A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. They also help you manage signs of advancing gum problems like oral inflammation. Gum disease happens when the tissue around your teeth gets infected, causing inflammation.

How does a periodontist treat gum disease?

Your periodontist makes tiny incisions in your gum so that a section of gum tissue can be lifted back, exposing the roots for more effective scaling and root planing. Because periodontitis often causes bone loss, the underlying bone may be recontoured before the gum tissue is sutured back in place.

Can dentists treat gum disease?

If you have severe gum disease, you may need further treatment, such as periodontal surgery. In some cases, it’s necessary to remove the affected tooth. Your dentist will be able to tell you about the procedure needed and how it’s carried out. If necessary, they can refer you to a specialist.

What is gum disease treatment called?

In some patients, the non-surgical procedure of scaling and root planing is all that is needed to treat gum diseases. Surgery is needed when the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical options.

What are the stages of gum disease?

Periodontal disease is broken up into four separate stages: gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the only stage of periodontal disease that is reversible as it has not yet had time to attack the bones.

Will I lose my teeth if I have periodontal disease?

Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is common but largely preventable.

How can I make my gums healthy again?

7 ways to keep the gums healthy

1. Brush the teeth properly. Share on Pinterest Brushing the teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can help keep gums healthy.
2. Choose the right toothpaste.
3. Floss daily.
4. Rinse your mouth out with care.
5. Use mouthwash.
6. Get regular dental checkups.
7. Stop smoking.

What toothpaste is best for gum disease?

Use Corsodyl Toothpaste, which physically removes the build of plaque bacteria along the gum line, helping to keep the seal between your gums and teeth tight. When used to brush twice daily it is 4x more effective* than a regular toothpaste at removing the main cause of bleeding gums.

What can a gum specialist do for You?

Scaling and root planing can be a great way to remove plaque that has stained the area of your teeth around the gum line. Your gum specialist may recommend dental surgery if your gum tissue cannot be restored by non-surgical treatment.

What kind of treatment is done for gum disease?

Scaling and root planing is done if your dentist or periodontist determines that you have plaque and calculus (hardened plaque, also called tartar) under the gums that needs to be removed. Some treatments for gum disease are surgical.

Why do I need to see a periodontist?

That’s why it is essential that you make visiting a periodontist (a gum specialist) a routine part of your preventative dental care. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating diseases of the gum and the bone tissue that support the teeth.

How often should you go to the dentist for gum disease?

regularly visiting your dentist – at least once every 1 to 2 years, but more frequently if necessary See the teeth cleaning guide for more information and advice about how to keep your teeth clean. Antiseptic mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine or hexetidine are available over the counter from pharmacies.