A periodontist is an oral health specialist who focuses on maintaining proper gum health. If gum disease infects a tooth or surrounding teeth, a periodontist will extract the infected teeth and replace them with dental implants to help heal the surrounding gum areas.
Experiencing pain in your teeth and gums is an indicator that immediate dental evaluation is necessary. A trusted general dentist is a great place to start, but they will likely recommend you see someone with a little more specialized focus, like a periodontist. A periodontist is an oral health specialist that can perform surgical tooth extractions, but their main focus is the area surrounding the teeth – the gums. “Periodontal” basically translated means “gums,” and a periodontist’s number one goal is to keep the gums healthy to prevent teeth loss. However, sometimes gum disease is so advanced it requires surgery to remove a tooth and repair the infected area.
The number one cause of adult tooth loss is gum disease, and periodontists prioritize non-surgical treatments and preventative procedures in order to save a patient’s original teeth. If gum disease progresses to the point where tooth extractions and dental implants are required, periodontists are trained and qualified for that work. However, the best way to prevent gum disease and promote overall dental health is to floss. Flossing reaches areas where normal teeth brushing misses and is the best way to preserve and protect teeth and gum tissue. In addition to flossing regularly, brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, visiting the dentist routinely for a check-up and cleaning, as well as quitting smoking will all help you keep both your teeth and gums healthy.
What Is A Periodontist?
As explained above, a periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the treatment of gums. Their formal training prepares them to diagnose, treat, and aid in the prevention of gum disease. A periodontist’s number one goal is to save a person’s teeth.
Periodontics is one of the nine specialties of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association. In order to become a certified periodontist, a doctor must complete three additional years of education beyond traditional dental school. Their main focus is learning non-surgical and surgical treatments of gum disease, gum grafting to address gum recession, and learning bone grafting techniques to prepare for implants.
When Do Periodontists Need To Extract Teeth?
A periodontist’s skills are primarily related to the gums and maintaining proper oral health, so extracting teeth is generally not their first priority, but in some cases, it is necessary. Below is a short summary of periodontal skills and procedures.
Since periodontist’s focus is on gum health, a patient would not see them for wisdom teeth extraction or to address overcrowding of teeth. A patient would only see a periodontist for a tooth extraction if gum disease were a contributing factor. If you have any dental pain, starting with an evaluation by a general dentist is the best way to ensure you are seeing the proper dental specialist if needed.
How To Know If You Need To See A Periodontist?
Maintaining proper dental hygiene and health is an important and sometimes overlooked factor in a person’s well-being. Ignoring necessary dental work can affect more than just your teeth and gums. There is evidence that points to the connection between gum disease and heart disease, heart attack, and even stroke. Research has shown that individuals with a periodontal disease are nearly twice as likely to experience heart disease compared to those without a periodontal disease. The list of symptoms and signs of gum disease below are a few examples of when it may be necessary to seek out a periodontist for evaluation.
What To Expect When I Visit A Periodontist?
If you or your general dentist determine that seeing a periodontist is an important step in your overall dental health, knowing what to expect can help prepare you for the appointment. During your initial consultation, the periodontist will examine your teeth and gums and analyze your overall medical history. Since diseases like cancer, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes can all contribute to the increased risk of gum disease, it’s important to disclose any conditions you may have.
During the dental examination, the periodontist will examine the teeth and gums, but also the neck, jaw, throat, and head in order to get a full scope of your dental health. Also, expect the doctor to take X-rays to measure potential bone loss. Once the periodontist has a complete set of dental records compiled, they will then move on to prescribing a treatment plan. This plan will look different for every individual. Generally, for mild to moderate cases, the doctor will start non-surgical methods, such as medications, lifestyle changes, and deep cleanings. In the case of severe gum disease, periodontal surgery may be necessary. It’s important to note that once a tooth extraction becomes necessary, it’s best to take care of the issue straight away. Putting off the procedure can negatively affect other areas of your physical health.
If tooth extraction surgery is necessary, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled, and the doctor will provide important information on how to prepare. At the beginning of the tooth extraction process, a local anesthetic is applied to the area. Alternatively, sedation can also be used to put a patient under for the entire process. Once the anesthetic takes effect, the periodontist extracts the tooth and any excess bone that blocks access to the diseased area. Following the removal, the area is cleaned of any remaining tooth or bone debris and stitched closed if needed.
Following the extraction, the doctor will provide detailed instructions on how to heal the treated area effectively. In general, fluids and soft foods are encouraged while, spicy foods, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and hot beverages are discouraged. Drinking out of a straw can also slow the healing process because the suction creates pressure in the mouth. Once the area has healed properly, the periodontist may recommend a dental implant to fill the open space which serves to improve the smile cosmetically, but also to provide support for the gums and bone in that area.
Conclusion
In short, yes, a periodontist can extract teeth. However, that is not their primary focus and if the tooth extraction is not related to gum disease, for example, a wisdom tooth extraction, seeing an oral surgeon would be a better option. Taking care of your gums is an essential part of both dental and overall health. This includes daily flossing and brushing, seeing a general dentist regularly, and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle. If you are experiencing pain in your gums, have painfully sensitive teeth, or have a family history of gum disease, it is best to seek a periodontist evaluation. The periodontist will conduct a full dental evaluation as it relates to your gum health and then prescribe a treatment plan suited to your individual needs.
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