5 Terms Every Patient Should Know Before Visiting the Periodontist

Do you know what to expect when you visit your periodontist in Huntington Beach? You’ve probably already heard plenty of warnings since you were a child about the dangers of gum disease and what it can do to your teeth; if you want to give your smile the protection it deserves, it’s important to understand the different terms a periodontist might use when giving you advice regarding your oral health. Below are 5 common words and phrases that you’re likely to hear when a specialist is checking your gums.

1. Gingivitis

This is the name given to the earliest stage of gum disease. It’s often recognizable due to red, swollen, or bleeding gum tissue; however, there are some cases where you might not notice any symptoms at all. You can treat gingivitis with improved brushing and flossing habits, but if you don’t get help from a periodontist, you risk the disease advancing to the next stage.

2. Periodontitis

Gum disease that has reached the periodontitis stage poses a threat to the bone where the teeth are attached. The most common form is chronic periodontitis, which destroys the underlying jawbone very slowly for the most part; if you have aggressive periodontitis instead, the damage will occur much more quickly.

3. Periodontal Pocket

As the gum tissue breaks down, it pulls away from the tooth and leaves empty space called a periodontal pocket behind. Food particles, plaque, and other debris can all get caught in such pockets, and they can be difficult to remove. Untreated pockets can easily lead to more severe infections.

4. Scaling and Root Planing

You might also hear scaling and root planing collectively referred to as “deep cleaning.” They’re performed when a regular dental cleaning isn’t enough to treat gum disease. Plaque and calculus (also called tartar) are scraped away from the area around the roots of the teeth. Then your periodontist will smooth the root, creating fewer footholds for bacteria to latch onto while also encouraging the mouth to heal.

5. Implants

Periodontists aren’t just concerned with the gums. They also place titanium posts called dental implants in the jaw to act as roots for prosthetic teeth. You might end up needing implants if gum disease forces you to get your teeth extracted; however, implant surgery cannot be performed unless your gums are healthy and your jaw has the density to support the posts. Your periodontist will need to examine you to decide if you’re a candidate for implants or if you need additional treatments beforehand.

These are just a few terms that might come up during your appointment. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; every periodontist in Huntington Beach wants their patients to be as well-informed as possible about the treatment they receive.

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga has over 15 years of dental experience and currently practices as a periodontist at Huntington Beach Periodontics & Dental Implants. He attained his Certificate in Periodontics from the University of Southern California in order to specialize in the field. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, he’s an expert in fighting gum disease and replacing teeth with implants. To schedule an appointment and learn more about periodontics, visit his website or call (714) 842-5561.