Periodontist
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General Dentistry Check-ups & Preventative Care How to Brush Teeth How to Floss Teeth Mouth Guards Preventative Care FAQs Fillings & Restorative Care Restorative Care FAQs Cosmetic Dentistry Teeth Whitening Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs Dentures & Removables Dentures & Removables FAQs Periodontist Endodontist Specialty Dentistry Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges Gum Disease Root Canal Therapy Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Pediatric Dentistry What is a Periodontist? A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. They are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures. Periodontists often treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as those with severe gum disease or a complex medical history. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (in which the infected surface of the root is cleaned) or root surface debridement (in which damaged tissue is removed). They can also treat patients with severe gum problems using a range of surgical procedures. In addition, periodontists are specially trained in the placement, maintenance, and repair of dental implants. During the first visit, the periodontist usually reviews the patient’s complete medical and dental histories. It is extremely important for the periodontist to know if any medications are being taken or if the patient is being treated for any condition that can affect periodontal care, such as heart disease, diabetes, or pregnancy. The periodontist examines the gums, checks to see if there is any gum line recession, assesses how the teeth fit together when biting, and checks the teeth to see if any are loose. The periodontist will also take a small measuring instrument called a probe and place it between the teeth and gums to determine the depth of those spaces, known as periodontal pockets; this helps the periodontist assess the health of the gums. X-rays may also be taken to observe the health of the bone below the gum line. Who Should See a Periodontist? Some patients’ periodontal needs can be managed by the general dentist. However, as more and more patients are exhibiting signs of periodontal disease, coupled with research that suggests a relationship between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases of aging, periodontal treatment may necessitate a greater understanding and increased level of expertise by a trained specialist. Patients who present with moderate or severe levels of periodontal disease, or patients with more complex cases, will be best managed by a partnership between the dentist and periodontist. Are periodontal treatments generally covered under Medicare or Medicaid? Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover any dental treatments at this time; only medical treatments are covered. Medicaid programs are run by each individual state, so coverage is going to vary depending on which state you live in. Check with your dental care provider to determine if the periodontal treatment you need is covered by your plan. Is a topical antibiotic treatment necessary in conjunction to scaling and root planing? According to the American Academy of Periodontology, topical antibiotic treatment may be used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. Every person has different needs based on their particular situation, so be sure to talk to your dental professional about using these antibiotics as part of your course of treatment; he or she will determine if they are a good fit for you. What is the difference between plaque and calculus? Plaque is the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Bacteria live in plaque and secrete acids that cause tooth decay and irritate gum tissue. This irritation causes an inflammatory reaction by your body that can eventually lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. If plaque is not removed regularly by tooth brushing and flossing, it hardens to create calculus (also known as tartar). Calculus cannot be removed with a toothbrush; only a dental professional can remove it during an oral cleaning. To keep plaque and calculus under control, it is essential to brush your teeth twice every day, floss at least once every day, and see your dental professional for regular cleanings. Can children be at risk for developing periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is rarely found in children, and only sometimes found in adolescents. However, children should still learn the importance of keeping their teeth and gums healthy to prevent periodontal disease in the future. Children should brush their teeth twice a day and learn how to floss properly- if children learn how to floss at an early age, they will be more likely to make it a lifetime habit. These two simple acts will help protect their teeth and gums from periodontal disease. As a parent, you should also be aware of the warning signs of periodontal disease, which include red, swollen, bleeding gums or bad breath that won’t go away. If your child develops any of these symptoms, tell your dental professional right away. It’s also a good idea to ensure your dental professional knows your complete family history, as genetics can play an important role in the early development of periodontal disease. Other than diagnose and treat gum disease, what else have periodontists been trained to do? Most periodontists spend the majority of their time diagnosing and treating gum disease, but there are a variety other procedures that they are able to perform. Periodontists place dental implants when natural teeth cannot be saved. They also monitor the implants to make sure that they’re properly doing their job. Periodontists may also correct gum recession and cover up exposed root surfaces which can be unsightly as well as sensitive to hot and cold. These procedures are often used to lay the foundation for additional cosmetic procedures to help create a beautiful smile. Finally, periodontists can be integral in the comprehensive planning of your oral care, along with your general dentist or other dental professional. What are common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is often silent, meaning symptoms - particularly pain - may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease. However, you should still be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms, which include: •Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth •Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or when eating certain foods •Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before •Loose or separating teeth •Pus between your gums and teeth •Sores in your mouth •Persistent bad breath •A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite •A change in the fit of partial denturesIf you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your dentist or periodontist right away! My periodontist informed me that I need implants, but I can't afford them at this time. Is there any financial assistance for periodontal treatments? There are a few resources you can research for financial assistance. The first is your periodontist. Many periodontists are willing to set up financing options, such as a payment plan. They also may know of insurance plans that can help cover the cost of your implants. Another resource is your state dental society. They may be able to give a listing of organizations or individuals that may help subsidize the cost of your implants. Find the contact information for your state society. Finally, contact a local college or university. Many universities have dental schools that offer clinics that provide care at a reduced cost. Select from a list of schools that have periodontal programs. What can I do at home to prevent periodontal disease? The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to take good care of your teeth and gums at home. This includes brushing your teeth after every meal and before bedtime, flossing at least once each day, and seeing your dentist or periodontist for regular exams twice a year. Spending a few minutes a day on preventative measures may save you the time and money of treating periodontal disease! Both of my parents have periodontal disease, and I'm worried that it may be genetic. Is there a way to determine my risk for developing gum disease? First of all, congratulations on being proactive about your health! Recent research has shown that genetics may be involved in a person’s risk for gum disease, but there are a variety of other factors that also play a role. The American Academy of Periodontology has an online risk assessment tool that you can use to determine your risk level for gum disease. The test only takes a few minutes to take, and you should discuss the results with your periodontist. Take the gum disease risk assessment test. Is there a link between periodontal disease and diabetes? Research has suggested that there is a link between diabetes and gum disease. People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal problems, possibly because people with diabetes are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered one of the major complications of diabetes. Interestingly, the relationship between the two conditions goes both ways; just as diabetes can increase a person’s chance of developing periodontal disease, research suggests that efficient and effective periodontal hygiene may positively affect blood sugar levels. I have heard there is a connection between gum disease and heart disease. Is this true? Where can I find more information? The connection between gum disease and heart disease is a very hot topic in the field of periodontics right now! Several research studies have indicated that heart disease and gum disease may be linked, and researchers suspect that inflammation may be the basis behind this relationship. If you are at risk for heart disease, it is a good idea to mention this to your periodontist, since gum disease may increase this risk. Get additional information on the connection between heart disease and gum disease, as well as the connection between gum disease and other systemic conditions. My dentist told me that I have signs of periodontal disease and that I should see a periodontist for a consultation. How can I find a periodontist in my area? When you are diagnosed with symptoms of periodontal disease, seeing a periodontist for a consultation is a great first step. There are a few ways to find a periodontist in your area. First, you can ask your dentist for a referral. Your dentist most likely has a periodontist that he or she has worked with in the past, and may even be familiar with the types of services that a particular periodontist specializes in. You can also find a periodontist on this website. To use the form, enter basic information about where you live and how far you’re willing to travel to see a periodontist. The website will then provide a listing of periodontists in your area. Finally, you may want to ask friends or family members about their experiences with their periodontists. They will be able to provide feedback and offer advice as well! I lost a tooth, and I'm interested in replacing it with an implant. How much does the average implant cost? Due to trade laws the American Academy of Periodontology is unable to track the costs associated with placing implants. In addition, the costs of implants can often vary from urban to rural areas and will depend on how many implants you receive as well as the type of implant. You should discuss the financial and time commitments associated with dental implants with your periodontist. Additionally, you may want to call several periodontal offices in your area to find out the average cost associated with the procedure you are looking to have done. My periodontist says that he is "board certified." What does that mean? All periodontists must complete an additional two to three years of specialized training in periodontics following dental school. However, some periodontists opt to take the board-certification examination, which is offered by the American Board of Periodontology once per year. Board certification in periodontology denotes someone who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty, including demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of all phases of periodontal disease and treatment and in the placement of dental implants. Recertification is required every six years. Who should treat my periodontal disease: my general dentist or a periodontist? Instead of leaving your treatment to one dental professional, you should consider having both your general dentist and a periodontist be actively involved in the diagnosis and treatment of your periodontal disease. This team approach will help your general dentist (who is familiar with your dental and medical history) and your periodontist (who has extensive experience treating periodontal disease) collaborate to tailor a treatment plan that works best for your individual case. I was recently diagnosed with periodontal disease. How often should I see my periodontist for an examination? Regular examinations are very important to keep track of the present status of your disease and any disease progression over time. Your periodontist will work with you to create a maintenance schedule depending on how advanced your periodontal disease is at that time. Based on many variable factors such as your overall health, the severity of bone loss, and risk factors such as smoking and genetics, your periodontist will constantly tailor your care so your periodontal disease does not progress further. He or she may recommend exams every six months for mild periodontal disease, or every few months for more advanced stages. Is periodontal disease contagious? Research has shown that periodontal disease is caused by the inflammatory reaction to bacteria under the gums, so periodontal disease technically may not be contagious. However, the bacteria that cause the inflammatory reaction can be spread through saliva. This means that if one of your family members has periodontal disease, it’s a good idea to avoid contact with their saliva by not sharing eating utensils or oral health equipment. If you notice that your spouse or a family member has the warning signs of a possible periodontal problem (bleeding, red and swollen gums, or bad breath) you may want to suggest that they see the periodontist for an exam. It may help to protect the oral health of everyone in the family. I have big gums and short teeth, so when I smile you can almost only see my gums. I don't smile very often anymore because I am so self conscious of my gums. Is there a way to improve my smile? Yes, there may be a way to enhance your smile. It’s a good idea to discuss your options with a periodontist first. He or she can explain the best way to create the smile you want, as well as answer any questions that you may have. For example, one procedure that can remove excess gum tissue is called crown lengthening. After the excess gum tissue is removed, the gum line is then reshaped in order to create the right proportion between gum tissue and tooth surface. Your general dentist and periodontist may also work together to coordinate additional treatments such as veneers or crowns. However, your periodontist and general dentist will recommend the best procedure to improve your smile. What are the consequences of missing teeth? There are actually several negative consequences of missing some or all of your teeth. First, missing teeth will affect the esthetics of your face. Not only will your smile be affected by the gaps from missing teeth, but if you’re missing too many teeth, the skin around your mouth won’t be supported properly and will start to sag, making your appear older than you are. Additionally, missing teeth will make it more difficult to chew your food properly and may even affect the way you speak. Finally, missing even one tooth may have emotional consequences; many people feel less confident about their smile when they are missing teeth. If you are currently missing any of your teeth, consider replacing them with dental implants, which can look and feel just like natural teeth. How is gum disease linked to cardiovascular disease? Research has shown that periodontal disease may increase the risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are chronic inflammatory diseases, so researchers believe that inflammation may account for the association between the two. Untreated periodontal disease can increase inflammation in the body, which may increase the risk for development of more severe health complications, including cardiovascular disease. However, more research is needed to determine the exact relationship between the two conditions. |
The Stages Of Periodontal Disease
What are the Stages of Gum Disease?
Gingivitis: this is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. You may notice some bleeding during brushing and flossing. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.
Early Periodontitis
Continued inflammation of the gums can result in the gums pulling away from the teeth, allowing for formation of "pockets" filled with bacterial plaque, calculus (tartar), food debris and pus. This painless infection now has resulted in damage to the bone (socket) supporting the teeth.
Moderate Periodontitis
Further spread of the gum infection results in further loss of bone support. Lose, shifting teeth and more obvious recession of the gum can be seen.
Advanced Periodontitis: in this final stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen. This can affect your bite and, if aggressive treatment can't save them, teeth may need to be removed.
| Healthy Gums |  A firm pink collar of gum over firm bone forms a healthy, attractive and strong support for the teeth. |
| Gingivitis |  Accumulation of bacterial plaque along the gum line results in inflammation of the gums. Red, puffy, bleeding gums indicate the presence of gingivitis. |
| Early Periodontitis | 
Continued inflammation of the gums can result in the gums pulling away from the teeth, allowing for formation of "pockets" filled with bacterial plaque, calculus (tartar), food debris and pus. This painless infection now has resulted in damage to the bone (socket) supporting the teeth. |
| Moderate Periodontitis | 
Further spread of the gum infection results in further loss of bone support. Lose, shifting teeth and more obvious recession of the gum can be seen. |
| Advanced Periodontitis | 
Advanced gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Painful gum abscesses can occur as the deeper infection gets trapped under the gum, resulting in a buildup of painful pressure. |
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What is Periodontics? Periodontics is the specialty of dentistry focusing exclusively on the inflammatory disease that destroys the gums and other supporting structures of teeth. What is a Periodontist? A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (gum disease). Periodontists are also trained in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive three additional years of education beyond dental school. In additional to periodontics, a Periodontist is also trained in cosmetic periodontal procedures, like gum lifts. What is gingivitis? Gingivitis is caused by poor oral hygiene and results in chronic inflammation of gum tissue. The risk of gingivitis is that it isn’t typically painful, so a person may not know they have gingivitis. Regular check-ups with a dentist can catch gingivitis early and treat it accordingly. Since gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease (periodontal disease), leaving it untreated can lead to significant problems. What are the symptoms of gingivitis? Symptoms of gingivitis include gums that are red, swollen and bleed easily. This early stage of gum disease is reversible through treatments at your dentist and a daily brushing and flossing routine. What is gum disease? A leading cause of tooth loss in adults, gum disease (or periodontal disease) is an infection in the tissue that surrounds and supports teeth. Since early stage gum disease is painless (gingivitis), a person can have gum disease and not even know it. What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is the same thing as gum disease, an infection in the tissue that supports teeth. What is periodontitis? Gum disease in its advanced stages is referred to as periodontitis. At the chronic periodontitis stage, a person can experience loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth. As a result, teeth become loose and start moving freely. What causes gum disease? Gum disease is often the result of poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss daily, or don’t maintain regular dental hygiene visits for a thorough cleaning, plaque builds a sticky layer of bacteria on your teeth that slowly attacks your teeth and gums. Other more acute factors that may contribute to gum disease include smoking or chewing tobacco, pregnancy, diabetes, certain medications, and genetics. What are the symptoms of gum disease? Symptoms of gum disease include gums that are red, swollen and tender, and that bleed very easily. Continual bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth is another sign of gum disease. A more severe symptom of gum disease is gums that have pulled away from the teeth causing permanent teeth to become loose, causing movement upon biting. What is a gum lift? A gum lift is a cosmetic procedure that changes the appearance of a person’s gums. Please visit our cosmetic dentist questions page for more information. What causes bleeding gums? There are several reasons your gums may bleed. Some are common, yet some are early signs of a problem that needs to be addressed. For example, if you’ve recently started a new flossing routine, it is common for gums to bleed. This may last a week or two. However, if your gums bleed on a regular basis when you brush your teeth, please consult your dentist. Bleeding gums are an early sign of gingivitis, the early phase of periodontal disease. (Be sure you’re not brushing your teeth so hard that you cause your gums to bleed. Using a soft bristle brush is best.) What is Gum Disease? Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and the bacteria infect not only your gums and teeth, but eventually the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. This can cause them to become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist. How do I Know if I Have Gum Disease? Gum disease can occur at any age, but it is most common among adults. If detected in its early stages, gum disease can be reversed so see your dentist if you notice any of the following symptoms: Gums that are red, puffy or swollen, or tender Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing Teeth that look longer because your gums have receded Gums that have separated, or pulled away, from your teeth, creating a pocket Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite Pus coming from between your teeth and gums Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth How is Gum Disease Treated? The early stages of gum disease can often be reversed with proper brushing and flossing. Good oral health will help keep plaque from building up. A professional cleaning by your dentist or hygienist is the only way to remove plaque that has built up and hardened into tartar. Your dentist or hygienist will clean or "scale" your teeth to remove the tartar above and below the gumline. If your condition is more severe, a root planing procedure may be performed. Root planing helps to smooth irregularities on the roots of the teeth making it more difficult for plaque to deposit there. By scheduling regular checkups, early stage gum disease can be treated before it leads to a much more serious condition. If your condition is more advanced, treatment in the dental office will be required. What is halitosis? Halitosis is the clinical term for bad breath. What causes bad breath? Bad breath can happen to anyone at any age, and there are many causes. Some are simple, like the foods you’ve eaten, and others, like gum disease, are cause for concern. Common causes of bad breath: •Foods: Strong foods like onions and garlic can remain in your mouth and impact the air you exhale as you breathe. •Poor oral hygiene: If you don’t floss regularly, food particles can remain between your teeth and form bacteria that cause bad breath. •Gum disease: Consistent bad breath can be an early sign of gum disease. •Dry mouth: If you have salivary gland problems that cause a lack of saliva in your mouth, food particles aren’t properly broken down and bad breath may result. Similarly, if you take certain medications that cause dry mouth, you may also experience bad breath. •Smoking and tobacco usage: In addition to the bad breath caused by smoking, an additional concern for tobacco users is that tobacco usage irritates gum tissues, potentially leading to gum disease (not to mention oral cancer). How do you get rid of bad breath? The most effective means of fighting bad breath is to continue a daily oral hygiene routine. That includes brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Add to this regular cleanings and exams from your dental team at Dental Associates. The combination of personal care and professional care will reduce plaque build-up on your teeth that causes bad breath. Mouthwash and chewing gum are generally cosmetic and only address bad breath for a short time. A daily oral hygiene routine is the long-term solution to bad breath. What is trench mouth? Trench mouth is a painful bacterial infection in the gums. Symptoms of trench mouth are inflammation and ulcers that cause significant pain. Bleeding from the gums is also very common with trench mouth. The name stems from World War I, when this infection was common with soldiers. Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges What is a dental crown? A dental crown completely encases a damaged tooth within a custom-design, custom-fit cap that fits perfectly over the damaged tooth. The crown thereby restores full functionality to a tooth that may have been cracked, had excessive decay, or had root canal therapy. What material is a dental crown made from? There are three primary types of dental crown materials: All-ceramic (porcelain), porcelain-fused-to-metal, or gold. What is a dental cap? A dental cap is just another term for a dental crown. What is a dental bridge? A dental bridge is a device used to replace a missing tooth by placing an artificial tooth between two adjacent teeth and permanently affixing it to the adjacent teeth. There are several types of dental bridges, but each is custom-made to fit the patient’s arch. Dental bridges require that the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth be shaped to accept the bridge. Crowns are placed on the shaped teeth and attached to the new artificial tooth, forming a bridge. When are dental bridges used? If a single tooth is missing between two other teeth, a dental bridge can be used. For years, the dental bridge was the most reliable way to replace a single missing tooth. Today, advances in dental implants make them a popular choice for replacing a single tooth because a dental implant doesn’t impact the adjacent teeth and preserves the bone in the area of the missing tooth. What are dental bridges side effects? Dental bridge side effects are generally rare. Like any procedure that involves your gums, there a risk of gum infection or inflammation, but that is rare. Your dentist will also consult with you prior to the procedure to assure you don’t have allergies to the materials being used. The biggest issue isn’t a side effect, but the fact that with a dental bridge two healthy teeth need to be altered to replace one missing tooth. A dental bridge is a permanent device that requires two healthy teeth adjacent the missing tooth to be shaped to accept the crowns of the new dental bridge. What are the alternatives to dental bridges? Dental Implants are the standard of care for replacing missing teeth today. With dental implants, you can choose a single tooth implant, restore several missing teeth or restore all your teeth. While dental implants are more costly than dental bridges, the benefits are significantly greater, like not needing to modify nearby healthy teeth or replace the bridge years down the road. Root Canal Therapy What is Endodontics? Endodontics is a specialty branch of dentistry relating to the dental pulp and tissue that surrounds the roots of a tooth. Endodontic treatment (root canal therapy) treats the soft pulp tissue inside the tooth. What is the primary focus of an Endodontist? An Endodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the dental pulp found within a tooth. The common name for the procedures within endodontics is root canal therapy, although they may also perform special procedures to save teeth after traumatic dental injuries. What’s the difference between root canal therapy and a root canal? Root canal therapy is commonly simplified to a root canal. They are the same thing. Root canal therapy is also sometimes referred to as RCT. What is a root canal? When the pulp of a tooth becomes badly damaged by decay, multiple or deep restorations, or trauma it may have to be removed in order to retain the tooth. In many cases, where the damaged pulp has progressed to causing infection in the tissues including the bone surrounding the tooth, that infection will also have to be managed. What causes a root canal? There are several causes that may lead to a root canal. They include: •A deep cavity •A cracked tooth •A broken tooth •Repeated dental procedures to the same tooth •Severe injury to the tooth (even if it can’t be seen with the naked eye) What are the symptoms that root canal therapy is needed? Sometimes no symptoms are present; however, signs you may need a root canal include: •Severe toothache pain when chewing or applying pressure to the affected tooth •Prolonged sensitivity •Pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed) •Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth •Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums •A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums Sometimes other circumstances are involved but the best thing to do is to see your dentist every six months and practice good oral health habits like brushing and flossing. How painful is a root canal? Root canals have the bad reputation of being extremely painful. Actually, most people report that the procedure itself has no more discomfort than having a filling placed. Why is pain often associated with root canals? Most endodontics patients deal with symptoms for days if not weeks before seeking treatment. They can’t chew on a particular tooth or on that side of their mouth, they can’t sleep at night, and they need to avoid cold foods and drinks. If root canal therapy is warranted, analgesics or pain relievers and perhaps antibiotics will be prescribed depending on the status of the remaining pulp and the presence or absence of swelling. So patients can be sore after treatment but the medications prescribed do aid in their return to normalcy. What is a pulpotomy? Pulpotomy is the clinical term for the removal of the painful nerve tissue at the top of the root canal system. It is performed with primary teeth as a final treatment of the nerve. In adult teeth it is referred to as a partial root canal and is usually provided during an urgent care appointment to relieve pain. What is an apicoectomy? In rare case, when a conventional root canal fails, an endodontic procedure called an apicoectomy may be needed. Also know as root end surgery, an apicoectomy involves removing the affected tooth's root tip and filling the root end cavity with a biocompatible material. What is an abscessed tooth? An abscessed tooth is an infection that stems from tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease or a cracked tooth. Any of these issues let bacteria enter the pulp of the tooth, lead to pulp damage and causing pus to build up below the tooth at the root tip. This build up of a pus pocket in the jawbone is called an abscess. Left untreated, an abscessed tooth can lead to a serious infection in the tooth, gums, and jaw. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include pain and swelling around the affected tooth, redness in the gums, and a foul taste in the mouth. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery What is a tooth extraction? A tooth extraction means having a tooth removed and is done for a variety of reasons. The decision to extract a tooth is typically made after disease is discovered, a tooth suffers a traumatic injury, or crowding in the mouth exists. What is oral and maxillofacial surgery? Oral and maxillofacial surgery is surgery to treat many diseases, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws and the hard and soft tissues of the oral (mouth) and maxillofacial (jaws and face) region. What does an Oral Surgeon treat? Oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures include wisdom teeth removal, simple tooth extractions, reconstructive oral surgery, dental implants, treatment of oral infections, and the repair of facial, mouth, jaw and tooth injuries. What is an Oral Surgeon? Oral and maxillofacial surgeons require 4 to 6 years of additional formal university training after dental ________. Oral surgery is an internationally-recognized surgical specialty. When would a patient see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon? Conditions that may require a maxillofacial surgical consultation include: •Missing teeth or tooth pain •Facial pain relating to temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ). Patients diagnosed with TMJ are referred out to a specialist. (This is the only specialty we commonly refer to an outside provider.) What are wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, get their name by being the last teeth to erupt. Because eruption doesn’t happen until the age 17 to 21, there are often problems because there is little room left in the mouth for the wisdom teeth. The result can be wisdom teeth that erupt sideways or only partially erupt, becoming impacted. Learn more about wisdom teeth. What are the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth? Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth typically included pain and swelling of the gum line and lower face. If left untreated infection is possible, only intensifying the pain. Regular appointments with a dentist should identify problems with wisdom teeth before they become significant. Skipping trips to the dentist may lead to impacted wisdom teeth and problems like infection. When any of these conditions arise, your dentist may determine that wisdom tooth extraction is necessary. Does everyone need their wisdom teeth removed? Not every person needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. In fact, some people never develop wisdom teeth. Your dentist will be the best judge of what is right for you based on your regular examinations and dental X-rays. Not having impacted wisdom teeth removed can lead to future problems like the shifting of nearby teeth (causing bite abnormalities), jaw issues, sinus problems, bone-destroying tumors or cysts, gum tissue problems, and a negative impact on orthodontic results for adolescents and troubles with dentures for the elderly. How long is the recovery after wisdom teeth removal? The recovery time after wisdom teeth extraction will vary from patient to patient. Generally speaking, it takes anywhere from a few days to one week for initial pain and swelling to subside. From there, the gums should be fully healed in about one month. Your oral surgeon will provide instructions to assure as quick of a recovery as possible. This will include tips for dealing with swelling and medications to alleviate any pain and discomfort. What are dental implants? After a tooth extraction, an oral surgeon may recommend a dental bridge or dental implant to fill the void left by the extracted tooth. Dental implants are superior to a dental bridge because they offer a permanent replacement tooth that looks and functions just like a normal tooth without damaging any of the other nearby teeth. What type of sedation and anesthesia are used for oral and maxillofacial surgery? Your Oral Surgeon will discuss the complete treatment plan prior to any procedure. For most patients, anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area and an appropriate process is used for sedation. |