Why See a Periodontist for Gum Disease?

Quick Summary

Periodontists specialize in treating moderate to severe gum disease using advanced diagnostic tools and treatments that go beyond routine cleanings. Half of Americans over 30 have some degree of periodontal disease, which research links to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes through inflammation. Periodontists measure pocket depths of 4-6 millimeters and offer treatments including scaling and root planing to remove plaque below the gum line and pocket reduction surgery to reverse damage and prevent tooth loss.

Key Takeaways

• Schedule an appointment with a board-certified periodontist if your dental exam reveals periodontal pockets measuring 4-6 millimeters or significant plaque buildup indicating moderate to severe disease.
• Request a thorough periodontal evaluation that includes pocket depth assessment with a periodontal probe, X-rays, and examination for gum recession and loose teeth to establish a baseline.
• Ask your periodontist about scaling and root planing as first-line treatment to remove plaque below the gum line and smooth root surfaces to promote healing.
• Consider pocket reduction surgery if non-surgical treatments are insufficient to stop gum disease progression and prevent tooth loss.

Regular visits to your dentist are crucial to maintaining the health and attractiveness of your smile. And while your biannual cleaning can help protect periodontal health, a rise in the number of gum disease cases suggests that more specialized care may be required to combat the development of this serious condition. If you are suffering from moderate to severe periodontal disease, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with a board-certified periodontist like Dr. Aalam or Dr. Krivitsky.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

According to new research by the CDC, as many as half of all Americans over the age of 30 suffer from some degree of periodontal disease. While you probably know that gum disease can have a profoundly negatively effect on your smile—causing swelling, mouth sores and even tooth loss—you may not be aware that the condition affects the overall health of your body. Recent studies have linked periodontal disease to inflammation, which is associated with heart disease, stroke and diabetes among other conditions. While more research is necessary to understand this link, it’s clear that maintaining a health mouth is crucial to the overall health of your body.

Diagnosing and Treating Periodontal Disease

Your dentist can take a number of steps to diagnose and treat periodontal disease in its early stages. A thorough dental exam includes the use of a periodontal probe to measure the distance from gum line to bone and check for bleeding. A depth of 4-6 millimeters or the presence of a high degree of plaque could signify a problem. If signs of moderate to severe periodontal disease are detected, patients should see a board-certified periodontist for treatment, as they are specialists in treating gum disease.

An increase in the number of new gum disease cases suggests that effective periodontal treatment may require unique training and expertise. A periodontist is a doctor with specialized training in preventing and treating gum disease and placing dental implants. The only two board-certified periodontists in the Brentwood area, Dr. Alexandre Aalam and Dr. Alina Krivitsky are graduates of USC’s prestigious certificate in Advanced Periodontology and Implantology program with years of experience treating difficult periodontal cases.

Periodontal Treatments and Surgeries

Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky offer a number of effective treatments to reverse the effects of periodontal disease and promote healthy gums. Upon visiting the Center for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy, you will be asked to provide a thorough medical history. Dr. Aalam or Dr. Krivitsky will then examine your teeth and gums, checking for gum recession and loose teeth and evaluating your bite. They may also assess the depth of periodontal pockets and take X-rays. Once the evaluation is complete, Dr. Aalam or Dr. Krivitsky will recommend an individualized treatment plan, which may include periodontal scaling to remove plaque and root planing to smooth the root and promote healing. They also offer pocket reduction surgery to stop the progression of gum disease and cosmetic treatments to reverse signs of damage.

Contact Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky

As new evidence arises linking periodontal disease to heart disease and other serious conditions, taking steps to protect your gum health is more important than ever. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Aalam or Dr. Krivitsky by calling (310) 826-8242 or visit us online for more information about periodontal disease prevention.

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