Have you noticed a persistent foul taste in your mouth lately or discovered that your gums are swollen, red and bleed easily? These are common symptoms of gum disease and should be taken seriously, especially during National Dental Hygiene Month this October. The earliest stage of gum disease (gingivitis) can be potentially reversed with proper care (including laser gum disease treatment), but more advanced stages of the disease are irreversible. For this reason, you should see an oral care professional as soon as possible. It’s important to note that not all oral care professionals know how to treat diseased gum tissue. Here are three of the top reasons to see a periodontist for your gum disease symptoms.

 

1. Knowledge

When it comes to knowledge of gum tissue, no other oral care professional can challenge a periodontist. That’s because periodontists complete an additional three years of postdoctoral training after going to four-year dental school. This postdoctoral period is highly focused on the gums and common diseases of the gum tissue, making periodontists uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat gum disease.

2. Skill

General dentists spend a lot of time handling a wide variety of dental problems, including cavities, chipped teeth and other common dental problems. Periodontists, on the other hand, are more narrowly focused on very specific problems affecting the gum tissue and bone. Most dentists are not qualified to perform the specialized services periodontists offer, such as root canal therapies, jaw bone surgery or treatment for advanced periodontal disease. Fortunately, since periodontists deal with these challenging problems all the time, they have the skills necessary to treat them effectively.

3. Advanced Surgical Techniques

Advanced gum disease often requires advanced technology and surgical techniques to minimize symptoms. Periodontists rely heavily on both to treat diseased gum tissue. Laser gum disease treatment is one of the leading forms of technology Drs. Bill Akin, Will Akin and Brian West offer to patients with gum disease.

Schedule Your Appointment

Ready to receive specialized care from a highly skilled periodontist in Brentwood, TN? Schedule your appointment today by calling Nashville Periodontal Group.