Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below to help you understand our service offerings. If you're looking for patient instructions, click here. If you have any additional questions, please contact our office.

Can I see a periodontist without a referral from a general dentist?

Certainly. If an individual has concerns about the possibility of having periodontal disease or if they simply want to verify that they are free from periodontal disease, or if they have questions regarding dental implants, they are encouraged to reach out to our office and schedule an appointment directly. When scheduling the appointment, our receptionist will inquire about your specific needs to ensure proper booking.

Who should see a periodontist?

One should seek the expertise of a periodontist if their general dentist or dental hygienist has indicated the presence of potential gum and underlying bone issues related to tooth support or dental implants. Alternatively, consulting a periodontist may be necessary when additional input or evaluation from a specialist is required.

I was told I needed to see a periodontist, but I’m not feeling any pain or discomfort in my mouth. Do I really need to go?

Indeed, one of the most concerning aspects of periodontal disease is its often asymptomatic nature until it reaches an advanced stage, potentially leading to irreparable damage to affected teeth. General dentists, dental hygienists, and other dental specialists possess methods for detecting periodontal disease. When they advise a patient to consult a periodontist, time becomes a critical factor. Periodontal disease is a progressive condition, and the vast majority of cases left untreated will deteriorate over time.

I was told I have periodontitis. What does this mean?

Periodontitis begins with bacterial-induced gum inflammation and can affect one or more teeth. When limited to the gums, it’s called gingivitis, which is most often treatable and reversible. In some cases, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, where the body’s immune response damages the underlying bone and the supporting periodontal tissues. This stage is usually irreversible, and tooth extraction may be necessary. It’s crucial to follow good oral hygiene, consult a referred periodontist promptly, and undergo recommended treatments.

How often should I get regular dental cleanings?

It varies. Gum disease is highly individualized due to differing risk profiles among people, leading to varying susceptibilities. If you have or have had periodontitis and undergone treatment, your risk is inherently higher than the average person, necessitating more frequent cleanings. The prevailing standard for those at high risk for periodontitis is to schedule dental cleanings every three months. Conversely, individuals with a lower risk can extend their cleaning intervals, ranging from every six months to once a year. If you’re uncertain about your gum disease risk profile, consulting a periodontist can provide clarity.

I was told I need a deep cleaning. What does this mean, and why is this more expensive than a regular cleaning?

When treating periodontitis, the initial step involves eliminating the bacterial infection, typically through a procedure known as scaling and root planing, commonly referred to as a “deep cleaning.” During this procedure, manual and sometimes ultrasonic instruments are used to eliminate bacteria and tartar from the tooth surfaces and smooth the root surfaces. Your periodontist may use local anesthesia for comfort. This procedure is pricier than a regular cleaning because the targeted bacteria and tartar are located beneath the gums, making it a more labor-intensive, time-consuming process requiring extra expertise compared to a standard cleaning.

What are the consequences of not treating my gum disease?

Periodontitis is a progressive disease, and the majority of cases deteriorate without intervention. The pace of deterioration varies due to numerous factors, making individual predictions challenging. Consequently, once diagnosed, most periodontists recommend swift and aggressive treatment, as the “wait and watch” approach is discouraged. This is because the rate of progression is unpredictable, and early-stage treatment is considerably more manageable. Delaying treatment leads to more severe consequences, such as further bone and tissue loss, abscesses, and eventual tooth loss.

I was told I need a gum graft. What does this mean?

Mucogingival conditions involve issues with oral soft tissues and fall under the scope of practice of a periodontist. These conditions often revolve around either existing gum recession or the risk of its occurrence. In such cases, a periodontist may recommend a gum graft, either to cover exposed root surfaces (root coverage procedure) or to reinforce, prevent or halt recession (gingival augmentation procedure). While there are minor distinctions between these approaches, your periodontist will provide detailed explanations.

I hear a lot about dental implants. Should I get implants, and if yes, am I a candidate?

Dental implants offer a solution for replacing missing teeth or preparing for the restoration of teeth that your dentist anticipates will be lost or is unrestorable. They often provide excellent value due to their superior longevity and minimal impact on adjacent teeth. To determine your eligibility for implants, a consultation with the specialist who handles implant placement is necessary.

I’m having a tooth extracted, and an implant placed in a few months. I was told to get a bone graft at the same time as the extraction, why is it more expensive than a regular extraction. Is it really necessary?

Often, when a tooth needs to be extracted, the decision is made to replace it with an implant. If the implant cannot be immediately placed following the extraction, a healing period of 3 to 6 months is typically necessary. In such cases, the individual performing the tooth extraction often recommends a simultaneous bone graft to maintain the adequate height and width of the available bone for future implant placement, known as ridge preservation. This procedure is more costly than a standard extraction due to additional materials like the bone graft and sometimes a specialized membrane used with the graft. Bone grafts and membranes vary in type and source, each with its pros and cons. The healthcare professional responsible for the bone graft will discuss all the particulars with you.

Is ridge preservation necessary?

Well, if advised to undergo ridge preservation and you opt not to, there is a risk that, after the healing period, there may not be sufficient bone to support an implant. While it’s often possible to build up the bone later, this approach is more expensive, invasive, and extends the time until you can receive the implant due to an additional healing period. Does this risk always materialize without ridge preservation? No, but predicting who it will affect and who it won’t is challenging. Hence, as a precaution, in some cases we recommend ridge preservation to our patients.

I was told I would need a bone graft prior to getting an implant. What does this mean?

Occasionally, a patient intends to receive an implant in an area where a tooth was extracted several years ago or recently but, without ridge preservation. In such cases, there is a chance that the bone volume may be insufficient for implant placement. If this is the case, the individual responsible for implant placement often recommends a bone graft procedure to enhance the bone volume in the area, which is referred to as ridge augmentation.

I was told I would need a sinus lift, either before or at the same time as my dental implant. What does this mean?

In the upper molar region, situated just above the roots of these teeth, there exists a large air space known as the maxillary sinus. When considering the placement of an implant to replace an upper molar, the bone height in this area may be insufficient due to the size of the sinus. To address this issue, a specialized bone graft procedure is available, involving the elevation of the sinus floor, referred to as “sinus lift” or “sinus augmentation.” This procedure is generally straightforward and can often be performed concurrently with extraction, ridge preservation, or dental implant placement. In certain cases, it may need to be done separately, allowing for 6 to 9 months healing period before the implant can be safely inserted.

Referring Dentists

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