The specialist who takes care of your gums so that your teeth
Imagine that one day, while brushing your teeth, you notice that your gums bleed a little. You think it's a one-off occurrence, but as the weeks go by, the bleeding recurs and your gums become redder and more inflamed. The doubt begins to creep in: Is it serious, should I go to the dentist? This is where a key figure comes into play: the periodontist.
What is a periodontist
A periodontist is a dentist who specialises in caring for your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. While a general dentist takes care of your teeth in general, a periodontist focuses on everything that surrounds and supports your teeth: the gums, the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone. He or she is the expert to see when there are more serious problems related to the health of your gums.
What does the periodontist do?
The periodontist's work revolves around the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. treatment of periodontal diseases, i.e. diseases that affect the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth. He also performs treatments to preserve healthy bone and gums, and in many cases, works to restore lost support around the teeth.
Some of the main functions of a periodontist are:
- Check the condition of the gums and measure the depth of the periodontal pockets.
- Remove accumulated tartar below the gum line.
- Treat periodontal infections.
- Perform surgery to regenerate lost bone or tissue.
- Place dental implants when there is a loss of teeth.
What does a periodontist do during a consultation?
When you see a periodontist, the first thing he or she will do is perform a detailed examination of your gums. He or she will measure the depth of the periodontal pockets with a special probe. Periodontal pockets are spaces that form between the tooth and the gum when periodontal disease is present. The deeper they are, the greater the risk of tooth loss.
In addition, x-rays may be taken to see the condition of the bone supporting the teeth. Based on this assessment, he will establish a treatment plan.
What does a periodontist treat?
The periodontist mainly treats two main diseases:
Gingivitis
This is the early stage of periodontal disease. The gums are swollen, red and bleed easily, but the bone supporting the teeth is not yet damaged. If detected early, gingivitis is completely reversible.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the bone and tissues that support the teeth begin to be destroyed. Over time, teeth may shift or even fall out. Treatment of periodontitis aims to stop the damage and, in some cases, regenerate some of the lost tissue.
Other interventions
In addition to treating periodontal disease, the periodontist can perform:
- Cosmetic surgery to correct gum problems (e.g. when gums are receding or overgrown).
- Gum or bone grafts.
- Periodontal maintenance treatments.
- Placement and follow-up of dental implants.
When is it necessary to see a periodontist?
There are several situations in which it is advisable to make an appointment with a periodontist:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or eating.
- Swollen, red or painful gums.
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis).
- Teeth that start to move or look longer (due to receding gums).
- Tooth sensitivity that you didn't have before.
- If you have a family history of periodontal disease.
- Before you put on a dental implant.
Detecting these symptoms early can make the difference between keeping your teeth or losing them.
The importance of early treatment
Many people do not see a periodontist because the first symptoms may seem minor. However, gum disease progresses slowly and by the time serious problems appear, the damage is often already extensive. That is why it is essential not to wait.
Early treatment allows:
- To slow the progression of the disease.
- Prevent tooth loss.
- Preserve the maxillary bone.
- Improving the appearance smile aesthetics.
- Avoid major complications and more costly treatment.
Teamwork: general dentist and periodontist
In many cases, it is the general dentist who detects the first signs of periodontal disease and refers the patient to the periodontist. Both professionals work as a team to provide the best possible dental care. While the general dentist takes care of the overall health of your mouth, the periodontist focuses on specialised treatment of the gums.
Conclusion: taking care of your gums is taking care of your teeth.
Gums are the invisible support that keeps your teeth strong and healthy. A periodontist is the specialist who can help you maintain that support throughout your life. If you detect any warning signs in your gums, don't hesitate: seeing a periodontist early can save you from major problems and ensure a healthy smile for many years to come.[/vc_column].