teeth. This is why consistent, preventive dental evaluations and care are so important.

What happens at my first visit with the Periodontist?

The periodontist will establish the foundation of the advancement of the disease. A thorough examination and a new set of x-rays will show the condition of your teeth below the surface of the gumline. An explanation of both the condition and the necessary procedures will be discussed and you both will, as a team, determine your plan of action.

How rare is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is not rare. In fact, almost half of American adults over the age of 30 are now experiencing some level or stage of gum disease. This problem is about neglect and not practicing good oral hygiene at home.

How can you treat Gum Disease?

The source is the plaque, or a hardened version of plaque called tartar. They both are full of bacteria, sugars and acids, causing the infection. At first the teeth will need to be cleaned and then the teeth below the gum lines will need to be deep cleaned. This process is called scaling or planing of the root. The manual scaling process will remove the plaque, the source of the disease, and the planing will make the root smooth to make it difficult for the plaque to adhere to it. With some oral antibiotics the gums will return to normal in just a few days.

Does the Procedure Hurt?

Simple deep cleaning usually does not need any local anesthetic. If the scaling goes deeper then a local anesthetic will numb the tissue and control any discomfort. Your gums may be tender after the procedure but an over the counter pain reliever will be enough to address this.

Is Gum Disease Contagious?

Not necessarily but potentially yes. Even though the disease is caused by the inflammatory reaction under the surface of the gums it might still be best to not share eating utensils with someone that has gum disease.

Is my child at risk for Gum Disease?

Children rarely get any periodontal disease. It is also rare in adolescents. But it is still a particularly good time to begin the good habits of brushing and flossing as directed.

Is Gum Disease Hereditary?

Yes, it is. Research shows a link to genetics and gum disease. Other causes have been identified even though plaque is definitely the worst, such as some prescription medications taken orally. Smoking will inhibit the normal functions of the gum tissue. Diabetics are at significantly higher risk for gum disease.  Hormonal shifts such as menstrual cycles or a pregnancy may predispose you for gum disease also.

Questions that pertain to Healthy Gums

Can I correct my smile if I see too much gum?

Called affectionately a gummy smile, this is actually quite common. When the proportions of your teeth and your gums are out of balance you will see more soft tissue when you smile. This cosmetic perception can be changed with a simple procedure called crown lengthening. The periodontist, with the application of local anesthesia will remove some of the gums and expose more of the tooth correcting the imbalance.

Does the Periodontist do more than deal with gums?

Many periodontists will include dental implants in their practice. When a tooth is extracted or lost the gap should be filled. The neighboring teeth will drift in the space affecting the overall bite. A dental bridge could be put in or a permanent dental implant can be placed. The dental implant is the new gold standard for tooth replacement.

How to Maintain Healthy Gums

Should I see my General Dentist or my Periodontist?

If you have been dealing with some level of periodontal disease the periodontist will wish you to schedule a follow up visit to make sure the disease has been abated or reversed. There may be more serious issues at play with bone loss and the regeneration of tissue.  When your gums are healthy again, the periodontist will send you back to your general dentist to maintain your ongoing dental history in that office.

What do I need to do to keep my gums healthy?

The best way to keep your teeth and your gums healthy is to follow directions, brush, floss and see your dentists at least twice a year. It would be terrific if you brushed after each meal. The health industry strongly suggests that you should brush your teeth twice a day for a least two minutes each time. Also replace your tooth brush every three to six months. Often times, at your six-month exam your family dentist will send you home with a new brush. Flossing once a day will remove the plaque from those hard to reach areas between your teeth.

Other Issues Related to Unhealthy Gums

Is Gum Disease linked to Diabetes?

The answer is yes. People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease because of their inability to fight off infection. It has been proven that the increase in periodontal disease will also affect blood sugar levels. The two can indeed go hand in hand.

Does Gum Disease Cause Cardiovascular Issues?

Research studies have proven a correlation between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Both diseases have chronic inflammatory issues. Untreated gum disease can cause an increase of inflammation in your body which will increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It has also been proven that there is a direct relationship between gum disease and the possible increase in that of having a stroke.

Does dental insurance cover the treatments?

The periodontal office staff will check with your insurance provider to see if you have any benefit contribution. Many insurance companies see the benefits of their clients keeping their natural teeth as long as possible versus implants and bridges. It is possible they may also contribute toward two dental cleanings annually.

Can I delay having treatments if I have gum disease?

You should not delay addressing gum disease. With every extended day you are causing damage to the bone around your teeth and the infection can at some point enter your bloodstream. If this happens other parts of your body may develop medical issues.

Some General Questions for a Periodontist

How long does it take to get an appointment?

If periodontal disease is the diagnosis, then there is a relative sense of urgency to be seen soon. Your family dentist can communicate this with their referral.

What do you do to handle patients with dental phobias?

If you experience a building anxiety before seeing a dentist, you are not alone. Address the issue with both your general dentist and your periodontist. The dental office will discuss a variety of relaxation techniques and sedation that will put you at ease.

Do you participate in continuing education in the field of periodontics?

A periodontist finished four years of dental school then completed an additional three years focusing on specializing in periodontics and dental implants. They will be licensed through the state of Michigan and to maintain their certification they must commit to continuing education.  Conferences, workshops and classes will expose them to the latest in treatments, technology and skills advancements.

Do you have pictures of previous successful cosmetic accomplishments?

This question most likely would pertain to the crown lengthening procedure or possibly a successful dental implant. By reviewing some previous procedures, you can make sure that you and the periodontist are on the same page regarding the objectives of the pending procedure you are scheduling.

Does your office offer payment plans?

Yes, we offer multiple payment options.  These will be discussed with you while talking about your treatment plan.  Some dental offices do indeed offer financing plans while some may require a payment up-front. Make sure you ask and cover these questions before services are rendered.

Does this Periodontist feel as if they are conservative or aggressive in their treatments?

Ask the periodontist about your specific situation. Then try to get a handle for their approach. Remember, the treatments may range from a simple cleaning to undergoing laser surgery. Make sure all options are addressed before making an appointment.

Trust the Referral

If you have developed a good relationship with your general dentist and gum disease has developed, trust their suggested referral when they recommend a periodontist for further treatment. They will also have developed a relationship based on the successful results from prior patients. Your family dentist knows that the periodontist has earned their trust through prior referrals. This referral from your trusted family dentist will reduce your stress in pursuing and establishing credentials of someone that will be joining your oral hygiene team. Someone that will be assisting you with an important part of your anatomy.

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