Periodontists versus dentists in General Dentistry

Periodontists – The Difference to Dentists

If you are concerned about the health of your teeth and gums you should know the difference between periodontists and dentists. It’s not unusual if you haven’t heard of a periodontist before. Chances are you are happy to go to your dentist to fix your teeth, and haven’t thought about using aa periodontist.

So what is a periodontist doing?

Periodontics is the study of the clinical aspects of the supporting structures of the teeth including the gums, jaw, root and periodontal ligament. Taken from the Greek it literally translates to the study of that which is ‘around the tooth’. Periodontists treat diseases of the periodontium (the supporting structures of the tooth).

Why visit a periodontist?

A common reason why people might visit a periodontist is to treat problems that have been caused by bacterial infections of the gums – that can lead to tooth loss or bone loss. It’s really worth visiting periodontists if you are concerned that you might be at risk of periodontal disease. It’s thought that many people have periodontal disease but are unaware of the problem.

How do you know you are at risk of periodontal disease?

You may not even know if you need to see periodontists, but you can work out if you are at risk. If you are at risk, you should consult periodontists straight away to help rescue your natural teeth. If you have already lost teeth as a result of periodontal disease, then periodontists can advise you on permanent tooth replacements, otherwise known as dental implants.

Periodontal (or gum) diseases

Periodontal diseases are gum diseases that include gingivitis and periodontitis that can lead to tooth loss if untreated. Bacteria in plaque causes your gums to become inflamed and a chronic infection can impact on the gums and bone that support your teeth.If you have bleeding gums or are concerned about visiting specialized periodontists, than you should be aware of the causes of periodontal disease, these include:

• Bacterial plaque

• Smoking or other tobacco use – smoking causes serious and fatal lung and heart disease, but it also causes periodontal disease. Tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors.

• Genetics. Some 30% of the population are genetically vulnerable to gum disease regardless of how well they care for their teeth. A genetic test can show if you are at risk and whether or not you should regularly visit a periodontist to keep your teeth healthy over your lifetime.

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