1011 E Prescott Rd
Salina, KS 67401
ABOUT PERIODONTICS
When to Visit a Periodontist
What Does a Periodontist Specialize In?
The Expertise and Training of a Periodontist
A periodontist is a dentist specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infections and diseases in the soft tissues surrounding the teeth, and the jawbone to which the teeth are anchored. Periodontists have to train an additional three years beyond the four years of regular dental school, and are familiar with the most advanced techniques necessary to treat periodontal disease and place dental implants. Periodontists also perform a vast range of cosmetic procedures to enhance the smile to its fullest extent.
Treatment and Care Provided by a Periodontist
Periodontists provide a range of services related to the soft tissues and bone structure supporting the teeth while also prioritizing preventive care and periodontal maintenance as a primary defense against the progression of periodontitis. Periodontal disease (periodontitis) begins when the toxins found in plaque start to attack the soft or gingival tissue surrounding the teeth. This bacterium embeds itself in the gum and rapidly breeds, causing a bacterial infection. As the infection progresses, it starts to burrow deeper into the tissue causing inflammation or irritation between the teeth and gums. The response of the body is to destroy the infected tissue, which is why the gums appear to recede. The resulting pockets between the teeth deepen and if no treatment is sought, the tissue which makes up the jawbone also recedes causing unstable teeth and tooth loss.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
It is extremely important to note that periodontal disease can progress without any signs or symptoms such as pain. This is why regular dental checkups are exceptionally important. Oftentimes, if a general dentist or hygienist finds symptoms of gingivitis or rapidly progressing periodontal disease, a consultation with a periodontist may be recommended. However a referral is not necessary for a periodontal consultation and patients should be aware of common symptoms of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Described below are some of the most common signs and symptoms of periodontitis.
If you have any of these signs or symptoms, schedule an appointment with board-certified periodontist, Dr. Robert Moeller, as soon as possible.
Bleeding While Eating or Brushing
Unexplained bleeding while consuming food or during the course of daily cleaning is one of the most common signs of periodontal infection.
Bad Breath
Continued halitosis (bad breath) which persists even when a rigorous oral hygiene program is in place, can be indicative of periodontitis, gingivitis or the beginnings of an infection in the gum tissues.
Pain, Redness or Swelling
A periodontal infection may be present if the gums are swollen, red or painful for no apparent reason. It is essential to halt the progression of the infection before the gum tissue and jaw bone have been affected. It is also critical to treat the infection before it is carried into the bloodstream to other areas of the body.
Loose Teeth and Gum Recession
Longer looking teeth can signal recession of the gums and bone loss due to periodontal disease. As this disease progresses and attacks the jawbone, (the anchor holding the teeth in place) the teeth may become loose or be lost altogether.
Gangrene in the Tissues
Gangrene is hard to self diagnose but the general dentist and periodontist will check for its presence in the soft tissues, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament.
Related Health Conditions
Heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia and osteoporosis are highly correlated with periodontitis and periodontal infections. The bacteria infection can spread through the blood stream and affect other parts of the body.
Diagnosis and Treatment by a Periodontist
Before initiating any dental treatment, Dr. Moeller extensively examines the gums, jawbone and general condition of the teeth. When gingivitis or periodontal disease is officially diagnosed, a number of surgical and non-surgical options are available to treat the underlying infection, halt the recession of the soft tissue, and restructure or replace teeth which may be missing.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Gingivitis or Mild Periodontal Disease
When the gum pockets exceed 4mm in depth, scaling and root planing may be performed to remove debris from the pockets and allow them to heal. Education and advice will be provided on an effective cleaning regime thereafter.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Moderate Periodontal Disease
If the gum pockets reach 4-6mm in length a more extensive scaling and root planning cleaning might be required. This cleaning is usually performed under local anesthetic.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Advanced Periodontal Disease
Gum pockets in excess of 6-7mm are usually accompanied by bone loss and gum recession. Scaling and root planning will always be performed as the initial nonsurgical treatment. In addition to non-surgical treatments, Dr. Moeller may recommend surgical treatment to reduce pocket depth.
Treatment of Tooth Loss
Where one or several teeth are missing due to periodontal disease, dental implants are an effective option. If the bone is strong enough to provide a suitable anchor for the prosthetic tooth, the implant can be placed. However, if the bone is severely eroded, bone grafts may be performed by Dr. Moeller to provide a suitable anchor for the new tooth or teeth.
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The Importance of Treating Periodontal Disease
Treating periodontitis is essential to halting the progression of the disease before it causes further damage to the gum tissues and jawbone. As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Moeller is a trusted expert in periodontics and will initially assess the whole mouth in order to ascertain the progress of the disease. When a proper diagnosis has been made, he will develop a personalized treatment plan ideally suited to restore both the health and the appearance of your smile.
There are many common types of periodontal disease including aggressive, chronic, necrotizing periodontitis, and periodontitis associated with systemic diseases. Each of these types of periodontal disease has its own distinct characteristics and symptoms, and all require prompt treatment by a periodontist to halt subsequent bone and tissue loss.
It is extremely important to note that periodontal disease can progress without any signs or symptoms such as pain. This is why regular dental checkups are exceptionally important. If you have any of the signs or symptoms of periodontal disease, schedule an appointment with Dr. Moeller as soon as possible.
