According to recent studies, almost fifty percent of the adult population in the US is suffering from destructive periodontal disease. Though it is mainly caused by the bacteria in plaque, it can further worsen by several factors including other diseases, health problems, medicines and your oral care hygiene. Commonly, early signs of gum disease can be treated by a common dentist but moderate and advanced cases should be handled by periodontists. The question now is how do you know you might have periodontal disease and should seek out an experienced periodontist in Cleveland Texas to treat your condition?
The thing with gum disease is that it is often a silent disease. Symptoms may not appear until your condition is in the early advanced stage. It is scary to even think that behind your beautiful smile, you could be suffering from periodontal disease that can eventually lead to tooth loss when left untreated. If your gum bleeds when you brush or floss, or when you notice swelling and redness in your gum margins, or you have bad taste and breath, these could be early signs of gum disease. Then again, you could also not notice anything at all. Meanwhile, common later symptoms and consequences usually include abscesses, loose or moving teeth, and ultimately tooth loss.
Treating gum disease will largely depend on its cause. Thus, it is crucial to have proper and accurate diagnosis starting off with an extensive periodontal assessment. As already mentioned, your common dentist is trained to treat and can handle early signs of the disease but advanced forms are mostly beyond what he can manage. If he sees that your condition is way beyond his expertise, he will refer you to a periodontist. Generally, many periodontists work with other specialists in the field in evaluating and treating periodontal and other dental problems.
Getting a referral from your dental practitioner is a good way to find a reputable periodontist. Your family and friends are also good sources of referrals. Essentially, you have to find one who has been practicing his profession for quite some time already. But he should also be constantly updating his skills and knowledge on the latest advancements in the field of periodontics. He should also be professional, approachable and someone you can be comfortable with. As a final point, if your dentist told you to see a periodontist, don’t be worried about the cost. Keep in mind that the sooner you see one, the higher your chances of a successful and less costly treatment method.
Looking for a skilled periodontist? Visit dental expert Dr. Holly Gregory, DDS today and have the assurance that you’re in good hands.