There are a variety of reasons why you might need to visit a periodontist, from advanced gum disease to multiple missing teeth. No matter what sort of situation you’re in, though, you’re sure to have a few questions, and the team at Central Perio is here to answer them. Below are a few things that many people ask about periodontics. If you would like more information or have additional inquiries, feel free to get in touch with our team.
What is the Difference Between a Dentist and a Periodontist?
The main distinction between the two is that while a dentist focuses on different parts of the mouth, a periodontist specifically works with the gum tissue as well as the underlying bone that your teeth rely on for support. Your general dentist will likely refer you to a periodontist for particularly complex issues.
Like dentists, periodontists must earn a bachelor’s degree before attending dental school for four years. However, their education does not stop there; anyone wishing to become a periodontist must also complete three additional years of training.
Does a Periodontist Do Deep Cleaning?
Yes, periodontists do perform deep cleanings in order to treat advanced cases of gum disease. The first step of a deep cleaning is scaling, which is when the substances contributing to gum disease are carefully removed from the teeth and gums. Then during the second step, root planing, the roots of the teeth are smoothed out so that bacteria can’t accumulate in that area as easily in the future.
Of course, deep cleaning is not the only possible way to treat gum disease. Some patients may require a surgical approach. Our team will discuss your treatment options in more detail after an examination of your smile.
How Many Teeth Can You Replace with Dental Implants?
It’s possible to replace any number of missing teeth with dental implants. An implant post can be combined with a crown to fill in the gap left by a single tooth. Meanwhile, a bridge and a pair of dental implants can replace multiple teeth in a row. It’s even possible to replace an entire row of teeth with a denture and 4 to 6 carefully placed implant posts.
Regardless of how many teeth are missing, though, our team will first need to confirm that you are a good candidate for dental implants. This means making sure that there’s enough bone density in your jaw and that your mouth is in good health.
How Can You Make Periodontal Treatment More Affordable?
Our practice is not in-network with any plans, but we will still accept your insurance so that you can save money on your care, even electronically filing your claims for you. We can also help you apply for CareCredit, a third-party financing company that lets you stretch out the cost of your care into a number of monthly payments.
Amber D., Dallas, TX
Dr. Tunnell is truly an amazing periodontist! I took my father there to get his tooth extracted in preparation for an implant. He is very thorough and detailed with his dental exams and answers all your questions and concerns. My father did not experience any pain during the anesthesia and procedure. Dr. Tunnell personally called me the next day to make sure my father is doing well post-operative. He truly cares about his patients and makes sure your dental needs are met!