Periodontist in Woodbridge, Vaughan
General dentists are trained to detect periodontal disease & treat it in early stages. However, they often refer complicated or later-stage cases to a specialist. Periodontists undergo an additional three years of training in periodontics, specializing in gum disease, oral inflammation & dental implants. Because of their expertise in the soft tissues of the mouth, they are also often experts in soft-tissue cosmetic procedures, such as crown lengthening or gum lifts.
Periodontic Services & Treatments:
Gum Disease
Patients often don’t experience pain with gum disease, but they might notice bad breath, a change in how their teeth fit together when they bite or bleeding while brushing or flossing. However, those symptoms can be easy to miss or dismiss, so it’s important to keep your regular dental appointments. General dentists look for warning signs of periodontal disease when they perform regular hygiene exams, but it can be beneficial to have a periodontist take a look as well.
Gum disease has been shown to have a relationship with other medical conditions, so a patient’s risk isn’t confined to their dental situation. Those with heart disease, diabetes & pregnancy are at higher risk for developing periodontal disease. Patients being treated for any of those conditions should inform their dentist or periodontist. Additionally, age, diet, genetics, medications, stress, grinding & smoking habits affect your risk.
Deep cleanings, also known as scaling & root planing, are the gold standard of periodontal care. Scaling is the process of cleaning tartar & plaque from teeth under the gums & root planing describes smoothing those same surfaces so bacteria doesn’t as easily stick to them.
Let us help you keep your teeth & gums strong & disease-free with regular examinations & cleanings.