When to See a Periodontist

Referrals from General Dentists and Self Referral

There are several ways treatment from a periodontist may be sought. In the course of a regular dental check up, if your general dentist or hygienist finds signs of periodontal disease, a consultation with a periodontist may be recommended. However, a referral is not necessary for a periodontal consultation.

If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a periodontist:

• Bleeding while eating or brushing – Unexplained bleeding while eating or during the course of daily cleaning is one of the most common signs of periodontal disease.
  
  
• Bad breath – Halitosis, or bad breath, which persists even when a rigorous oral hygiene program is in place, can be indicative of periodontal disease.
  
  
• Loose teeth and gum recession – Longer looking teeth can signal recession of the gums and bone loss due to periodontal disease. As this disease progresses and attacks the bone underneath the gums, the teeth may become loose or be lost altogether.
  
  
• Gangrene in the tissues – Gangrene is hard to self diagnose but a general dentist or periodontist can check for its presence in the soft tissues, alveolar bone and periodontal ligaments.
  
  
• Related health conditions – Heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia and osteoporosis are highly correlated with periodontal disease.

Ask your periodontist if you have questions about periodontal disease, periodontal treatment or dental implants.