A periodontist is a specialized dentist who has three more years of intensive training beyond dental school in the study of gum and bone health, and special surgical treatments. They are therefore highly skilled in diagnosing, treating, and preventing gum inflammation and disease, and helping you keep your teeth strong and intact. They are also experts in the surgical placement of dental implants.
If you are scheduled for an appointment with a periodontist, chances are you are experiencing gum pain and inflammation or suffer from the consequences of gum disease, such as tooth loss. Let’s talk about what you can expect during your first visit to a periodontist, and where you can go in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area for expert periodontal treatment.
Review of Dental History
A visit to the periodontist usually begins with a comprehensive review of your medical and dental history. The dentist will want to know about any underlying medical conditions you have, current medications you are taking, and any lifestyle factors which may be contributing to gum disease.
The dentist will also want to know of any past dental issues you have had. All of this information is very useful when it comes to treatment planning and recommendations.
Physical Dental Examination
The next step is a thorough oral exam. The dentist will examine your teeth, mouth, gums, and jaw, and look for signs of gum recession, bone loss, and oral disease.
The periodontist may also take a dental X-ray for a complete image of the teeth, gums, and upper and lower jaw. To examine any pockets in your gums, the dentist may use a periodontal probe.
Diagnosis and Treatment
With all of the information gleaned from the exam and X-ray, the periodontist can now make an accurate diagnosis of your dental condition. The periodontist will then discuss your treatment options with you. This is the time during which it is ideal and natural to ask questions about the diagnosis and recommendations, such as the procedure, the recovery period, and the results you can expect from the treatment.
Gum disease may progress to a point where tooth loss occurs. The periodontist may recommend dental implants, depending on the state of the jawbone, to replace your lost teeth.
Periodontist in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
Dr. Steven Hagerman is fully trained and highly experienced in providing comprehensive periodontic treatment for patients in different stages of gum disease. Dr. Hagerman repairs and restores teeth and gums that have been damaged by bacteria or disease, including the insertion of dental implants and crowns for a beautiful smile and a complete set of teeth.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hagerman, call our Minneapolis-St. Paul dental clinic today at (651) 646-2392 or fill out our convenient appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your family dentist!