When to See a Periodontist
Periodontal treatment may be sought in several ways. Your general
dentist or hygienist may recommend a
consultation with a periodontist if they find signs of
periodontal disease through the course of a checkup.
You may also decide to see a periodontist on your own, no
referral is necessary to be seen at our office.
If you experience any of these symptoms, we encourage you
to schedule an appointment at our
office without delay:
- Bleeding while brushing or eating normal foods. Unexplained
bleeding while performing regular cleaning
or consuming food is the most common sign of a periodontal
infection.
- Bad breath. Ongoing halitosis (bad breath), which continues
despite rigorous oral cleaning, can point to
periodontitis, gingivitis or the beginnings of a gum
infection.
- Loose teeth and gum recession. Longer-looking and
loose-feeling teeth can indicate recession of the gums
and/or bone loss as a result of periodontal disease.
- Related health concerns. Patients with heart disease,
diabetes, osteopenia or osteoporosis are often
diagnosed with correlating periodontal infections. The
bacterial infection can spread through the
bloodstream, affecting other areas of the body.