You probably think of a periodontist as someone who specializes in treating your gums. But they don’t just focus on your gums. Your periodontium, the region you periodontist concentrates on, actually includes all of the bone, tissue, and gums that support your teeth.
The definition of a periodontist is:
a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants.
What Makes a Periodontist Special
In order to become a periodontist, a dentist must complete three additional years of extensive training in a particular field of dentistry after they graduate from dental school. That’s why a periodontist has special qualifications to provide the following dental services:
- Diagnosing gum disease
- Providing dental implants
- Surgical treatments for gum disease
- Crown lengthening
- Treatment for sore or bleeding gums
- Nonsurgical treatments for gum disease, such as scaling and root planing procedures
- Treatment for gum recession
What Makes a Specialist Special
In order to be designated as an area of specialization, a dental field must be recognized as such by the American Dental Association (ADA). Specialties are only “recognized in those areas where advanced knowledge and skills are essential to maintain or restore oral health”
So far, nine specialty fields in dentistry have been officially recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA):
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology—the study and treatment of medical conditions that affect the maxillofacial region This includes the upper jaw and face
Dental public health—the study and promotion of good practices which support dental care programs and the prevention of dental diseases
Prosthodontics—the design, fabrication, and placement of artificial replacements of teeth and other parts of the mouth
Pediatric Dentistry—dental care for children until they reach the age of adolescence
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics—the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of malocclusion and other issues related to misalignment between teeth
Endodontics—the study and treatment of issues related to the living tissue inside the tooth
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery—the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries which affect the maxillofacial region.
See a Periodontist to Fight Periodontitis
Periodontitis, which is commonly referred to as gum disease, is a major threat to your smile. It’s a nasty infection which feeds on the plaque and tartar in your mouth. If you think you might have periodontitis, you should see Dr. Gottesman right away to avoid possibly losing one or more teeth.
The Symptoms of Periodontitis
Symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Red, tender, and swollen gums
- Gums bleed when you brush or floss
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Gums pull away from teeth, making teeth appear larger
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Chewing is painful
- Pus oozes from pockets around base of teeth
- Teeth fall out
Your Periodontist in Manhattan
Remember, Dr. Gottesman in Manhattan is here to treat all of your periodontal needs. So give us a call at PerioNYC to schedule your appointment if you’re looking for dental implants or if you require any of the services that are best provided by a periodontist.
