We’re excited to announce that our dental office near Leominster now has an in-house periodontist! This addition means we can offer more specialized care to our dental patients from Leominster, Sterling, and surrounding towns. You might be wondering: What exactly does a periodontist do, and how does this benefit me? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (commonly known as gum disease) and the placement of dental implants. In addition to their regular dental training, periodontists complete several additional years of education focused on the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, bone, and other tissues.
Simply put, a periodontist is your go-to expert for anything related to the health of your gums and the foundation that keeps your teeth healthy and strong.
Why Is Gum Health So Important?
While we tend to focus on our teeth when it comes to oral health, the gums are just as critical. Healthy gums support your teeth and protect the underlying bone structure. Without healthy gums, issues like tooth loss, gum recession, and even infections that can affect your overall health can occur.
Gum disease, if left untreated, can progress from mild gingivitis to more severe forms like periodontitis. In advanced stages, this can lead to tooth loss or even require surgery. A periodontist helps prevent these issues and restores gum health if problems arise.
How Can a Periodontist Help?
Here are a few ways our in-house periodontist will enhance your dental care:
Specialized Treatment for Gum Disease – Our periodontist is an expert in treating all stages of gum disease. From early-stage gingivitis to more advanced conditions like periodontitis, they can assess your gum health and provide the right treatment to restore your smile.
Gum Recession and Grafting – Gum recession can cause sensitivity, discomfort, and make your teeth appear longer than they should. Our periodontist can perform gum grafting procedures to cover exposed roots, improve aesthetics, and protect your teeth from damage.
Dental Implants – If you’re missing teeth, a periodontist is trained in placing dental implants, which are a permanent solution to restore the function and appearance of your smile. Implants require careful planning and expertise in bone health, making a periodontist an ideal specialist for the procedure. In fact, studies indicate that dental implants placed by specialists like periodontists have a higher survival rate than those placed by general dentists.
Bone Grafting – If you’ve lost bone due to gum disease or tooth loss, bone grafting may be necessary before getting dental implants. Our periodontist can assess your situation and perform the grafting procedure, ensuring you have the proper foundation for long-term oral health.
Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing) – For patients with gum disease, regular cleanings might not be enough. Our periodontist can perform scaling and root planing, a deep-cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, helping to halt the progression of gum disease.
What Does Our Periodontist Mean for Patients in Leominster?
Having a periodontist on our team means we can provide more comprehensive care without the need to refer you to another office. Whether you need specialized gum care, dental implants, or more complex procedures, you can receive all your treatments in one place. This continuity of care improves the overall experience, makes scheduling easier, and ensures that your treatments are closely coordinated by our dental team.
When Should You See a Periodontist?
You might not need to see a periodontist for every dental visit, but certain signs should prompt you to seek their expertise, including:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or tooth sensitivity near the gumline
- Loose teeth
- Discomfort or pain when chewing
- A family history of gum disease
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to address them early to avoid more serious complications.
At our dental office on the border of Leominster, we’re committed to offering the best care possible, and having a periodontist on staff is just another way we’re putting your health first. Whether you’re concerned about gum disease, need a dental implant, or simply want peace of mind about your oral health, our periodontist is here to help.
Schedule your consultation today and experience the benefits of having specialized periodontal care right here in our office!
