Who Is a Periodontal Surgeon, and Why Do You Need to Visit One Now?
Periodontics is an essential aspect of dentistry, although most folks are unfamiliar with it. In many circumstances, when people search for a periodontist near me, many questions pop into their heads. Here is a short guide that will walk you through the realm of periodontics to help you understand it better.
What Are the Primary Differences between a Dentist and a Periodontist?
Consider a general dentist similar to your primary care physician or family practitioner. The majority of people will commonly require the services of a general dentist. They perform regular examinations, cleanings, and any other primary care that your mouth may need. This typically includes x-rays and other operations to “repair” or rehabilitate your teeth from dental decay, nerve damage, chipping, fractures, discoloration, etc.
A periodontist is a dental doctor who focuses on the tooth’s supporting components. They are specifically qualified to diagnose and treat gum disease and jawbone health. A general dentist can help you with your teeth, but if your gums are damaged and inflamed, they will need to be treated as well, and the best professional for this job would be a periodontist.
The distinctions in their University education can also highlight the difference between these two categories of dentists. To work as a periodontist, you must first get a Doctorate of Dental Sciences (DDS), which is also required to work as a general dentist.
Before returning to college, most periodontal surgeons will work as general dentists for a while. Other dentists who wish to continue their education will enroll in a master’s program and begin pursuing a specialty right away. Dentists interested in becoming periodontists must return to university for at least four years to receive training in various types of oral surgery.
Importance of Periodontics:
A functional mouth and appealing smile are dependent on the health of the jawbone and gums. Periodontists are recommended to patients with sensitivity, edema, regression, and loose/missing teeth. A periodontist specializes in determining what is causing a patient’s problems and then treating them immediately. These are frequent operations that regular dentists are unable to perform.
Periodontics Treatment Options:
Periodontists specialize in two types of treatment: gum disease treatment and dental implant configuration. Gum disease treatment, also known as periodontal therapy, eliminates gum tissue and jaw bone inflammation. Subsequently, a periodontist can repair these structures to provide adequate support to the teeth.
A periodontist can also undertake surgery to install dental implants into the jawline, which will act as the basis for the patient’s replacement teeth if they are suffering from tooth loss or have failing teeth.
When Should You Visit a Periodontist?
Patients searching for the services of a periodontist near me are usually referred to by their regular dentist. If your dentist recommends it, you should certainly follow their advice. However, if you’re experiencing the indicators mentioned above of gum disease or considering dental implants to replace lost teeth or fix a denture, you can book an appointment right away.
