Periodontist Anchorage – Alaska Dental Associates
Alaska Dental Associates
2702 Denali St #201
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 562-2284
Image
A dentist who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing periodontal disease is known as a periodontist. They’re dentists who have trained for another three years to specialize in this field.
If you’ve started developing symptoms, your regular dentist might refer you to a periodontist. You might also be given a referral if you have significant oral inflammation.
Do I Need a Periodontist?
Our best advice is to talk to your dentist and see what they suggest. If you’re in the early stages of gingivitis, it probably won’t be necessary. If the gingivitis is progressing to periodontal disease, however, working together with the dentist and specialist is recommended.
Most people who are referred to these dentists have problematic cases. It is usually where the gums have already started to recede or are inflamed continuously.
The periodontal specialist keeps up with the latest treatments for these conditions. They know precisely what problem signs to watch and can perform cosmetic procedures to keep your teeth looking healthy.
What Treatments do They offer?
Periodontists offer a range of treatments, including:
• Scaling: The removal of hard plaque and cleaning the exterior of the teeth.
• Root Planing: The dentist cleans the root of the teeth to combat an infection.
• Root Surface Debridement: The specialist removes the infected tissue to foster healing.
• Gum Disease Treatments: It could involve surgery to remove any infected tissue.
• Dental Implants: Implants may be necessary for your oral health, as well as for aesthetic reasons.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
It’s a good idea to take a copy of your dental and medical records with you to the periodontist. At the very least, take the list of medications that you are currently using to go into your file. The first appointment is focused on the diagnosis and coming up with a suitable treatment plan.
The specialist will ask you if you suffer from any chronic conditions, like diabetes, and whether you’re pregnant.
Once the information-gathering portion is complete, the specialist will conduct a thorough inspection of your mouth. They look for:
• Loose teeth
• A receding gum line
• The fit between the teeth when you’re biting down
• Gaps between the teeth and gums
• Signs of more severe issues, which might entail taking X-rays
Who Should Make an Appointment?
Most of the time, your regular dentist can manage the early signs of periodontitis. In more advanced cases, though, you would want the specialist.
We don’t fully understand the reason, but research has shown that gingivitis and periodontal disease leave you at a higher risk of developing heart conditions. It’s essential to choose the right kind of help when you notice a deterioration in your oral health.
Speak to your regular dentist. They’ll be more than happy to recommend you to someone who can help. They’ll typically ask you about the treatment plan suggested and tailor their recommendations to match that of the periodontist.
If you have moderate or more advanced damage, you must seek treatment. Oral diseases don’t go away on their own.
What Can I Do to Prevent Periodontal Disease?
You probably know what we’ll suggest here since good dental hygiene is essential. You need to:
• Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a soft toothbrush to avoid irritating the gums.
• Floss at least once a day to remove debris between the teeth.
• Rinse thoroughly and then run the toothbrush lightly over the teeth one more time.
• Finish the clean with a medicated mouthwash.
• Visit the dental hygienist at least twice a year.
• See your dentist for a full checkup at least once a year.
We are here to help with your periodontal needs!
Call Alaska Dental Associates today at (907)562-2284 to see how we can help you with your periodontal needs today!