Your First Visit
What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dental specialist who has
completed an additional 2-3 years of post graduate training following
regular dental school. He/She has received training in the treatment
of gum disease, gum grafting, esthetic gum surgery, bone grafting
and the placement of dental implants to replace missing teeth.
A periodontist works in conjunction with your dentist to restore
optimal health to your mouth.
What to expect at
your first appointment?
Periodontal exam
When you come to the dentist, a periodontal exam
is performed and many measurements are taken to assess the overall
health of your gums. This preliminary information is used
to form an ideal treatment plan.
We take the least number of radiographs to: provide a necessary
diagnosis, orient us during the placement of implants, or to screen
for disease and pathology.
Pockets –
this is the space between the gum and the tooth. The deeper the
space the more bacteria can collect and the greater the chances
that the bacteria will be anaerobic – which tend to be more
destructive.
Mobility
– when there is more bone loss, or the forces on the teeth
are too great, the teeth tend to be a little looser.
Bleeding
– When there is an active infection, the gums will bleed when
brushed, flossed or probed by a periodontist.
Gingival (gum) tissues
- The gum tissues are assessed for signs
of infection, inflammation and gum disease. All other tissues in
the mouth are assessed for other diseases including cancer.
Recession –
The tissues around the teeth are thicker and this tends to allow
them to resist the forces of wear that are always occurring in the
mouth. We measure the thickness of the tissues as well as the amount
of gum that is worn away.
Radiographs (x rays)
X rays (radiographs) allow us to see various
anatomical structures that we cannot see just by looking in the
mouth. This includes the bone levels around teeth, certain infections
and other important anatomical structures such as the sinuses and
the canals that carry nerves.
Although we try and reduce the number of radiographs that we take,
it is very important to prescribe them when the situation calls
for it, to either make a necessary diagnosis, to orient us during
the placement of implants or to screen for disease and pathology.
Three types of x rays:
- Bitewings
These x rays are commonly taken by the dentist, their focus is
the teeth, where the dentist will look for decay.
- Periapicals
These x rays show us the levels of the bone around the teeth.
They also show us if there is any disease at the tip of the root.
- Panoramic
A panoramic x ray provides a good overall view of the upper and
lower jaws as well as the sinuses. There is less radiation in
a panoramic x ray then a whole series of smaller ones. There is
also less detail and clarity. Panoramic radiographs are almost
always used in association with dental implants. Certain patients
have a lot of difficulty taking radiographs because of gagging
and these x rays are very useful for this.
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