What to Expect From a Periodontal Dentist in Miami Beach

Ready for a startling statistic? By the age of 30, around 40% of adults are already experiencing some form of gum disease. This is a frightening fact since untreated gum disease can lead to severe consequences — including leading to an abscessed tooth and even tooth loss. 

While gum disease sounds like a scary and permanent condition, there's good news: innovative periodontal treatments are available to help save your teeth and restore oral health. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of their options regarding modern periodontal care — and those who already have an appointment with a periodontist may feel nervous about potential treatments. If these sound like you, you’re in the right place. 

Read on to learn exactly what you can expect during your visit from the top dentist in Miami Beach for periodontal care. 

When to Get Periodontal Treatment

Getting periodontal treatment early gives you the best chance to avoid the advanced stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. The best way to know if you have gum disease and if so, its stage, is to schedule a periodontal evaluation at the first signs of gum disease. Symptoms of gum disease include: 

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Changes in your bite

Additionally, if it's been more than six months since your last dental check-up or if you have risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or a family history of gum disease, it's wise to consult a periodontist. Regular dental check-ups, along with good oral hygiene, are your best defenses against gum disease and the advancement of gingivitis. 

What to Expect During Your Periodontal Appointment

At your periodontal appointment, your periodontist will review your medical and dental history, followed by a thorough examination of your gums, teeth, and mouth. This examination typically includes measuring the depth of periodontal pockets around your teeth, assessing gum recession, and checking for loose teeth or signs of infection. Your periodontist may also recommend dental X-rays to detect bone loss from your upper or lower jaw and any hidden dental issues that cannot be found during an exam alone. 

Your periodontist will then recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on the complexity of your case. Treatment recommendations will range from educating you about ways to improve your at-home oral care to more advanced procedures. 

How is Periodontal Disease Treated? 

Periodontal disease treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. For early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, treatment typically involves regular professional dental cleaning and improved at-home oral hygiene practices. Your periodontist may recommend dental cleanings more often than the typical schedule of every six months until your gingivitis is resolved. 

For more advanced cases of gum disease, non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing may be necessary. This deep-cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar below the gum line and smooths the tooth root surfaces to promote healing. 

In severe cases of periodontal disease, surgical interventions might be required. These include flap surgery to reduce pocket depth, bone and tissue grafts to regenerate lost bone or gum tissue, or guided tissue regeneration to stimulate bone growth. Additionally, your periodontist may prescribe antibiotics to control bacterial infection. 

Regular dental check-ups are essential in managing periodontal disease and preventing its recurrence. The goal of all these treatments is to stop the progression of the disease, promote healing, and save your natural teeth whenever possible.

LANAP Laser Gum Surgery for Periodontal Treatment

Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery. This advanced technology uses a specialized laser to remove diseased tissue and bacteria while leaving healthy tissue intact. This procedure promotes regeneration of gum tissue and bone, often with less pain and faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.

Where to Find the Best Dentist for Gum Disease Treatment in Miami Beach

Comprehensive periodontal care is essential for effectively treating gum disease and maintaining overall oral health. At Miami Beach Smiles, Dr. Gaertner and his team offer a wide range of periodontal services, from early-stage interventions to advanced treatments for severe cases, all under one roof. Our patient-first approach to gum disease treatment ensures that every patient receives precise, efficient, and minimally invasive periodontal care with cutting-edge technology, such as advanced imaging techniques and laser treatments like LANAP. 

Whether patients require non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing or more complex surgical interventions, Miami Beach Smiles offers the expertise and state-of-the-art solutions necessary to combat gum disease and restore optimal oral health.

Ready for comprehensive gum disease treatment that preserves natural teeth and promotes healing from the best dentist in Miami Beach?