A periodontist is a dentist who has obtained additional training in preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal disease, which destroys attachment fibers and supporting bones in the mouth. They can also install dental implants for patients. One of the most common duties of a periodontist is the treatment and prevention of gum disease.
How a Periodontist Can Help
An excess of plaque and tartar is the main reason people develop periodontal disease. Plaque is a colourless and sticky substance that forms on the teeth due to oral hygiene and eating habits. When it remains long enough, it turns into hard mineral deposits known as tartar.
What You Need to Know About Gum Disease
Plaque and bacteria can attack the gums, leaving them red, irritated, t
ender, and bleeding. While those are the most common signs of gum disease, some people don’t realise they have it at all. That’s why keeping up with regular preventive care check ups is so important. Gum disease can cause pockets to form along your gum line. When the gum pockets become infected, it can affect the stability of your permanent teeth.
Scaling and root planing is a common procedure used to treat gum disease. Another name for it is deep cleaning. Our staff uses special cleaning methods to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and break up gum pockets. We then educate you on home care so you can avoid needing the procedure again in the future.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for an evaluation if you feel you could have gum disease or another common dental health problem.