What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a type of dental specialist. Periodontists undergo three additional years of training following dental school and are experts in treating periodontal disease, performing cosmetic periodontal procedures and placing dental implants.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an oral condition that affects the gums and supporting structures in your mouth. It begins as a bacterial infection of the gums and gradually progresses until it destroys your gums and bone structure. The milder stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis, while the more severe form of the disease is known as periodontitis. You should be checked for periodontal disease each time you visit a dentist.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Red, swollen or tender gums, or other pain in your mouth
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating hard foods
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between your gums and teeth
- Sores in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of dentures or other removable appliances
Who is at risk for developing gum disease?
You may have an increased risk of developing periodontal disease if you:
- Smoke or use other tobacco products
- Do not brush and floss your teeth regularly
- Have a family history of gum disease
- Have a systemic health condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, etc.
- Are currently pregnant
What is gum recession?
Gum recession is a condition, usually caused by periodontal disease or overaggressive brushing, where the edge of the gum recedes or draws back from the root of the tooth, exposing more of your tooth structure. This eventually leads to a loss of supporting bone and attached tissues and can cause you to lose teeth. There are several treatments available to halt gum recession and restore healthy gum tissue to your mouth, including soft tissue grafting.
How much will my periodontal treatment cost?
The cost of your treatment will depend on the type of treatment you receive. During your initial consultation, our doctors will work with you to determine which type of treatment will be most beneficial for you and develop a treatment plan that meets your unique needs. We will then be able to provide you with an estimate of your treatment cost.
What is the laser/LANAP procedure?
Learn more about the laser/LANAP procedure here.
How much does the LANAP procedure cost?
The cost of each procedure differs from case to case. We create specific plans for each individual that will be discussed at your new patient or treatment plan conference appointments.
What, and when, can I eat after the LANAP procedure?
- For the first three days following laser therapy, follow only a liquid–like diet to allow healing. Anything that could be put into a blender to drink is ideal. The purpose of this is to protect the clot that is acting as a band-aid between the gum and the teeth. Do not drink through a straw, as this creates a vacuum in your mouth that can disturb the band-aid. Take daily vitamins.
- On the next four days after treatment, foods with a “mushy” consistency (such as those listed below) are recommended.
- Starting seven to ten days after treatment, “mushy,” soft foods are allowable. Soft foods have the consistency of pasta, fish, chicken or steamed vegetables. You may then gradually add back your regular diet choices.
- Please remember that even after ten days, healing is not complete. The first month following treatment, you should continue to make smart food choices. Softer foods are better.
MUSHY DIET SUGGESTIONS
- DAILY VITAMINS!
- Anything put through a food blender
- Cream of wheat, oatmeal, malt o meal
- Mashed potatoes or baked potatoes – ok with butter/ sour cream
- Mashed banana, mashed avocado, applesauce, or any mashed/ blended fruit except berries with seeds
- Broth or creamed soup
- Mashed steamed vegetables
- Mashed yams, baked sweet potato or butternut squash
- Cottage cheese, cream or soft cheese
- Creamy peanut butter without solid pieces
- Eggs any style, with or without melted cheese
- Omelets, may add cheese and/or avocado
- Jell-O pudding, ice cream, yogurt
- Milk shake, smoothies – ok to blend to fruit except no berries w/ seeds
- Ensure, Slim-Fast, any nutritional drinks
DO NOT CHEW/EAT
- Gum
- Candy
- Cookies
- Chips
- Nuts
- Anything hard or crunchy
- Anything that has seeds or hard pieces
- Meat that shreds and can lodge under the gum and between teeth
- Raw vegetables or salad
What is a gummy smile/lip repositioning? How much does it cost?
Learn about lip repositioning here. The cost of each procedure differs from case to case. We create specific plans for each individual that will be discussed at your new patient or treatment plan conference appointments.
What is a gingivectomy?
Learn more about gingivectomy here.
What is a tissue graft (connective & free gingival graft)?
The type of graft needed will be determined at your new patient appointment after a clinical exam. Aesthetics and sensitivities will be a factor in determining which type will work best for you.
Learn about a connective tissue graft here.
Learn about a free gingival graft here.
How long does it take to heal?
Total healing time for tissue integration is 8-10 weeks.
What can I eat afterward?
To understand what you can eat after oral surgery, check out the instructions here.
What is the process to get an implant?
The process of getting an implant can vary depending on if you have had the tooth removed at another office, need bone grafting or still have the tooth in place. Here are some helpful links to explain the different types of implant processes. We will discuss all options for treatment needed at your new patient exam or treatment conference.
How much does an implant cost?
The cost of each procedure differs from case to case. We create specific plans for each individual that will be discussed at your new patient or treatment plan conference appointments. Please note, the total cost of implant in our office will NOT include the cost of implant crown. The cost of the crown will be determined by your general dentist.
What is peri-implantitis? How is it treated?
Learn more about peri-implantitis and treatment here.
How is a bone graft done?
A bone graft is completed through two main procedures. Learn more about each of them below:
What is osseous surgery?
Learn more about osseous surgery here.