Most of us visit the dentist twice a year for routine cleaning, but do you know about the benefits of seeing a periodontist too? Periodontists specialize in treating your gums, which support your teeth and play a major role in your oral health. Dr. Bradley Dean, a periodontist in Plano, TX, provides insight into why it is important to consider seeing a periodontist.
Gum disease treatment
Nearly half of adults over the age of 30 suffer from gum disease at some point during their lifetime. With so many people dealing with this condition, it is important to know there are experts you can trust with your treatment. There are two major types of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: a mild form of gum disease that frequently presents as irritated, swollen, or tender gums.
- Periodontitis: an advanced stage of gum disease that can cause permanent damage to tissue and lead to tooth loss.
Both kinds of gum disease require treatment from a dental professional to prevent costly procedures and restore any damage to teeth and gums. A periodontist, a specialist in this disease, can be the ideal choice to treat this condition.
Cosmetic gum surgery
People with a gummy smile may seek a surgical option to amend their appearance. A periodontist can perform a gum lift for these patients, in which excess gum tissue is removed and reshaped to expose more of the tooth. The procedure can also be done for non-aesthetic reasons. In this case, the surgery is referred to as crown lengthening. This could be needed for patients who need more of their tooth visible to receive a crown or other dental work.
Dental implant expertise
Dental implants are another surgical service offered by periodontal practices. Implants involve the surgical placement of a titanium post into the gums. It may come as no surprise that this procedure is another specialty of periodontists. There are several types of dental implants that a periodontist can offer:
- Fixed crown and bridges
- Cosmetic implants
- Implant dentures
All three of these options can replace missing or broken teeth. In the event of an emergency, a tooth extraction and implant can be completed in one visit. Implants are a valuable tooth replacement solution. A periodontist specializes in this treatment, making them an excellent choice to handle your dental health.
Find a periodontist in Plano, TX
A periodontist can help you maintain healthy gums and improve your oral health. If you are looking for a periodontist in Plano, TX, Dr. Dean is an ideal choice. Schedule an appointment online or call our office at 972.666.1594.