How to Know When to Visit the Periodontist in Savannah

Should you be visiting the periodontist in Savannah instead of a general dentist? What is a periodontist, anyway? Periodontics is a field of dentistry that’s concerned with the oral tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth (i.e. your gums). As periodontists, Dr. Turner and O’Neill each completed three years’ additional training after dental school studying the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and the placement of dental implants.

Periodontal Treatments from Savannah Periodontics

Gum disease affects the majority of American adults to some extent. Red, swollen, tender gums are some common symptoms of the condition. Your periodontist is especially equipped to perform periodontal therapy. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line.

Savannah Periodontics uses laser dentistry in the treatment of mild to moderate gum disease. With PerioLase, we can precisely target diseased and infected tissue to eliminate the problem and prevent its recurrence. It’s a fast, efficient, and effective alternative to traditional gum disease treatment.

Gum and soft tissue grafting is another treatment your periodontist performs with an expert hand. Aggressive brushing, trauma or injury, gum disease, and clenching or grinding the teeth are all factors causing gum recession. As the gums begin to pull away from where they should be, you will experience tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of developing cavities. Gum recession also takes away from your beautiful smile — but gum grafting replaces the missing tissue to give you back your full, complete smile.

Just like receding gums affect your smile’s appearance, the opposite can also be true. If you have too much gum tissue covering up your tooth enamel, you are dealing with what we call a gummy smile. Your periodontist is skilled in crown lengthening — or removing the extra gum tissue to show off the teeth that are hidden beneath.

Of course, these treatments are all performed with plenty of advance planning. But when you’re in the midst of a dental emergency, a periodontist is the expert you can count on to handle the situation. Our expert team is prepared to mend abscessed teeth, perform urgent tooth extractions, and other emergency treatments.

Your Periodontists Are Experts in Dental Implant Placement

Dental implants are completed in two phases: implantation and restoration. A periodontist is an expert who is highly skilled in performing the surgical placement of dental implants. Some general dentists are qualified to complete this initial phase of implant dentistry, but most will refer dental implant placement out of their office to a periodontist. Periodontists are also experts in the maintenance and repair of dental implants.

Should You See a Periodontist?

Your general dentist may be qualified to perform your periodontal services, but don’t forget that a periodontist is especially trained and equipped to provide the very best periodontal services. If you are presenting the symptoms of gum disease, or if you know you require more specialized care, it’s a good idea for you to schedule an appointment with a periodontist. The team at Savannah Periodontics is providing patients with superior gum care. Schedule an appointment with us today!