Here, in Santa Monica, several misconceptions regarding what a periodontist is and how they are different from a general dentist or an oral surgeon. A periodontist is a professional who performs dental operations, particularly gum disease and dental implants. But periodontal treatment possesses a broader opportunity! 

According to a Santa Monica dentist associated with the American Dental Association, approximately half of Americans over 30 years of age have acute periodontitis. Hence, there’s a great chance you might need to see a periodontist. Let’s consider five exceptional signs when you see a periodontist in Santa Monica!

• Bleeding Gums While Flossing and Brushing

One of the vital signs of periodontal disease is bleeding gums. Also, bleeding while flossing is a significant sign of primary gingivitis. In case you start bleeding after eating or brushing, you might have severe periodontitis and must consult with a periodontist in Santa Monica. 

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums imply that the plaque has gathered to inflame the gum tissue. Most bleeding gums can be cured efficiently since it’s a sign of primary stages of gum disease. In the earliest stages of gingivitis, flossing causes bleeding gums, which are the significant signs of periodontal disease. 

• Mending Bone Loss

A tooth or root infection might injure your jawbone when left untreated. Gradually, the bone starts degenerating, becoming thinner, and modifying the contours of your face. Even patients without plans to get dental implants might need a bone graft to bypass further bone loss. Sans adequate jawbone to uphold your facial muscles, your face will look older and have a saggy appearance. Bone loss will increase the longer you wait. 

A periodontist will conduct periodontal processes to mend and replace bone loss adjacent to your original teeth. However, you might have a disease in your jawbone or gums without pain. A shift in how your teeth fit perfectly when you bite acts as an indicator of bone loss.

• Hot or Cold/Sensitive Teeth

Acute gum disease can cause exacerbated tooth sensitivity because of a receding gum line and uncovered roots. Eroding enamel is one of the significant warning signs that cause temperature sensitivity in teeth. In brief, if your teeth are sensitive to cold or hot food and beverages, you must seek dental care services or impede the advancement of whatever’s adversely impacting your teeth. 

• Any Process Involving Grafting or Tissue Sculpting

Your gums safeguard your teeth from sensitivity, bone loss, and root decay. Gum recession means when the gum tissue erodes, your risk of losing your tooth boosts without treatment. Therefore, your periodontist will reposition gum tissue over the exposed tooth root by conducting a gum graft or tissue sculpting. Although gum recession is a potential threat, not every case needs surgical intervention. Therefore, careful teeth brushing and frequent inspections by your periodontist are the best to maintain healthy gums.

• Chronic Bad Breath or Halitosis

You might not think of bad breath as a warning sign of disease. But if you have chronic bad breath that doesn’t disappear with top-notch oral hygiene, it might indicate periodontal infection. 

Conclusion

The common symptoms of periodontitis will be more intense when the infection rate is higher. Some symptoms include sore gums, red/swollen gums, receding gums, sensitive teeth, and chewing pain. Once you have your periodontist appointment, the dentist will assess the advancement of your gum disease and consider the best treatment options. 

A periodontist’s treatment options are gum grafts, scaling & root planing, and bone grafting. Along with providing periodontal treatment and dental implants, the team of periodontists can aid you in maintaining your precious smile and top-notch oral health via periodic exams, x-rays, cleanings, and fillings.