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Understanding the Role of a Periodontist:

The Key to Optimal Oral Health

Oral health is fundamental to our overall well-being, and while regular dental check-ups are essential, there are times when specialized care becomes necessary. One such specialist is a periodontist, a dental professional with expertise in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum diseases and oral inflammation. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of periodontics, explaining who periodontists are and why consulting our board certified periodontist, Dr. Patrick Huston, could be crucial for your oral health.

What is a Periodontist?

Periodontists, like our our Dr. Huston, is a dentist who has undergone additional training, specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases (gum diseases) and the placement of dental implants. They possess in-depth knowledge about the supporting structures of teeth, including gums, bones, and ligaments. Periodontists are equipped to handle complex cases of gum diseases and are skilled in performing various surgical procedures to restore and maintain oral health.

Why Should You See a Periodontist?

Expertise in Gum Diseases: Periodontists are experts in diagnosing and treating gum diseases at all stages. From gingivitis (gum inflammation) to advanced periodontitis, they can develop a tailored treatment plan to manage your specific condition effectively.

Gum Health Management: If you have gum disease or are at risk, a periodontist can provide specialized care to manage and improve the health of your gums. They offer deep cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline.

Dental Implants: If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, a periodontist can assess your eligibility, perform the implant surgery, and provide post-operative care. They specialize in ensuring the stability and longevity of dental implants.

Cosmetic Gum Procedures: Periodontists can enhance your smile through various cosmetic gum procedures. Whether you need a gum graft to cover exposed tooth roots or crown lengthening for a more balanced smile, they can help you achieve the aesthetic results you desire.

Treatment of Oral Inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the mouth can have systemic health implications. Periodontists are skilled in managing oral inflammation, which is especially important for individuals with conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.

Collaborative Approach: Periodontists often work closely with general dentists and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. Their expertise complements the services offered by general dentists, leading to more effective and personalized treatment plans.

Preventive Care: Beyond treatment, periodontists can provide guidance on preventive oral care, including proper brushing and flossing techniques, to help you maintain optimal gum health.

Bottom line: a periodontist is a valuable partner in your oral health journey. Whether you’re dealing with gum disease, considering dental implants, or seeking cosmetic enhancements, their specialized knowledge and skills can make a significant difference. Don’t hesitate to consult a contact us to ensure your gums and supporting structures receive the expert care they deserve, contributing to a healthier, more confident smile.

Cancer treatments and their impact on teeth, gums and the mouth

When you hear the diagnosis of cancer, your mind starts reeling of what to do, treatment options, etc. But what you often aren’t aware of is many times those treatments can impact your oral health. Even diseases and conditions that aren’t cancer but use similar treatments can impact your teeth, gums and bone.

According to the National Cancer Institute, oral complications are common in cancer patients, especially those with head and neck cancer. Due to the nature of the mouth and the good and bad bacteria in it and the nature of bone and tissue regrowth to keep the mouth healthy; chemotherapy, when concentrated in the areas of the head and neck, can negatively affect the patient’s mouth health. The reason being, according to the NCI is:

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy slow or stop the growth of new cells.

These cancer treatments slow or stop the growth of fast growing cells, such as cancer cells. Normal cells in the lining of the mouth also grow quickly, so anticancer treatment can stop them from growing, too. This slows down the ability of oral tissue to repair itself by making new cells.

Radiation therapy may directly damage and break down oral tissue, salivary glands, and bone.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy upset the healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth.

There are many different kinds of bacteria in the mouth. Some are helpful and some are harmful. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may cause changes in the lining of the mouth and the salivary glands, which make saliva. This can upset the healthy balance of bacteria. These changes may lead to mouth sores, infections, and tooth decay.

This summary is about oral complications caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/mouth-throat/oral-complications-pdq

If you are preparing for cancer treatment, please come in and let us take at CT scan and review with your oncologist the best methods to keep your mouth healthy. If you are in the process of treatments, we can work with you. If you are post treatment and have encountered issues with your gums, mouth or teeth, we can help. Being a periodontist we are trained at the highest level of oral care and we will be able to give your smile a second chance so you can rejoice in your successful cancer treatments.