If your dentist has referred you to a periodontist, it is because you have an issue related to your periodontium, which is best addressed by a gum disease specialist.
While most people have some idea what to expect when visiting their dentist, an appointment with a periodontist can be daunting. You may be unsure why a periodontal examination is necessary. You may also be uncertain about what to expect from your first visit.
To help put your mind at ease, here’s a rundown of what your initial appointment at EO Perio might look like.
A periodontist specialises in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and other conditions that affect the tissues that support the teeth (AKA the periodontium). After graduating from dental school and completing a minimum of two years in general dental practice, a periodontist undergoes an additional three years of specialist training.
Periodontists provide a range of diagnostic, surgical and non-surgical treatments. You may be referred to a periodontist for periodontal maintenance, deep cleaning, periodontal surgery or the placement of dental implants.
At EO Perio, we know that by the time you come to us, you need answers. We take the time to listen properly and understand every patient’s unique story.
Whether you’ve been referred by your dentist or scheduled your own appointment, we’ll discuss what has brought you to us. Common reasons include:
We’ll discuss any worries or fears you may have. We encourage our patients to view their periodontal appointment as a positive experience. After all, it’s a step towards getting your periodontal health back on track.
Your first visit will include a review of your medical and dental history and an examination of your mouth. A periodontal chart, also referred to as a gum chart, is used to record information about your gums.
A small tool, called a periodontal probe, is used to measure the space between your gum tissues and the roots of your teeth (AKA the ‘pocket’). Periodontal charting is simple and relatively painless. However, if you do find it painful, let us know and we’ll stop. Periodontal charting can be done under local anaesthetic at a follow-up appointment.
In healthy gums, the pocket depth is typically between 1-3mm. Pockets that are 4mm or more are a sign that gum disease is present. In cases where the pocket is deep and bone loss may have occurred, we’ll take an x-ray to assess the health of the teeth and supporting structures.
An OPG (stands for orthopantomogram) is a special x-ray that not only shows your teeth, but also the upper and lower jawbones (the maxilla and mandible) and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint acts as a hinge between your jawbone and the rest of your head.
Periapical x-rays (PAs for short) show the entire tooth from the crown to the root. They are helpful in finding problems below the gumline or in the jaw, such as bone loss, gum disease or decay.
Cone beam CT (CBCT) is a useful radiograph that shows the teeth and jaws in three dimensions.
Once a comprehensive examination has been done, we’ll share our findings and show you the images. We’ll chat through a treatment plan that addresses your individual needs and is customised to your lifestyle.
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. The approach will depend on the stage and severity of the disease. However, gum disease treatment may include non-surgical procedures such as deep cleaning or surgical procedures such as bone grafts or dental implants.
Don’t worry, we’ll explain every step of the treatment and what you can expect at each stage. The main thing you might worry about is that the treatment will be painful. It won’t hurt. Everything is done under general or local anaesthetic, so you’re comfortable the whole time. And, of course, once you start treatment you can stop stressing about your teeth. This will leave you feeling much better than before.
Research shows that periodontal disease is linked with several chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This is due to the inflammation around the teeth. If relevant to your situation, we’ll discuss any associated health conditions and how they may impact the outcome and what you can do to get the best results.
Periodontal treatment helps to control the progression of gum disease and prevent further damage. Essentially, the aim of treating gum disease is to get you back to being healthy and feeling good.
Controlling gum disease not only reduces the risk of needing further dental treatments, but it can also improve your overall health and wellbeing.
At EO Perio, we believe your periodontist appointment should be a positive experience.
At the end of your consultation, you’ll have a thorough understanding of what periodontitis is and what stage you’re at.
We’ll give you all your treatment options, the costs, and help you to understand what outcome you can expect. This ensures you feel empowered to make the right choice for you.
Your examination can be performed under local anaesthetic.
Book your appointment today
