Periodontics – What You Should Know

What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal disease as well as performing cosmetic periodontal procedures such as dental implants.  Periodontists treat severe gum disease with several treatments including oral surgical procedures such as scaling and root planning to clean the surface of the root.  

How do you know if you need periodontal treatment?

While mild gingivitis or gum disease is often fully treated by a regular dentist, a periodontist has extensive training to treat individuals with moderate or severe periodontal disease.  In these more complex cases, the dentist and periodontist work together to provide the best care for the patient.

What are the more common types of procedures that periodontists handle?

While periodontists typically manage patients with more complicated gum disease, they offer many surgical and non-surgical treatments including dental implant placement, gum graft surgery, plastic surgery, laser treatments, dental crown lengthening, and other regenerative procedures.

What causes gum disease and how can I avoid it?

Gum or periodontal disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque.  Without proper oral hygiene, the bacteria can create cavities in the teeth, gum inflammation and irritation that lead to gingivitis.  Gingivitis can be reversed with proper dental treatment and ongoing hygiene, but a lack of treatment can be a slippery path leading to severe periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.  When gum disease worsens, it can severely damage and destroy gum tissue, bone and teeth.

What are the risk factors for gum disease?

Aside from poor oral hygiene, gum disease risk factors include older age, smoking, misaligned teeth that are difficult to brush, stress, certain medications, teeth grinding or clenching, inflammatory conditions, diseases such as diabetes and obesity, vitamin c deficiency, poor nutrition, and other genetic factors.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

While you may not feel the full effects of mild gum disease, common symptoms include tender and bleeding gums, receding gums, loose teeth, and bad breath.

 If you believe that you or a loved one may have gum disease, the team of dentists and periodontists at Miro Dental Center can help. 

 

Miro Dental Centers

Dr. Claudio Miro and associates have been treating patients in the greater Miami area for over 30 years. As a team, we believe that the patient is of upmost importance at every level.   We take pride in the care we provide to our patients at Miro Dental Centers. We take the time to make sure our patients are fully informed and are given all treatment options.  Our goal is to the provide our patients with optimal oral health by using state of the art technology.

With the dental field rapidly advancing, we are always looking for new and innovative treatments to serve our patients. We provide all types of services, including dental cleanings, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry.

If you have questions about your dental health or would like to schedule an appointment at our offices in Coral Gables, Kendall, Hialeah, or Hollywood, please contact us today at 305-442-7444.