Dental Terms
What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a highly trained dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal (gum) diseases and is also skilled in dental implant placement.
Periodontists often handle more complex and challenging periodontal cases, including severe gum diseases and patients with intricate medical histories. They offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning procedure to remove infected root surfaces) and root surface debridement (the removal of damaged tissue). Additionally, they perform various surgical procedures to address severe gum problems.
During your initial visit to a periodontist, your complete medical and dental histories will be reviewed. It is crucial for the periodontist to be aware of any medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have that may impact your periodontal care, such as heart disease, diabetes, or pregnancy.
The periodontist will conduct a thorough examination, which includes assessing the condition of your gums, checking for gum recession, evaluating your bite, and assessing tooth stability. To gauge the health of your gums, a small measuring instrument called a probe will be placed between your teeth and gums to measure the depth of periodontal pockets. This measurement helps the periodontist determine gum health. X-rays may also be taken to assess the condition of the bone beneath the gum line.
General dentists are also trained to diagnose and treat various stages of periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and mild to moderate periodontitis. General dentists can provide routine cleanings, scaling, and root planing procedures, as well as offer guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene practices to prevent and manage periodontal issues.
At Lakewood Dental Centre in Edmonton, we are committed to providing periodontal care, please don't hesitate to contact us at 780-450-2331 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeff Dutka & Dr. Mandeep Gidda. Our practice is conveniently located at 2831 Mill Woods Rd NW, Edmonton, AB, and our team is dedicated to improving your oral health.
