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 or other dental care appointment. You may also decide to see a periodontist on your own as a referral is not necessary to be seen at our office.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office without delay:

• BLEEDING GUMS: Bleeding while brushing or eating normal foods or unexplained spontaneous bleeding. 
• 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.
• TOOTH PAIN
• MEDICAL CONDITIONS: Patients with heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia or osteoporosis are often diagnosed with correlating periodontal infections. The bacterial infection can spread through the blood stream, affecting other areas of the body.