Treatment FAQ

someone who specializes exclusively in the treatment of the gums.

by Samara Deckow Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Endodontists and periodontists are two types of dental specialists who focus on different parts of the mouth. A periodontist is someone that specializes in the treatment of gums and everything to do with them. If you suffer from gum disease a periodontist will be the dentist treating you.

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth also known as gum disease), and in the placement of dental implants.

Full Answer

What is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a dental practitioner who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. Periodontists are also experts in the structures that support the teeth as well as plastic surgery involving the inside of the mouth.

Which dentist specialist treats what?

Periodontics is the dental specialty focusing exclusively in the inflammatory disease that destroys the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal, or disease, and in the placement of dental implants.

What is gum disease and how do you treat it?

Periodontists: Periodontal & Dental Implant Specialists. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth also known as gum disease), and in the placement of dental implants.

What is the Mayo Clinic name for gum disease?

Someone who specializes exclusively in the treatment of the gums. periodontist A dental assistant is responsible for: Supporting the dentist by preparing the exam room and instruments for each patient Which dental professional might be trained by a dentist instead of a formal educational program? Dental assistant

Who treats conditions of the gums?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. They also help you manage signs of advancing gum problems like oral inflammation. Gum disease happens when the tissue around your teeth gets infected, causing inflammation.Jun 23, 2021

Do endodontists treat gum disease?

Both of these professionals are specialists in the field of dentistry. Periodontists are concerned with the health of gums and treating gum disease and inflammation. On the other hand, Endodontists specialize in tooth roots and oral pain.Jan 8, 2020

What is a prosthodontist do?

A prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed dental school plus at least three additional years of advanced training and education in an CODA-accredited prosthodontic graduate program. They specialize in treating and handling dental and facial problems that involve restoring missing tooth and jaw structures.

Can a prosthodontist treat gum disease?

We have expertise in gum disease, which is often the underlying cause of unhealthy or missing teeth. A prosthodontist specializes in restoring or replacing teeth, through implants, veneers, crowns, bridges and other methods. Prosthodontists are the key to a smile that not only looks great, but functions well, too.

What is the definition for endodontist?

Endodontists are dentists who specialize in maintaining teeth through endodontic therapy -- procedures, involving the soft inner tissue of the teeth, called the pulp. The word "endodontic" comes from "endo" meaning inside and "odont" meaning tooth. Like many medical terms, it's Greek.

What is the difference between a prosthodontist and a periodontist?

Two dental specialties are periodontics and prosthodontics, which sound similar but are quite different. In a nutshell, periodontists deal with the tissues surrounding the teeth and prosthodontists make and fit dentures, bridges and similar appliances for people who have missing teeth.

What does DDS stand for?

Doctor of Dental SurgeryThey both mean the same thing—your dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education.

What is the difference between a prosthodontist and a dentist?

The biggest difference between a prosthodontist and a general dentist is that a prosthodontist deals with replacing teeth and restoring your oral health and function throughout your entire mouth. General dentists focus on repairing teeth and ensuring that they remain healthy.

What is a oral pathologist?

Oral pathology is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, including oral cancer. Pathologists are involved in all areas of disease management including research, diagnosis, examination and treatment.

What is the difference between orthodontist and prosthodontist?

Prosthodontists and orthodontists are sometimes seen as two sides of the same dental coin. It's been said that orthodontists treat problem teeth that are there, while prosthodontists treat problem teeth that aren't there anymore.

Do periodontists do veneers?

Many dental professionals offer veneers treatment, including general dentists, cosmetic dentists and some orthodontists. Endodontists, periodontists and oral surgeons do not typically offer veneers.

How many premolars do adults have?

Premolars. Most adults have eight premolars. These are the larger teeth that sit behind the canines. Humans have four along the top gums, and four along the bottom, two on each side.Jul 21, 2020

What is the specialty of a periodontist?

Periodontics is the dental specialty focusing exclusively in the inflammatory disease that destroys the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal, or disease, and in the placement of dental implants.

What is the treatment of periodontists?

Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (the cleaning of infected root surfaces), root surface debridement (the removal of damaged tissue), and regenerative procedures (the reversal of lost bone and tissue).

What is periodontist training?

As specialists in periodontal disease, they are experts in the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. They are also trained in cosmetic periodontal procedures.

Can a periodontist do surgery?

When necessary, periodontists can also perform surgical procedures for patients with severe gum disease. Additionally, periodontists are trained in the placement, maintenance and repair of dental implants. For more information about periodontics or periodontists, visit Perio.org.

Periodontists: Periodontal & Dental Implant Specialists

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth also known as gum disease), and in the placement of dental implants.

What Will My First Visit Be Like?

During your first visit, the periodontist usually reviews your complete medical and dental histories. It’s extremely important for the periodontist to know if you’re taking any medications or being treated for any condition that can affect periodontal care, such as heart disease, diabetes, or pregnancy.

Why Might I Be Referred to a Periodontist?

If your general dentist refers you to a periodontist, it’s simply because the periodontist has the special skills, knowledge and experience to provide you with the type of periodontal treatment or implant procedure you need.

What is gum grafting?

Gum grafting. Gum grafting is a surgical option that can prevent bone loss and gum recession from progressing. It can also help to protect roots that have been exposed to infection from decay. There are three types of gum graft surgery: connective tissue graft, free gingival graft, and pedicle (lateral) grafts.

What to do if you need a periodontist?

If you find yourself in need of a periodontist, you can call and ask your local dentist's office for a referral to a local gum specialist. You can also check with your local health departments about affordable or and discounted dental services near you.

What are the treatments for tooth decay?

These treatments can include root canal, gum grafting, teeth scaling, jawbone grafting, and dental implants.

How do you know if you have a periodontal infection?

You may need to find a periodontist near you if your dentist refers you to one or if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: Bleeding while brushing your teeth or eating – Unexplained bleeding while eating and brushing point to a deeper problem. This is one of the most common symptoms of a periodontal infection.

Why do dentists do scaling?

Teeth scaling. Teeth scaling is a common cleaning procedure. Most dentists use this treatment in routine visits in order to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Teeth scaling removes tartar buildup and helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

What does it mean when you have bad breath?

Halitosis (bad breath) – Bad breath that persists with an intensive oral hygiene routine can indicate periodontitis, gingivitis, and infection in the gum tissue. Receding gums and loose teeth – If your teeth are looking longer, it can be a sign of gum recession and bone loss from periodontal disease.

What is a dental probe?

Dental probes can measure pocket depth and help diagnose gum disease. A thorough review of your dental and medical history that may be contributing to your symptoms. An examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth to find signs of plaque and inflammation, indicating infection.

Why do my gums look so short?

When gums cover too much of your teeth, it can make them look unnaturally short and give the appearance of a “gummy smile.” There can also be situations where the gum line is uneven or there is excessive gum tissue making the gums look too thick and bulky.

Can gum disease cause tooth loss?

Gum disease leads to periodontitis, where the bacteria starts infecting the bone. If left untreated, periodontitis can damage the bone and lead to tooth loss. Dr. Anzalone effectively treats periodontitis and repairs any damage so that you can once again have healthy teeth that will stay that way.

Can a tooth break through the gumline?

Certain teeth, such as the canines, can sometimes fail to “erupt” (break through the gumline), and thus do not move into their natural position on the dental arch. If your child is receiving orthodontic treatment and this situation exists, the orthodontist will need to have the crown of the non-erupted tooth exposed so that an orthodontic bracket can be placed on it.

What is gingivitis in teeth?

Gingivitis is the non-destructive inflammation of the gums. The gums become swollen, red and tender, with a tendency to bleed when you brush. If we catch it early, gingivitis can be reversed and no destruction to the supporting structures of the tooth will occur. However, if the early signs are ignored, it can escalate (often without warning) into the far more serious periodontitis.

What are the risk factors for gum disease?

The risk factors for gum disease#N#Anything that adversely affects your body’s immune response to bacteria will increase your susceptibility to gum disease, and its severity and progression will be determined by the effectiveness of that response .

Can you remove gums from a periodontitis?

The more severe periodontitis requires specialist periodontal treatment and, in more extreme cases, surgery. This can involve deep cleaning those gum pockets that are inaccessible to the hygienist, and may require us to lift the gum clear, debride tooth roots and then replace and tighten a section of your gum. This will give your body a chance to heal the area, and make it easier for you to keep your teeth and gums clean at home.

What is the field of dentistry that studies the blood and nerve supply within the roots of our teeth?

Endodontics is the field that studies the blood and nerve supply within the roots of our teeth. This tissue (dental pulp) sometimes needs unique treatments to eliminate infections or repair injuries. Root canals are the most common procedure that endodontists perform.

What is the role of a periodontist?

But did you know there's a whole specialty related to the care of the structures surrounding your teeth? Periodontists study and treat conditions that affect the teeth's stability. The bone, gum tissue, and ligaments in your mouth all play vital roles in holding your teeth in place, so they must be protected. When you get gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, it can advance to a stage that requires surgery. That's where periodontists come in! They also complete root planing and scaling procedures and manage dental implants, as noted by the American Academy of Periodontology.

What is the role of dental hygienist?

Dental hygienists are often your first line of defense for fighting tooth decay and gum disease! They remove plaque (biofilm) at your bi-annual appointments and provide the essential knowledge of teaching you how to take care of your oral care at home. They offer a wide range of services that vary from state to state.

What is the primary provider for dental care?

Your general dentist and dental hygienist are the primary care providers for your basic dental needs. These include bi-annual checkups and routine cleanings. But, sometimes, you need specific dental treatments that require the attention of a specialist.

What is pediatric dentist?

Pediatric Dentists. These dentists research, advocate for and promote oral health for children. They specialize in working with children and teens below 18 and people with special needs. They're like general dentists in that they provide the same type of services, like checkups and cleanings, but for kids.

What doctor can diagnose a lump in the jaw?

For example, if your general dental finds a lump or bump in your mouth or jaw, they may refer you to an oral pathologist. The pathologist will then meet with you for an assessment and further testing. Oral radiologists interpret dental X-rays to diagnose specific head and neck conditions.

What is an oral surgeon?

Oral surgeons are tooth extraction specialists. While this may not be your favorite specialist to visit, they perform vital functions! They focus on implants and facial surgeries, devise treatment plans, and create prostheses for patients who lose parts of their mouth, head, neck, or jaw.

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