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Why do I need a Periodontist?
If you have been told that you have periodontal disease, then you need to see a periodontist. Your general dentist will detect and most likely treat the early stages of periodontal disease, but if there is progression, you will need to see a specialist. Periodontics is one of 8 specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
A periodontist is a dentist that has received advanced training in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive three additional years of education beyond dental school. They have extensive training in State-Of The Art techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, placing dental implants, and performing cosmetic periodontal procedures. Periodontists also perform other periodontal treatments, such as soft tissue grafting, frenulectomies, crown lengthening, bone regenerative procedures, and placement of dental implants (see Procedures Page). Dr. Carpio’s periodontal training was a 4-year program. She has received 5 years of additional training in the field of bone biology, and dental implants (she earned a Masters Degree and a Ph.D. Degree).
Treatment of periodontal disease.
The word “periodontal” refers to the tissues that surround the tooth, and include gum tissue and bone. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a chronic infection caused by bacteria that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It begins with a mild inflammation named Gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, and ultimately tooth loss. Periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. We know today through recent research that there is a relationship between periodontal disease and some serious systemic health problems including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and preterm low birth weight babies.
Photograph of periodontal disease
Placement of dental implants.
A dental implant is a titanium made artificial tooth root. The periodontist places the implant into the space where a tooth is missing. The dental implant will then replace the tooth or become part of a bridge. Dental implants are a wonderful option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth. They look and feel just like your own teeth! When placed by a skilled periodontist and maintained diligently by the patient, implants can last a lifetime.
Photograph of dental implant procedure
Your Periodontist can Improve Your Smile.
If you are not satisfied with your smile, there are certain cosmetic periodontal procedures that your periodontist may do with/without additional restorative work performed by your primary dentist, which will modify the shape of your gums, giving you the smile you wish.
Photograph of before-after periodontal cosmetic procedures
When should I see a periodontist?
A periodontist can see you any time for a periodontal evaluation to rule out any gum problem. Periodontal disease is usually painless and “silent”; you may not know that you have it. Some of the important symptoms of periodontal disease are listed below:
- Bleeding gums, such as during brushing and flossing.
- Bad breath or bad taste in your mouth.
- Red, swollen or tender gums.
- Gum line recession (the teeth appear longer or the root is showing).
- Pus between the teeth and gums.
- Loose or separating teeth.
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
- Food gets caught in between teeth.
- Thermal sensitivity.
- New spaces between your teeth.
If you become aware of any of the above warning symptoms, you may want to consult with your primary dentist, or visit a periodontist for a comprehensive periodontal evaluation. It is important to point out that even though your gums may look and feel normal, you could still have a periodontal infection. You may get a referral to a periodontist by visiting the website www.perio.org.
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Experts in Dental Implants
Dr. Carpio has over 5 years of combined experience in the practice of dental implant placement.
One of their highest priorities is that you fully understand your course of treatment and that you are aware of all alternatives available to you. They will take the time to answer any questions you may have.
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| Replacing a Missing Tooth
A natural tooth is anchored to the jawbone by its tooth root. Tooth roots attach firmly to the jawbone by a ligament and keep your teeth stable when chewing solid foods.
Traditionally, if you were missing a tooth or if one needed to be extracted, the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth would be reshaped and the missing tooth replaced with a three-crown “bridge”. A removable bridge might also have been used, but would often put undue forces on your remaining teeth.
Dental implants are the modern alternative. Instead of reshaping two perfectly healthy teeth, the practitioner inserts a dental post (dental implant) into the jawbone to replace your missing tooth root. This post becomes solidly fixed into your jaw, just as a tooth root would be. Your general dentist then places a crown onto this artificial tooth root that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth.
Quite simply, dental implants are the most natural and solid replacement for missing teeth.
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Replacing Several Missing Teeth
Traditionally, several missing teeth would have been replaced with a removable partial or full denture.
Dentures have to be taken out and soaked at night. During the day, they can also look unnatural and rub painfully. Dentures and partials make it difficult or impossible to eat certain foods.
Dental implants can now be used to anchor partial and full dentures. This prevents the slipping, irritation, and pain associated with “floating” partials and dentures. It also prevents the tedious removal of dentures for overnight soaking and cleaning. Dental implants also eliminate the need for dental adhesives. This allows you to enjoy eating the foods you previously avoided. With dental implants, your partials or dentures are firmly anchored to the jawbone, causing them to feel much more like natural teeth.
Natural tooth roots and dental implant posts are fixed firmly in your jawbone. When you chew, these tooth roots and posts stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from shrinking. You may have seen a person who looked prematurely old because their jawbone had shrunk after wearing floating dentures. Dental implants help preserve your jawbone and appearance.
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