Have you ever seen a periodontist in Houston? Do you know what their specialty is?
If you’re not sure about those two questions, it may be time to see one!
A periodontist works with or as a dentist and specializes in treating diseases and maintaining the health of your gums.
They are able to prevent, diagnose, and treat periodontal disease and gingivitis, and they also assist in the installation of dental implants.
You may not think seeing a periodontist in Houston is necessary if you’re already seeing a dentist, but if you’re noticing the signs of periodontal disease, or worse, advanced periodontal disease, a visit is most definitely in order.
Checking the Gums to Check on your Health
Your gums can actually be an indicator of your overall health. While periodontal disease can cause the appearance of unhealthy gums, other problems can cause periodontal disease outside of poor oral hygiene.
If this is the case, the periodontist in Houston wants to determine the actual cause of the disease so the right problem can be treated.
Your Houston periodontist will likely review your dental and medical history, including medications you take in order to determine the source of periodontal disease.
Most of the time it stems from poor oral hygiene, but some medications and diseases like diabetes and heart disease can cause periodontal disease.
If the source of the problem is another disease or a medication, no amount of oral hygiene will be enough to stop the effects.
Signs to Watch For
If you see any of the symptoms of periodontal disease, make an appointment with your local Houston periodontist in 77057 today.
Be on the lookout for:
- Swelling of gums
- Discoloration of gums (usually a purple or bright red)
- Receding gum line (seeing more of the tooth than an even mix of tooth and gum)
- Tenderness of the gums
And if periodontal disease reaches the advanced stage, you’ll want to be aware of:
- Loose teeth or teeth that fall out
Seeing a General Dentist and Periodontist in Houston
Only visiting one or the other will only take care of half of your total dental care needs.
Both professionals work in tandem to provide you with the best dental care in Houston. If one is left out of the equation, you’re not getting the best possible care.