When To See A Periodontist

Periodontal treatment may be sought in several ways. Your general dentist or a hygienist may recommend a consultation with a periodontist if they find signs of periodontal disease through the course of a checkup or other dental care appointment. You may also decide to see a periodontist on your own as a referral is not necessary to be seen at our office.

In fact, if you experience any of these symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office without delay:

  • Bleeding while brushing or eating normal foods. Unexplained bleeding, while performing regular cleaning or consuming food, is the most common sign of a periodontal infection.
  • Bad breath. Ongoing halitosis (bad breath), which continues despite rigorous oral cleaning, can point to periodontitis, gingivitis or the beginnings of a gum infection.
  • Loose teeth and gum recession. Longer-looking and loose-feeling teeth can indicate recession of the gums and/or bone loss as a result of periodontal disease.

Related Health Concerns

Patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain other medical conditions are often diagnosed with correlating periodontal infections. The bacterial infection can spread through the bloodstream, affecting other areas of the body. More on this can be found in The Mouth-Body Connection.

Planned joint replacement. Many orthopedic surgeons require patients planning to undergo joint replacement to have a comprehensive periodontal evaluation prior to their joint replacement surgery. This is recommended because bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to the artificial joint, placing the joint at risk for rejection.

To assess your risk for Periodontal Disease, please refer to the Risk Assessment Test from the American Academy of Periodontology.