Periodontist Frequently Asked Questions

Many people are unfamiliar with the field of periodontics and are only made aware of it after developing an oral health issue that their general dentist does not feel qualified to address. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments and specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing periodontal disease. They also specialize in placement of dental implants. To learn more about the type of treatments periodontists provide and other aspects of periodontal disease, please refer to the following frequently asked questions.

What is the difference between dentists and periodontists?

There are many similarities between dentists and periodontists, but also some important differences. While both dentists and periodontists have to complete an undergraduate degree followed by a degree in dentistry, periodontists also undertake additional schooling to become experts in diagnosing issues and providing treatments to correct issues that affect the periodontium. General dentists, on the other hand, specialize in providing regular dental cleanings and performing procedures such as bridges or dental crowns, dental fillings, and cosmetic procedures, like gum contouring or teeth whitening.

How do I know if I need periodontal care?

Periodontal disease typically progresses slowly and is not identified until it has progressed to a more advanced state. Common indications that you may have periodontal disease include:

  • Gums that bleed after brushing or flossing your teeth
  • Swollen and/or tender gums
  • Gum recession
  • Mouth sores
  • Pain or discomfort while chewing
  • Chronic halitosis that persists even after brushing your teeth
  • Change in the fit of your dentures
  • Loose teeth

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, this may be an indication that you have developed gum disease and should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. When treated in the early stages, gum disease can often be corrected, but if it is not addressed, your gum disease will continue to progress and your risk of developing more serious issues will increase.

What causes periodontal disease?

There are a number of factors that can cause periodontal disease to develop, but the most common reason is due to insufficient oral self-care and lifestyle habits, such as diet or use of tobacco products. If plaque is allowed to buildup, it will eventually harden and become calculus, which will cause the pockets of your gums to deepen. When these pockets deepen, there is more room for bacteria to accumulate, and as this bacteria accumulates your gums will become infected and begin to recede. This process can happen very gradually, which is why it is important to schedule regular periodontal maintenance at least every six months. During these appointments, your periodontist will perform a professional cleaning, which will allow them to remove plaque that cannot be removed with traditional brushing methods. These appointments will also allow your periodontist to monitor your oral health and measure the depth of your pockets to determine if gum disease is present.

Measuring the depth of your pockets will help identify if you have periodontal disease, and if so, its severity. In the early stage of gum disease, the most common symptoms include chronic halitosis, slight gum recession, and gums that bleed when brushing or flossing. At this stage of gum disease, it may be possible to halt the progression of gum disease by changing your oral health routine and/or scheduling a scale and root planing procedure.

At the second stage of gum disease, your pockets will have deepened, and you may experience symptoms such as a change in your bite, loosened teeth, and/or noticeably recessed gums. At this stage of gum disease, you may need procedures such as Pinhole Surgical Technique or a gum graft to correct your gum recession as well as LANAP, scale and root planing, or osseous surgery to remove the infected tissue.

If your gum disease advances to the third stage, you may require more significant intervention. At this stage of gum disease, you may have extreme gum recession, loose teeth or teeth that have even fallen out, and jawbone deterioration. There are a number of different treatment options that may be considered at this stage, one of the most common being dental implants. If your jawbone has already deteriorated a significant amount, you may also require a bone graft before your implant can be placed.

Is periodontal disease preventable? If so, how can I reduce my risk of developing periodontal disease?

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease and reversing any harmful impacts you have experienced as a result of periodontal disease. The three most important things you can do to reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease are to brush and floss regularly, eat a healthy diet, and schedule regular periodontal maintenance every six months. If you have already developed periodontal disease, you may want to schedule maintenance every three or four months, as you are at an increased risk of developing periodontal issues. By taking good care of your oral health at home, your risk of developing gum disease will drop dramatically, and by scheduling regular appointments, you can be confident knowing that if any issues do develop, they will be identified and treated as soon as possible.

If I see a periodontist, can I stop going to my general dentist?

There are many benefits to seeing both a general dentist and a periodontist, as doing so allows for them to share your case history and monitor your overall oral health. Additionally, there may be certain procedures your general dentist specializes in that would make them better qualified to perform, as is the case with your periodontist.

Is it possible for children to get periodontal disease?

While possible, it is extremely uncommon for children to get periodontal disease. It is, however, common for children to develop habits at an early age that increase their risk of developing periodontal disease as adults. As such, it is very important that parents instill the importance of good oral self-care and monitor how to properly brush and floss one’s teeth to their children. It is also important that your child is seen by a general dentist at least every six months. Taking these steps will provide your child with a strong foundation and significantly reduce their risk of developing periodontal disease as adults. If you notice any of the common signs of gum disease, such as extreme gum sensitivity, gums that easily bleed, or chronic halitosis, schedule an appointment to have them evaluated.

Please note: it is possible for pregnant mothers to spread periodontal bacteria to their child, so it is recommended that a routine dental examination be scheduled during their pregnancy.

What sort of qualities should I look for when deciding which periodontist to choose?

One of the most important decisions you can make regarding your oral care is what periodontist you receive care from. The more comfortable and confident you are that your periodontist is committed to providing you with the care you need in an environment that is warm and welcoming, the more likely you are to maintain good oral health.

If you are currently trying to find a clinic to provide you with periodontal care, you should consider some of the following characteristics.

  • Location of the clinic: It Is important to find a clinic that is in close proximity to you. Our offices are located in New Port Richey, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Spring Hill, Tampa, and Trinity.
    Qualifications of staff: It is important that you receive care from highly-skilled professionals who are leaders in their field. Along with maintaining a private practice, Dr. Pikos also founded the Pikos Institute in 1990. This globally recognized teaching organization provides surgical and technology-based training for clinicians throughout the country to perform predictable, prosthetically driven implant dentistry.
  • Sedation offerings: Not all clinics offer a comprehensive offering of dental sedation. At Coastal Jaw Surgery, our Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are certified to safely administer intravenous (IV) anesthesia.
  • Pricing policies: It is important to find a periodontist that is able to work with your unique budgetary needs. At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we accept traditional insurance and are happy to file and track your insurance claim and assist with insurance family plans. To help facilitate this process, please have your insurance information prepared at your appointment, including your insurance and identification card. To help you maximize your benefits, we are also happy to provide a written diagnostic report and X-rays to your insurance company if necessary. If you are not covered under a dental insurance plan or have concerns about the total cost of treatment, please let us know and we will do our best to help provide you with the care you deserve.
  • Available treatments: It is important that you find a periodontal clinic that provides the type of care you need. At Coastal Jaw, we provide a wide range of services, including implant dentistry, oral surgical procedures such as wisdom teeth removal, osseous surgery, and occlusal adjustments, oral cancer screening and biopsy, periodontal maintenance, and other procedures such as crown lengthening, gum grafting, gum contouring, and guided tissue regeneration.
  • Type of equipment: At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to being engaged with the latest in dental technology in order to provide our patients with the highest level of care. This is why each consultation includes a thorough examination by one of our implant specialists, a full 3D, high-resolution X-Ray of your jaw and bone structure to inform your treatment plan and ensure optimal dental implant placement, and a computer-generated image of what your implant and restoration will look like. Additional ways we ensure you receive care that is designed for maximum accuracy and comfort by utilizing the most advanced dental technology, include:
  • 3D Cone Beam Digital X-Rays: A low-radiation device that develops a full 3D, high-resolution view of your bone structure and jaw and is used to improve precision for restorative and cosmetic procedures.
  • Tooth Colored Restorations: We are committed to providing you with restorations that look and feel just like your natural teeth.
  • Telescopic Loupes: We are better able to diagnose and treat underlying issues due to the magnification provided by our high-quality surgical loupes.
  • Intra-Oral Cameras: Intra-oral cameras allow us to examine the inside of your mouth, which enhances our ability to diagnose and treat underlying issues.
  • Clinic amenities: It is also important that you find a periodontist whose clinic makes you feel relaxed and calm. One of our biggest priorities at Coastal Jaw Surgery is ensuring that our clients are as comfortable as possible, which is why we provide complimentary beverages, neck pillows, blankets, reclining chairs, and free Wi-Fi for your tablet, phone, or computer.

Do periodontists only treat periodontal issues, or do they also provide cosmetic services?

The answer to this question will vary from clinic to clinic, but many clinics (including ours) do provide cosmetic services. Also, many periodontal treatments can serve both a functional role in maintaining and preserving your oral health while also improving the aesthetic appearance of your smile. For example, when gum disease progresses, it can cause gums to recede, which can increase your risk of teeth becoming loosened or falling out. Recessed gums also have a negative impact on the aesthetic appearance of your smile. To correct this issue, we may perform Pinhole Surgical Technique or a gum graft. By restoring your gums to their natural state, you will both reduce your risk of developing oral health issues and return your smile to a balanced, healthy looking state.

Dental implants are another example of a periodontal procedure that is performed to improve your oral health, but will also provide you with an aesthetically attractive smile. At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we provide free consultations for dental implants and can perform a number of different type of implant procedures, including Same Day Teeth, Zygomatic dental implants, sinus lift, ridge augmentation, implant supported dentures, individual and full mouth dental implants.

If you have additional questions about periodontics, or if you would like to schedule a consultation or learn more about our clinic and services, contact us today at (800) NEW-LOOK or fill out an online form at https://coastaljaw.com/appointment-request/

We look forward to providing you with the care you need in a safe and comfortable environment!