Why should I see a Periodontist?

      

       

A periodontist is a dentist who has specialized training in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. They also specialize in implants and gum inflammation. While a general dentist focuses on the whole mouth, cavities and ongoing treatment of your oral health care.  Periodontal disease affects eighty percent of Americans. Although, fluoride in the water has helped, individuals not brushing and flossing along with high sugar and high processed diets continue to contribute to this epidemic.

"Your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist says," Dr. Denine Rice, "if you have gum disease or bone loss."  Periodontist are equipped to handle more severe cases of gum disease. They also have more options for treatments based on your needs. For example, Denine Rice, D.D.S. suggests using LANAP in order to support patient needs. Patients who have received the LANAP laser treatment have seen fantastic results.

You may need implants due to bone loss if your periodontal disease is severe and has caused your teeth to become loose. Bacteria attacks the root of the teeth as the disease increases in severity and as the space in between your gums and teeth increase allowing more food particles to attack the bone. It is best to see someone who understands how to place, design and fit implants for the best look and feel. Although, research suggests that more and more general dentists are performing implant surgery you want to find someone that has the most experience with this type of surgery.  

Contact Dr. Rice and her team for an appointment today!

                 

Root Planning and Scaling or Non-Surgical Periodontial Treatment

For many, the first step in getting your mouth healthy is a trip to the Periodontist. Your periodontist is the specialist who evaluates your tissue and bone health. The reason for a visit here has to do with ensuring your foundation is in shape for the recommended treatment your general dentist has planned.

If the bone and tissue health is not stabilized, any dental treatment could be quickly undermined. Your Periodontist’s and General Dentist’s goal is to create a foundation that can be built upon. When they find advanced stages of disease, your Periodontist and General Dentist will discuss with you the teeth that are in jeopardy and make suggestions as to alternative treatments such as extractions and/or dental implants

If there are early signs of disease – bleeding of the gums and/or minimal bone loss – your Periodontist may diagnosis Non-Surgical treatment first. This is generally called root planning and scaling or sometimes – “a deep cleaning.”

During this appointment, your Periodontist, or their Hygienist will anesthetize the area and then, utilizing special instruments and often lasers, will enter the pockets around each tooth to remove built up calculus and bacteria.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment is the first step to controlling the disease process and getting you and your mouth healthy.