Why See a Periodontst?

Did you know that almost half of Americans suffer from some sort of gum disease? Clearly, dealing with irritated, infected and diseased gums is not an uncommon problem in today’s world. Gum disease is a broad term for a group of different diseases, all of which have the same outcome: loss of attachment of the gum, connecting tissues, and bone to the teeth. The question is—who will you trust when faced with gum issues?

Gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease) is a gum infection which can cause bleeding and swollen gums, irritation, and pus. Periodontal disease is a fancy term for bone loss around teeth. This is what happens if gingivitis is not addressed. “Peri” means “around” and “-odont” means “teeth,” so a periodontist is a dentist who specializes in caring for your gums and the other supporting tissues in your mouth. Periodontal simply refers to the tissues around your teeth.

Specialists in Gum Disease treatment & Dental Implants

Periodontists—specialists in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease—have an acute understanding of the dynamics of a smile thanks to the additional three years of training they receive after obtaining a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) or DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). The extra education gives periodontists expertise in performing cosmetic and restorative periodontal procedures that prioritize both aesthetics and function.

Extensive education and experience are what makes periodontists the top professionals in treating a broad array of treatments, including scaling and root planing, which involve cleaning the infected surface of a tooth’s root, and root surface debridement, the removal of damaged tissue. Periodontists are gum specialists who are also well-trained in the placement of dental implants. Today, periodontal medicine encompasses the extent to which periodontal disease and systemic (general body) disease impact each other.

The American Dental Association (ADA) identifies periodontists as one of nine dental specialties, requiring all periodontists to complete their rigorous ADA-credited periodontic education program. The intense curriculum trains periodontists in the use of cutting-edge techniques and procedures that treat multiple, diverse, and complex dental conditions. Whether you’re dealing with the beginnings of mild gingivitis or find yourself facing severe levels of periodontal disease, Dr. Kleinman is prepared to give you the smile of your dreams.