THE STUDY OF PERIODONTICS IN BRIEF
We are here to answer your questions
Our doctor strives to educate our patients about periodontal disease and the ways to prevent it. As a patient at our clinic, we will make sure you understand what type of gum disease you have, the reasons you have developed this disease, and the types of treatments we can offer. Patient education is an integral part of our treatment and is essential in ensuring the disease is well controlled in the future. We seek to help people maintain their natural teeth in a state of health, function and comfort.
What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dental specialist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the supporting tissues of the teeth, including the gums and bone. They have had an additional three years of speciality university training upon completing four years of dental school.
They are the only specialists in the management of gum inflammation and surgical procedures to treat gum diseases. They perform highly aesthetic procedures to enhance your smile and correct receding gums. They also have extensive training in reconstructive surgery, including bone grafting and dental implant placement, to help replace missing teeth.
It is strongly advised to book an appointment with a periodontist as soon as you notice the first symptoms of a periodontal disease, as doing so will greatly limit the likelihood of any further damage to your teeth and gum.
Difference between a periodontist and a dentist
In the simplest terms, a dentist is the “general doctor” of the mouth and the periodontist is the equivalent of the “medical specialist,” like a cardiologist.
Your general dentist has completed a four-year university program and obtained a dental degree (DMD, DDS). Our periodontist has completed three additional years of university training and a Master’s degree. The general dentist will treat the teeth, gums, and other areas of the mouth while a periodontist only treats the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. Due to their speciality training, your periodontist typically sees advanced and complex cases that require a special expertise.
What is periodontal disease?
There are two main types of periodontal disease. On the one hand, we have gingivitis, the inflammation of the gum at the neck of the teeth. It often results in discomfort and bleeding, but it is a milder form of gum disease. On the other hand, periodontitis, commonly referred to as gum disease is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and the bone around teeth. Without treatment, periodontitis can result in the permanent loss of teeth. In fact, periodontitis is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not require a referral for a consultation at our clinic.
While we generally treat more advanced forms of disease or complex cases, we welcome patients with early signs of disease. The sooner we treat periodontal disease, the greater our success in maintaining healthy teeth and bone and avoiding tooth loss.
WHEN TO CONSULT?
5 signs you should go see a periodontist
Pain when chewing or a misaligned bite
Our top and bottom teeth are meant to fit well. If the natural alignment of your teeth feels different while chewing, talking or brushing, you should see a periodontist. Also, if you have noticed gaps progressively or suddenly appear in between your teeth, this may be a sign of advanced gum disease. A periodontist can determine the reasons for these changes and suggest appropriate treatment options that can help solve the problem.
You have red, swollen or bleeding gums
This is one of the most obvious signs that you should see a periodontist. Have you noticed that your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? If they do, contact our qualified periodontist so we can address relatively minor issues before they evolve into expensive and painful problems.
Interestingly, smokers who are often at much greater risk of developing periodontal disease, will rarely notice bleeding. It is important in these cases to do a full examination of the gums as we cannot rely solely on bleeding as a sign of disease.
Your teeth feel loose
Loose teeth can be a sign of bone loss and serious infections, such as periodontitis. If you have noticed that your teeth have begun to feel a little loose, you should definitely consult our periodontist. This could be a very early sign of serious gum disease and underlying bone damage.
Your gums are receding
If you think your teeth appear longer than they used to when you look in the mirror, this could be a sign of advanced gum recession resulting from periodontal disease.
You have bad breath
As much as 80% of patients with periodontal disease will suffer from bad breath, or halitosis. The bacteria in the mouth break down proteins that produce sulfur compounds. If the cause of your bad breath is unknown, consult our team for an in-depth consultation.
There are several ways treatment from a periodontist may be sought. Feel free to reach out by phone or e-mail if you think you are experiencing symptoms of gingivitis or periodontal disease. A consultation with a periodontist can help determine the cause of your problem and the appropriate treatment. A referral is not necessary for a consultation with our specialist.
Dr. Romina Perri
DMD, Cert Perio, MS(Perio), FRCD(C) , Diplomate ABP
OUR TREATMENTS
We use non-surgical & surgical treatments adapted to your condition
Non-surgical
Scaling and root planing, which is a deep cleaning procedure performed on a patient while under local anaesthesia, is the preferred treatment for a mild form of periodontal disease. This is where the periodontist scrapes away plaque and tartar from above and especially below the gum lines. They will also smooth out any rough spots on your roots. This leaves a clean surface allowing for your gums to reattach to your teeth. As an adjunct to nonsurgical therapy, laser pocket disinfection may also be recommended to effectively kill bacteria deep under the gums.
Surgical
In more complex cases, your periodontist may need to use surgical treatments to restore your gums and boney supporting structures. These can include selective laser pocket surgery, a full-mouth laser LANAP procedure, flap or pocket reduction surgery, guided regeneration, bone grafts, and bone surgery.
TYPES OF PLASTIC SURGERY
What are the Crown lengthening surgical procedures?
We aim to educate our patients about periodontal disease and ways to prevent it. We will make sure you understand what type of gum disease you are suffering from and why, as well as the types of treatments we will use. We will educate you on how to prevent further gum problems in the future. Not only is this important for treating current gum disease, but it is essential to ensuring it does not spread or return in the future.
Why should I consider this?
Essentially, this procedure is a gum lift. It is usually performed on patients who feel their gums are overexposed when they smile. This type of crown lengthening helps create a wider, more natural smile.
How is the procedure?
The periodontist will remove excess gum and bone tissue, and will then reshape the patient’s smile to reveal more of their natural tooth. It can be performed on a single tooth, though it is most often done to enhance the entire smile. The doctor will make several small incisions into the gum tissue to separate the gums from the teeth.
Essentially, this procedure is a gum lift. It is usually performed on patients who feel their gums are overexposed when they smile. This type of crown lengthening helps create a wider, more natural smile.
How is the procedure?
The periodontist will remove excess gum and bone tissue, and will then reshape the patient’s smile to reveal more of their natural tooth. It can be performed on a single tooth, though it is most often done to enhance the entire smile. The doctor will make several small incisions into the gum tissue to separate the gums from the teeth.
YOUR FIRST VISIT
What to expect?
Our periodontists will inform you about various treatment options, so you can have a full understanding of your condition and the recommended treatment
01
Review
During your first visit, our professionals will review your complete medical and dental histories with you. They will need to know about any medication you are taking or if you currently have any condition(s) that could affect your periodontal treatment, including pregnancy, diabetes, and heart disease.
02
Examination
Our professionals will examine your gums to evaluate the pocket depths around your teeth, gum line recession, jawbone alignment, and if you have any loose or missing teeth.
