Reviewed by Dr. Kerri Font, DDS
Reading time: five minutes.
Gum disease is one of the most common dental issues, affecting about 4 in 10 adults in the United States!
If not treated in the early stages, it can cause permanent damage to your teeth and the surrounding structures.
In this blog post, we explain why you should consult with a periodontist for gum disease treatment. We also explore common treatment options for periodontal disease.
Table of Contents
- What is a Periodontist?
- Stages of Gum Disease
- How Periodontists Diagnose Gum Disease
- Treatment Options for Gum Disease
- Benefits of Seeing a Periodontist
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Trust Your Smile to Skilled Periodontists
Key Takeaway
A periodontist specializes in diagnosing and treating gum disease at all stages to protect your gums, teeth, and overall oral health. They use both non-surgical and surgical treatments, like deep cleaning and gum grafting, to manage infection, restore tissue, and prevent further damage.
What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dental specialist focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal disease and other conditions that affect the soft tissues and bone supporting your teeth.
Periodontists complete extensive training beyond dental school, so they know how to manage everything from mild gum inflammation to severe gum disease.
They also perform procedures such as:
- Dental implants to replace missing teeth
- Bone grafts to rebuild lost bone tissue
- Gum grafts to treat gum recession
But how do you know if you have gum disease and what symptoms should you watch for? Below we explain the stages of gum disease, how it’s diagnosed and how a periodontist treats gum disease.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease progresses through several stages, each requiring different levels of care. Early detection and treatment improve the chances of a full recovery.
1. Gingivitis (Mildest Form)
Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. It occurs when plaque buildup irritates your gums, causing them to swell, become red, and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is reversible with regular cleaning and improved daily brushing.
2. Periodontitis (Moderate Stage)
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis. Bacteria infect the gums and create periodontal pockets, spaces between your gums and teeth where bacteria thrive. This stage can cause bone loss and gum recession.
3. Advanced Periodontitis (Severe Stage)
Advanced periodontitis causes extensive damage to your gum tissue and bone. This can lead to tooth loss and even to other health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. At this stage, professional intervention is crucial to prevent bone and tooth loss.
How Periodontists Diagnose Gum Disease
Periodontists use several methods to assess your gum health and determine the stage of gum disease.
- Medical history review: They will examine your medical history. Factors like cardiovascular disease and diabetes increase the risk of gum disease.
- Oral exam: They check for signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, gum recession, and loose teeth.
- X-rays: Imaging helps reveal bone loss and other conditions hidden below the gum line.
- Periodontal probing: A small tool measures the depth of pockets between your teeth and gums, which indicates the stage of the disease.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
Treatment for periodontal disease varies depending on the stage and severity.
Periodontists provide a wide range of solutions, from non-surgical treatments to advanced surgical procedures.
We utilize a variety of treatment approaches, such as:
Nonsurgical treatments
- Scaling and root planing: This deep-cleaning technique removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, smoothing the tooth roots to help reduce inflammation. It is often the first step in treating gum disease.
- Laser gum therapy: Laser technology allows for a targeted, minimally invasive approach to remove infected gum tissue and promote healing.
Surgical treatments
- Gum grafting: For receding gums, this procedure transfers tissue from another part of the mouth to cover exposed roots.
- Gingival flap surgery: For more severe gum disease, this surgery involves lifting the gums to access and thoroughly clean tooth roots. The gums are then repositioned to reduce pocket depth and support healing.
- Bone grafting: When gum disease has led to bone loss, bone grafts can restore lost bone, supporting teeth and helping to prevent further deterioration.
Benefits of Seeing a Periodontist
As mentioned earlier, periodontists have specialized training in treating disease of the soft tissues and bone.
They are the most qualified dental specialists to treat gum disease. Here’s why:
- Expertise: Periodontists have advanced training in treating complex gum disease cases.
- Comprehensive care: Periodontists manage all aspects of gum health, from preventative care to surgical solutions.
- Improved oral health: With personalized periodontal treatment, you can protect your natural teeth and maintain a healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, gum disease is not contagious. However, bacteria in plaque can transfer from person to person through kissing, sharing utensils, or food, increasing your risk of developing gum disease.
A periodontist specializes in periodontal treatment and supporting tissues, while an endodontist focuses on root canals and tooth pulp.
Dentists refer patients to periodontists for specialized care if the gum disease requires more advanced treatments, such as periodontal surgery or tissue regeneration.
Trust Your Smile to Skilled Periodontists
Our experienced periodontists Dr. Mike Norouzinia, DDS, and Dr. Font, DDS, are dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care with a focus on gum health and disease prevention. They use advanced techniques and technology to ensure the best outcomes for their patients.To book an appointment at our periodontal clinic in Highlands Ranch, call (303) 683-1144 or complete the online inquiry form. Our office is located at 9090 S Ridgeline Blvd #225, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129.