Periodontics in Santa Rosa
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the bone and gum tissue that surround the teeth.
It is primarily caused by bacterial plaque, a biofilm that develops on the teeth.
If left untreated, it can result in:
- Inflammation
- Bone loss
- Recession
- Poor esthetics
- Sensitivity
- Pulpal infection
- and tooth loss
Periodontal disease can vary in severity and can be either localized or generalized in the oral cavity.
Furthermore, if left untreated, periodontal disease may contribute to the severity of other systemic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Worried About Your Gums?
Professional examinations and cleanings are important for preventing periodontal disease. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Signs and Symptoms of Moderate or Severe Periodontal Disease:
- Bleeding, swollen, or receding gums
- Pain or discomfort within the gums
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who received three additional years of training beyond dental school to specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of periodontal disease, the correction of mucogingival deformities, and in the surgical placement of dental implants.
Meet our newest Board Certified Periodontist, Dr. Bozanich
Reasons Why You Might be Referred to a Periodontist
Periodontal disease is a common disease affecting more than half of American adults aged 30 or older.
Some patients with milder forms of periodontal disease can be effectively managed by their general dentist, while others with moderate to severe forms or those with underlying health conditions need the expertise that only a trained periodontal specialist can provide.
What to Expect on Your First Visit?
During the first visit, your periodontist will review your medical and dental history.
Make sure you mention all medications you are taking and all conditions you are being treated for as that can affect periodontal care, especially heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy.
Your periodontist will review radiographs and perform a clinical exam.
During the clinical exam, the periodontist will examine all intraoral hard and soft tissues, measure the periodontal pockets of your gums, measure recession, and assess the mobility of your teeth.
After the exam, the periodontist will come up with a diagnosis and prognosis and discuss treatment options.
A mutually agreed upon treatment plan will then be presented and you can schedule the recommended treatment at your convenience.
Procedures and Services Performed by a Periodontist
- Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing)
- Periodontal pocket reduction surgery
- Gum grafting and other periodontal plastic procedures (frenectomies, gingivectomies)
- Dental crown lengthening and esthetic crown lengthening
- Extractions and bone grafts
- Regeneration of lost hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity
- Sinus lifts
- Dental implant placement
- Biopsies