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You signed up to receive this oral health newsletter when you visited the AAP Web site. We hope that the information you receive will prompt you to have a discussion with your periodontist or dental healthcare provider about the treatment needed to improve your overall health. |
 
Have you been told that you may have periodontal disease and need to see a periodontist? If you have, you probably thought, “What is periodontal disease and why do I need a periodontist?"
Periodontists treat periodontal disease
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. The word periodontal refers to the gum tissue and bone around the tooth. Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease is one of the primary causes of adult tooth loss. Also, research has found a relationship between periodontal disease and more serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and preterm low birth weight babies.
View a diagram of gums with periodontal disease 
Periodontists place dental implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a periodontist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own! When placed by a skilled periodontist and maintained diligently by the patient, implants can last a lifetime.
View photos of dental implant procedures
Periodontists enhance your smile
If you're not happy with your smile, a periodontist can perform cosmetic periodontal procedures that reshape your gumline and help you achieve the look and smile you want.
View before-and-after photos of cosmetic periodontal procedures
Periodontists have advanced training
Periodontists receive three additional years of education beyond dental school. They have extensive training in the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, placing dental implants, and performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.
Your first visit to a periodontist
You don’t need a referral to see a periodontist, and you may choose to go directly to one. During your first visit, your periodontist will review your complete medical and dental history with you. It is very important for your periodontist to know if you are taking any medications or being treated for any condition because it may affect your periodontal care. Your gums will be examined to see if there is any gum line recession, and your teeth will be checked to see if any are loose and how the teeth fit together when you bite. Your periodontist will also take a small measuring instrument and place it between your teeth and gums to determine the depth of spaces known as periodontal pockets. X-rays may also be taken to observe the health of the bone below your gums. If treatment is needed, a periodontist will discuss a treatment plan with you.
When should you see a periodontist?
Anytime is a good time to see a periodontist for a periodontal evaluation. Often the only way to detect if you have periodontal disease is through a periodontal evaluation. Periodontal disease is sometimes silent and you may not know that you have it. Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Gums that bleed easily, such as during brushing and flossing.
- Persistent bad breath.
- Red, swollen or tender gums.
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.
- Pus between the teeth and gums.
- Loose or separating teeth.
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
If you have any of the above symptoms, you may want to visit a periodontist for a periodontal evaluation.
Get a referral to a periodontist in your area
DISCLAIMER The information in this newsletter should not be used as a substitute for the care and advice of your personal periodontist or dental professional. Each individual's treatment is unique and your periodontist will recommend treatment based on individual facts and circumstances.
ABOUT THE AAP The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000 member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
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Research indicates that periodontal therapy may help diabetic patients improve their sugar control.
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Pregnant women should include a periodontal evaluation as part of their prenatal care in order to reduce the risk of a preterm birth or low birth weight infant.
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