Are your gums and teeth sore and painful? Does it hurt to chew, making eating less enjoyable and more difficult? It may be time to see the dentist or periodontist.
What is a periodontist, and why would you need one? This is a question that is often asked by those who have gum problems. At Pearlee Dental, we want you to have the information on this type of dentist, and how they may help you.
No one wants teeth that hurt. More than that, no one wants gums that are sore or aching and make eating difficult and uncomfortable. You may have swollen or puffy gums, the first sign of gingivitis. A gum infection may also be making your daily life less enjoyable. It is time to see a periodontist.
What is a Periodontist?
This is a type of specialist. They treat your gums and mouth, and might be the first to diagnose gum disease. They may also help you prevent it as well as treat it when inflammation is present. Oral inflammation might be a sign of advanced gum problems. In this case, a gum specialist may be of help.
According to the Canadian Academy of Periodontology, to become a periodontist, a dentist must have three additional years of university training in this specialty.They also learn the newest techniques and remain current in the most recent technologies.
What is Gingivitis?
This is the early stage of gum disease. Gums may become swollen or tender, or they may bleed. Brushing and flossing and keeping your mouth clean may help. If it becomes worse and more advanced, that may be the time to see a periodontist.
Why does gum disease happen?
The tissues that surround the teeth become infected. This happens as plaque-forming bacteria go below the gum line. The gum tissue pulls away from the teeth.
Plaque may develop from a diet that is high in carbohydrates, meaning sugars and starches. Milk, soft drinks, cakes, candy and even raisins may provide food for bacteria that live within the mouth. The bacteria produce acids, which may destroy tooth enamel; the result may be tooth decay. Plaque may also affect the roots of the teeth, under the gum, causing breakdown of the bones that support the teeth.
Plaque buildup may lead to gingivitis and then to more serious gum disease, as it builds up. Sometimes brushing alone does not remove the plaque or tarter. A professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist will help.
Risk factors for gum disease
Some of the risk factors in gum disease include smoking, diabetes, the changing hormones in women and girls, medications that lessen the saliva flow and certain illnesses and the medication taken for them.
Reasons That You Might Need a Periodontist
A number of issues that might send you to the periodontist include the following:
- Puffy or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Chewing that is painful
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Receding gums
Gum issues may be leading to tooth loss, so it is important to see the dentist when you notice these symptoms.
What Are Some of the Treatments For Gum Disease?
There are both non-surgical and surgical treatments for gum disease. The periodontist can explain more about them.
Non-surgical treatments
Scaling and root planing
One of the non-surgical treatments involves scaling and root planing to remove the plaque that is deep under the gum line. Often antibiotic and antimicrobial medicine is given along with this treatment.
There is also a tray delivery system that is worn at home. It is custom fit, with an impression of your teeth, and places the prescription medicine right at the tooth source.
Surgical treatments
Laser gum therapy
One of the newer technologies, laser gum therapy to treat soft tissue issues. Canker sores can also be removed. Recovery time is enhanced through the use of lasers.
Gum grafts
When the root of the gum is exposed or the gums are receding, a graft is done. Tissue is taken, usually from the roof of your mouth. It is used to fill in a receding gum line. Decay can be stopped when the gum line is healthy. Additionally, you smile will be improved and sensitivity to pain reduced.
There are other surgical treatments which the periodontist can do. They include the following:
- Regenerative procedures
- Dental crown lengthening
- Dental implants
- Periodontal pocket reduction procedures
Controlling the infection is the first step. Your periodontist may suggest some lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking. Treatment results can be more effective for non-smokers.
Some Tips For Avoiding Gum Disease
The following are some tips to help you avoid a visit to the periodontist for gum disease. Your gums will be healthier if you brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Flossing regularly removes plaque from between your teeth. The dentist may recommend using special brush, wooden or plastic pick, or a flossing device that makes use of water.
Visiting the dentist regularly for routine checkups is a smart move. At that time, a professional cleaning may help to get rid of any remaining plaque.
If you now smoke, it is a great idea to quit smoking, which will be of benefit to your teeth and gums as well as other parts of the body.
Experiencing Gum Issues?
If you are seeking a “periodontist near me,” look no further than Pearlee Dental. We resolve gum issues that range from surgical and non-surgical treatments. As your holistic dentist in Ottawa, we offer periododontic services along with our other dental solutions.
We are a downtown Ottawa dentist and are located at 2948 Baseline Road. Schedule an appointment today for an examination. We can help you resolve the pain and discomfort of sore or bleeding gums and other gum issues.
