What Are Periodontists and When Should You See One?

What Are Periodontists and When Should You See One?

Did you know that nearly half of adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease? These conditions can lead to serious health issues like bone loss, tooth loss and even systemic health problems if left untreated. 

But what exactly does that mean? Understanding periodontists, what they do, and when to seek help is the first step to maintaining good oral health and overall well-being.

Meet Your Gum Health Specialist: What Is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and conditions affecting the supporting structures of your teeth. After completing four years of dental school, they undergo two to three years of specialized training.

Simply put, periodontists are the go-to experts for preserving and restoring gum health through minimally invasive, cutting-edge procedures, designed to address every stage of gum disease. They primarily provide the following solutions:

  • Gum Disease Treatment: from early-stage gingivitis to severe conditions, periodontists carefully assess bone loss and determine the best course of action for each case.
  • Gum Recession Solutions: periodontists use advanced procedures like the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique and soft tissue grafting to restore the tissue and protect tooth roots.
  • Dental Implants: their expertise ensures proper implant integration, which supports jawbone health and restores oral function.
  • Regenerative Procedures: periodontists apply specialized techniques to regenerate significant tissue or bone loss, restoring function and aesthetics.

Now that you understand what a periodontist does, let’s explore the signs that indicate you may need their help.

Are Your Gums Asking for Help? Signs You Should See a Periodontist

Gum disease can manifest in subtle ways. Here are the most common signs that you may need specialized care:

  • Bleeding Gums: if your gums bleed when you brush, floss or eat, it’s often a sign of inflammation and gum disease.
  • Receding Gums: teeth that appear longer or have visible tooth roots can indicate receding gums, which weaken the support for your teeth.
  • Persistent Bad Breath: chronic bad breath, known as halitosis, can result from bacteria buildup in the gums.
  • Loose or Shifting Teeth: advanced gum disease can weaken the structures of your teeth, causing them to shift or loosen.
  • Gum Pain or Sensitivity: persistent sensitivity, swelling or pain in your gums should never be ignored.

If you experience these warning signs, you should see a periodontist to prevent complications. However, the best option is not to wait for any signs of trouble and to see a specialist as a preventative measure.

Prevention Is Power: Early Detection Saves Your Smile

Prevention is key for maintaining gum health and avoiding complex issues. Regular dental visits allow for early detection of gum disease. Dentists and periodontists perform thorough examinations and measure gum pocket depths to monitor bone loss and inflammation. 

They also help you maintain consistent oral hygiene and perform periodic professional cleanings. These not only prevent gum disease progression, but allow early detection, allowing treatments are less invasive and more effective than interventions required for advanced cases.

When to Schedule Your Specialist Visit

The most common path is for your dentist to refer a periodontist, but you don’t have to wait. If you notice any symptoms or are considering dental implants, you can schedule a consultation directly. 

If you had a recent procedure, follow-up visits with a periodontist are crucial to monitor healing progress and prevent recurring issues. Whether through a referral or by scheduling your appointment directly, seeing a periodontist at the right time can make all the difference in maintaining your oral health.

Expert Care with a Personal Touch: Why Coastal Periodontics Is the Right Choice for You

Regarding periodontal care, Coastal Periodontics stands out for its expertise and patient-first approach. They specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, as well as minimally invasive procedures like LANAP laser therapy, bone grafting, and the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique.

From gum disease treatment to dental implant placement and regenerative procedures, Coastal Periodontics offer comprehensive services using the newest technology and techniques to ensure comfortable and efficient results.

Take the next step in your oral health journey and contact Coastal Periodontics today. Their experienced team is here to guide you through your options and help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile with expert periodontal care.

Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique: A Revolutionary Treatment

The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) is a revolutionary, minimally invasive solution for gum recession. The procedure involves making a tiny hole in the gum tissue using a needle. Through this pinhole, special instruments are used to gently loosen and reposition the gum tissue to cover the exposed tooth or root area.

This technique is a major advancement over traditional gum grafting methods, which involve removing tissue from the palate and suturing it over the areas of recession. Traditional grafting often results in more discomfort, longer recovery times and a more invasive experience for patients.

For anyone dealing with receding gums, PST offers a safer, quicker and more comfortable solution. Patients enjoy immediate results, both in terms of health and appearance, after the procedure.

Why Patients Prefer the Chao Pinhole Technique

In contrast to traditional methods, the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique stands out as a game-changer in gum recession treatment, offering several key benefits that make it an attractive option for patients, such as:

  • Quick Recovery: with no need for incisions or sutures, most patients can return to their daily routines much faster.
  • Immediate Aesthetic Improvement: with PST, patients leave the office with a noticeably healthier smile and higher confidence right after the procedure.
  • Lower Discomfort: since this is a minimally invasive gum surgery, with no cutting or stitching involved, there’s far less pain and discomfort in the recovery process compared to traditional grafting.
  • Reduced Risk of Complications: because PST doesn’t require a donor site or extensive surgery, the risk of post-operative complications, such as infections or excessive bleeding, is greatly reduced.

Is the Chao Pinhole Technique Right for You?

This gum recession treatment is ideal for most patients with a mild to moderate condition, who have sufficient healthy tissue around adjacent teeth. It’s particularly beneficial for those seeking a less invasive alternative to traditional gum grafting.

However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for PST. Patients with severe gum recession, active periodontal disease or insufficient healthy gum tissue may need to consider alternative treatments. Smokers may also need to quit for several weeks before undergoing the procedure to ensure optimal healing.

Restore Your Confidence and Smile at Coastal Periodontics

If you suffer from gum recession but are unsure of the best treatment option for you, our experts at Coastal Periodontics are ready to help. Using cutting-edge techniques like the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique and other advanced procedures, we offer minimally invasive solutions to help restore your oral health. 

Schedule an evaluation today to learn more about our options and discover how Coastal Periodontics can help you regain your confidence with a healthier smile.

Make an Appointment Now

Consulting with a dental professional, like Dr. Tredinick at Coastal Periodontics, can provide you with expert guidance and help you make the right decision to restore your smile and oral health.

New Patient Special: Support the Charity of Your Choice

Get a complete exam, X-rays and 3D CT scan all for $295. We’ll create a personalized care plan for the treatment that is best for you, whether the revolutionary Pinhole Technique for gum recession, laser assisted treatment for gum disease, and a variety of implant procedures to replace missing teeth or support dentures. Plus, you’re supporting your community – we’ll donate a portion of your fee goes to the charity of your choice.

Schedule an Evaluation

To schedule your evaluation or to make an appointment, contact us online or call us at 979-258-3491 today.