Periodontist

What does a periodontist do?

A periodontist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, which is commonly called gum disease. A periodontist like Babak Ghalili, DMD, at Jerrold F. Heller & Associates D.D.S. works with patients who have damaged gums, lost teeth, and other problems connected to periodontal disease.

What are the stages of periodontal disease?

There are three stages of periodontal disease.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. It happens when plaque accumulates on your teeth and gums. The lingering plaque releases toxins that aggravate your gums to cause gingivitis. Gingivitis can cause bad breath, and may also cause gum irritation and bleeding. You can reverse gingivitis with dental cleanings and good oral care in most cases.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis damage isn't addressed. In periodontitis, the damage moves deeper into your gums. You may notice gaps in the gums, frequent bleeding, or receding gums. You may also have loose teeth if you suffer from periodontitis. In-depth dental cleanings called scaling and root planing can often treat periodontitis, but you may need gum restoration as well.

Advanced periodontitis

Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease. At this point, you lose not only gum tissue but also teeth and some jaw bone, too. Advanced periodontitis requires aggressive treatment, which often includes teeth extractions followed by dental implants.

The earlier that you reach out for help, the easier your treatment will be. But, even if you have advanced periodontal disease, Dr. Ghalili can help you regain your oral health.

Are dental implants the right choice for me?

Dental implants can be an excellent way to restore your smile after advanced periodontal disease causes tooth loss. But, they aren't right for everyone.

The best dental implant candidates have a healthy jaw and sufficient healthy gum tissue. If you don't have a healthy jaw or gums, Dr. Ghalili may recommend bone or gum augmentation or restoration procedures that may allow you to support implants in the future. Dr. Ghalili will assess your candidacy and discuss the best solutions for your periodontal disease.

Use the online scheduler or call Jerrold F. Heller & Associates D.D.S. to arrange your appointment for periodontal disease help now.