Frequently Asked Questions

Periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, focusing on the study and treatment of the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth and jaw.

 

A periodontist is a dental specialist who has the training and experience required by the American Dental Association to diagnose, treat, and prevent different forms of periodontal disease. 

 

You may be at risk of having periodontal disease if you smoke or use tobacco products, you do not brush your teeth and floss regularly, you have health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or osteoporosis, or if several of your family members have had gum disease as it can, in some cases, be genetic. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, schedule an appointment with your dentist, who can help determine if treatment is necessary. For more information please visit our periodontal gum disease section.

Many insurance plans will provide assistance for periodontal treatment. Our practice understands how important your dental health is, and we want you to get the most out of any dental treatment you receive. We will help you work with your insurance provider to make sure that your treatment is easy on your budget, and your peace of mind. We work with Connection Dental and Care Credit to help assist you.

 

There are two main steps to dental implants; first, the placing of the implant into the bone under the gum, and second, the restoration (creation and placement of the realistic looking crown on top of the implant). The success rate of dental implants is determined by three factors – the skill of the operator, the quantity and quality of bone at the implant site, and the periodontal health of the patient. For this reason, it is advisable to have a periodontist involved in any dental implant procedure. A periodontist can work to eliminate any gum disease or infection prior to placing dental implants, will have undergone specific training to place dental implants, and in some cases, will even be able to have the restoration created and placed. To learn even more about dental implants please visit our Dental Implant pages.

 

In case of a gum disease the soft tissues would be inflamed and there would be loss of bones surrounding the teeth. The main reason for the cause of a gum disease is the secretion of toxins by bacteria present in the mouth, which accumulates in the gum line. The accumulated material is a mixture of bacteria, saliva, and food. In the early stages of gum disease the teeth may bleed but may not cause pain. If there is pain it signifies that the gum disease is in a more advanced stage and it may be accompanied by bone loss around the teeth. To get more information please visit the Periodontal Disease pages.