When to See a Periodontist? Tampa, Florida

Good periodontal health is a key component of a healthy body.  Knowing the state of your periodontal health is important.  So, if you don’t know, ask your dental professional.  It’s a good idea to know if you are in good periodontal health because periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in our country and recent research has found a relationship between periodontal infection and more serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and preterm low birth weight babies.

A periodontist is a dentist specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infections and diseases in the soft tissues surrounding the teeth, and the jawbone to which the teeth are anchored. Most periodontists attend a two to three-year residency to become a specialist in periodontics. Our doctors have trained an additional three to five years beyond the four years of regular dental school, and are familiar with the latest and most advanced techniques necessary to diagnose and treat periodontal disease and place dental implants. They are proficient in a vast range of procedures to enhance your smile and oral health to their fullest extent.

Referrals from General Dentists and Self-Referral

If you value your oral as well as overall health, anytime is a good time to see a periodontist.  Often, dentists refer patients to Tampa Bay Periodontics and Implant Dentistry when periodontal disease is present, they need assistance with creating a more beautiful smile, or they would like for their patient to have a dental implant placed to replace a missing or failing tooth.  Dentists trust our doctors’ compassion, ethics, proficiency, and skill.  Consistently, patients return to our offices raving about the good experience they had in all aspects of their interactions with Tampa Bay Periodontics and Implant Dentistry and our team. Referring dentists’ trust is rewarded with a happy patient and an excellent clinical result that enhances their ability to provide exceptional dental care.

Though most of our patients are referred by their dentists, you don’t need a referral to become a patient in our office.  In fact, there are occasions when you may choose to go directly to a periodontist or to refer a family member or friend to our office.

Learn About Our Doctors

Do I need a periodontal evaluation?

A periodontal evaluation may be especially important if you:

• Notice any symptoms of periodontal disease including:
  • Gums that bleed easily, such as during brushing or flossing
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • Loose or separating teeth
  • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Are thinking of becoming pregnant
• Have a family member with periodontal disease
• Have heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory disease
• Feel that your teeth are too short or that your smile is too “gummy.”
• Feel that your teeth are too long due to root exposure (gum recession) or that you are becoming “long in the tooth”
• You are missing one or more of your teeth and are interested in a long-lasting replacement option
• You are not satisfied with your current tooth replacement option, such as a bridge, removable partial denture, or full denture
• Have a sore or irritation in your mouth that does not get better within two weeks

Diagnosis and Treatment

Before initiating any dental treatment, our doctors will extensively examine the gums, jawbone and general condition of the teeth.  If gingivitis or periodontal disease is officially diagnosed, our doctors have a number of treatment options available to treat the underlying infection, halt the recession of the soft tissue and restructure or replace teeth that may be missing.

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