So you tell your dentist your gums bleed when you brush. Or your hygienist, during a routine cleaning, finds a gum pocket. Which dental professional should treat your gum disease? Your dentist? The hygienist? What about a periodontist? The fact is that most dentists and hygienists are extremely capable of treating early gum disease and periodontal pockets...and they should tackle these problems.
When do these problems require intervention by a specialist? This question is best answered by the generalist. They often refer patients to periodontists (gum specialists) when pocket depths and bone loss appear excessive to what is considered the “norm.” Young people with advanced periodontal disease tend to be referred sooner than older patients whose disease has taken decades to form and no tooth appears in jeopardy of being lost.
What about the others? Patients with modest bone loss and/or deep gum pockets that don’t hurt? Do they require the skills of a periodontist? (Dental specialists are required to take three years of advanced training beyond dental school). The best way for a patient to get the best treatment is to, perhaps, simply ask how the would treat your condition if you were a family member.
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