The Role of a Periodontist in Houston

We all know that we go see a dentist when we need to get our teeth checked out. But did you know that there is a specific doctor for your gums as well? They are known as periodontists.

A periodontist is a doctor who specializes in treating and caring for the gums. Without proper hygiene, the tissue of the gums can become damaged or infected, and a periodontist will work to restore them.

They especially focus on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, known as periodontal disease in the field.

Caring for the Gums

The gums require just as much care as your teeth. After all, they hold your teeth in place! Most of the time, a general dentist can look after your gums and keep tabs on their health.

However, certain diseases like periodontitis may need to be managed by a certified periodontist. It may also be necessary to see a periodontist if you have a complex medical history, according to a recommendation from the American Academy of Periodontology.

Complex medical histories, such as people with diabetes, need extra care when it comes to the gums. The gums are more fragile than they appear and such serious diseases can lead to gum disease as well.

First Visit

On the first visit to a Houston periodontist, they will research your medical and dental history records. Certain medications can negatively affect the gums, and they need to know if you are taking any of them.

Additionally, they will need to know about any illnesses or conditions you might have.

It is actually possible for the gums and teeth to be an early warning sign of an undiagnosed condition such as diabetes. If you have no history of such afflictions, your periodontist may suggest a medical checkup if they notice something amiss.

Checking out the Gums

When inspecting the gums, a periodontist is looking for

●     Receding gum line

●     How well the teeth fit together when biting

●     Loose teeth

Any of these can be indicators of poor gum health. Additionally, a periodontist may use a probe to check pocket depth below the gums.

Pockets that are too deep below the gums can lead to loose teeth and infections.

Should this occur, a periodontist will help reverse the effects of periodontitis using antibiotics and other treatments. If necessary, you may need surgical treatments to rid of an infection.