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A healthy smile is about more than just strong teeth; your gums and supporting structures play a crucial role in maintaining excellent oral health. While a general dentist focuses on routine dental care, a periodontist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and other conditions affecting the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
At Amity Harbor Dentistry, our experienced periodontist provides expert care for patients dealing with gum disease, receding gums, or those in need of dental implants. With advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology, we help patients restore and maintain healthy gums, ensuring a strong foundation for their teeth.
A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth. While general dentists treat mild gum issues, a periodontist is trained to handle more complex conditions, including advanced gum disease and surgical procedures.
To become a periodontist, a dentist must complete additional years of specialized training beyond dental school. This advanced education provides expertise in treating gum-related problems, performing gum grafting procedures, and placing dental implants for patients with missing teeth.
Gum health is essential for overall oral well-being, and a periodontist helps diagnose and treat various conditions that affect the gums and jawbone. Some of the most common issues a periodontist treats include:
Gum disease is a condition that affects the soft and hard tissues supporting the teeth. In its early stage, known as gingivitis, the gums may appear red, swollen, and bleed easily. If left untreated, the infection can advance to periodontitis, leading to gum recession, bone loss, and, eventually, tooth loss.
A dental hygienist can provide preventive treatments such as nonsurgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing), a procedure that removes bacteria from below the gumline to help prevent disease progression. In severe cases, surgical treatments from a periodontist may be necessary to restore gum health and protect the teeth.
Gum recession is a common condition where the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back, exposing the root of your tooth. This not only affects the appearance of your smile but can also lead to increased sensitivity, a higher risk of cavities, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Since gums serve as a protective barrier for the teeth and underlying bone, their recession can compromise overall oral health.
Several factors contribute to gum recession, including aggressive brushing, which can wear away gum tissue over time. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or applying excessive pressure when brushing can cause damage to the gums and lead to gradual recession. Poor oral hygiene and untreated gum disease are also significant contributors, as bacteria buildup can lead to inflammation, infection, and gum tissue loss. Additionally, genetics, hormonal changes, and misaligned teeth can increase susceptibility to gum recession, making it essential for at-risk individuals to take preventive measures.
If left unaddressed, gum recession can lead to serious oral health complications. Exposed tooth roots are more prone to decay, and without the support of healthy gums, teeth can become loose and eventually fall out. Many patients also experience discomfort, especially when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.
A periodontist specializes in treating gum recession through a variety of techniques. In more advanced cases, gum grafting is often recommended. This procedure involves taking a small piece of tissue from another area of the mouth (or using donor tissue) and grafting it onto the receded area to restore gum coverage. Pinhole surgical techniques are also available, offering a minimally invasive way to reposition gum tissue without the need for incisions or stitches.
At Amity Harbor Dentistry, we provide expert evaluation and treatment for gum recession, helping patients restore a healthy gumline and protect their smiles. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as sensitivity, exposed tooth roots, or changes in your gumline, our skilled periodontist can recommend the best course of action to preserve and enhance your oral health.
When gum disease progresses, it can lead to the deterioration of the jawbone, weakening the foundation of the teeth. This can also affect patients who have lost teeth, as missing teeth can cause bone resorption over time. A periodontist can perform bone grafting procedures to rebuild lost bone and prepare the jaw for dental implants.
For patients with missing teeth, dental implants provide a long-term solution that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. A periodontist specializes in placing implants, ensuring they are securely integrated into the jawbone. Implants not only restore the aesthetics of a smile but also help prevent further bone loss in the jaw. There are several types of dental implants available, each catering to specific needs and conditions.
The most common type of dental implant, endosteal implants are placed directly into the jawbone and provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth.
All-on-X implants provide full-arch tooth replacement using four to six implants per arch. This option is ideal for patients looking to replace an entire set of teeth with a stable and permanent alternative to dentures.
In addition to treating gum disease, a periodontist can enhance the appearance of a smile through cosmetic gum procedures. Patients with excessive gum tissue, known as a “gummy smile,” can benefit from gum recontouring, which reshapes the gumline for a more balanced appearance.
Gum disease can have serious consequences if left untreated, but with the right care, it is manageable. A periodontist uses advanced treatments to restore gum health and prevent further damage.
Nonsurgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing) is a procedure often recommended by a general dentist or periodontist to treat gum disease in its early to moderate stages. This treatment targets the areas below the gumline, where plaque and tartar accumulate and cause inflammation, infection, and further damage to the gums and bone. It is considered the gold standard for addressing gum disease before it advances to more severe stages that may require surgical intervention.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia by our hygienist to ensure the patient remains comfortable throughout. Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and below the gumline. The hygienist uses specialized tools to thoroughly clean the teeth and remove any buildup that may contribute to gum disease. It is particularly effective at addressing the root causes of gingivitis and periodontitis, which are often hidden beneath the gums.
Root planing, the second step of the procedure, smoothens the surfaces of the tooth roots to remove any remaining bacteria or rough spots that can impede gum healing. This step helps the gums reattach more securely to the tooth roots, reducing the pockets that form between the teeth and gums due to infection. As a result, the gums can begin to heal, swelling and bleeding reduce, and the risk of further infection is lowered.
For patients with advanced gum disease, nonsurgical periodontal therapy can serve as an effective method to prevent the need for more invasive procedures, such as periodontal surgery. The procedure also has the added benefit of removing harmful bacteria that can contribute to bad breath, improving overall oral hygiene.
After the treatment, patients may experience some mild discomfort, such as tenderness or swelling, but these side effects are typically short-lived. It’s important to follow any aftercare instructions provided by the hygienist, which may include avoiding certain foods and beverages and maintaining proper oral hygiene. A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to monitor healing and ensure the gums are responding well to the treatment.
At Amity Harbor Dentistry, we offer nonsurgical periodontal therapy to patients experiencing active gum disease, providing them with an opportunity to improve their oral health without the need for surgery. If you’ve noticed symptoms such as bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession, contact us today to learn more about how this deep cleaning procedure can help restore your smile and prevent further damage.
For patients experiencing gum recession, a gum graft can restore lost tissue and protect the tooth roots. This procedure involves taking tissue from another area of the mouth or using donor tissue to rebuild the gumline.
In advanced cases of gum disease, periodontal surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue and regenerate lost bone. Procedures such as flap surgery and guided tissue regeneration help restore stability to the gums and teeth.
When gum disease leads to tooth loss, dental implants are an excellent option for replacement. A periodontist places the implant into the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for a natural-looking restoration.
Maintaining healthy gums is essential not just for oral health but also for overall well-being. Research has shown a strong link between gum disease and various systemic health conditions, including:
By visiting a periodontist and maintaining good oral hygiene, patients can lower their risk of developing serious health issues and ensure their gums remain healthy for life.
At Amity Harbor Dentistry, we understand that gum health is a vital part of maintaining a strong and beautiful smile. Our expert periodontist provides personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs, using the latest technology and advanced techniques to deliver the best results.
We take a patient-centered approach, ensuring that every treatment is comfortable and effective. Whether you need treatment for gum disease, cosmetic gum procedures, or dental implants, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal oral health.
