Our Location:
Dentist - Andover
2 Elm Square, Suite 202,
Andover, MA 01810
Find answers and other helpful dental topics in our digital library.
Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (57)
- gap (1)
- orthodontics (8)
- Laser (1)
- white spots (1)
- oral health (9)
- crowns (4)
- Single visit (1)
- orthodontic treatment (13)
- tooth extraction (1)
- impacted teeth (1)
- dental injury (5)
- mouthguard (3)
- periodontal disease (1)
- gum disease (10)
- cosmetic dentistry (9)
- bonding (1)
- oral cancer (3)
- dental injuries (1)
- tads (1)
- braces (11)
- nutrition (4)
- baby teeth (1)
- pediatric dentistry (7)
- osteoporosis (1)
- oral surgery (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- composite resins (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- bridge (2)
- dental implants (14)
- partial denture (1)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- tmj disorders (1)
- tmd (1)
- tmj (1)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- root planing (1)
- dental anxiety (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- bad breath (2)
- tooth erosion (1)
- oral hygiene (19)
- pediatric care (1)
- teeth whitening (3)
- tooth decay (2)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- sinus surgery (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- mouthguards (2)
- loose teeth (1)
- retainers (1)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- root canal treatment (1)
- toothache (3)
- teeth grinding (1)
- veneers (1)
- thumb sucking (2)
- fillings (1)
- dentures (2)
- chipped teeth (1)
- extractions (1)
- palatal expander (2)
- retainer (2)
- saliva (1)
- toothbrush (1)
- chipped tooth (1)
- gum recession (1)
- tooth pain (1)
- tooth wear (2)
- gummy smile (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- medicine (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental sealants (1)
In the fight against dental disease and other conditions your general dentist is your first line of defense for prevention strategies and treatment. Sometimes, however, your condition may require the services of a dental specialist to restore health to your mouth.
A good example of this is an advanced case of periodontal (gum) disease. While your dentist and hygienist are quite skilled at removing plaque and calculus, there may be extenuating circumstances that may benefit from the knowledge and expertise of a specialist. In the case of gum-related issues that would be a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or disorders related to the gums and bone that support teeth.
There are a number of reasons why you may be referred to a periodontist regarding your gum health. Besides advanced stages of the disease (loose teeth, periodontal pocketing or bone loss) that require surgery or other invasive techniques you may have a particular form that requires advanced treatment, or a secondary condition, like pregnancy or diabetes, which could impact your periodontal condition. There may also be a need for a periodontist’s consultation if you’re preparing for cosmetic restoration, most notably dental implants, that could have a bearing on your gum and bone health.
As your primary oral health “gatekeeper,” your general dentist is largely responsible for determining what you need to achieve optimal health. Likewise, your periodontist or other specialists for other problems will be equally committed to providing you the right care for your situation. Your general dentist and other specialists will work together to ensure that your condition will be cared for, and that you’ll continue to enjoy the highest level of oral health possible.
If you would like more information on the role of periodontics and other dental specialties in oral health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Referral to a Dental Specialist.”