PERIODONTITIS & GINGIVITIS - BEVERLY HILLS, CA
What's the Difference Between
Gingivitis and
Periodontitis?
What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a specialized dentist who treats people suffering from gum disease. Their goal is to prevent, diagnose, and treat periodontitis. Quite literally, the word “periodontal” means “around the tooth.” Think about it? The tissues that surround our teeth immediately make us think of our gums. A periodontist is also a trained expert in dental implant placement. When a periodontist examines a patient, the dental issues tend to be complicated or more severe in nature. In many cases, they are providing treatment to your gums and the bones that support your teeth. The primary treatment is to clean the pockets around the teeth to prevent further surrounding bone damage. Thus, the need for you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Justin Raanan rather than a general dentist.
Is A Periodontist a
Dental Specialist?
Periodontics is one of nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). A Periodontist in Beverly Hills undergoes extensive education and training. After completing a four-year dental school program, a periodontist receives an additional three years of postdoctoral education in Periodontology. Both a dentist and a Periodontist in Beverly Hills must obtain a dental license. However, a Periodontist also needs specialized training and an additional license to practice in California. Dr. Justin Raanan has completed rigorous and comprehensive training, making him an expert in periodontics.
Gum Disease: What are the signs and symptoms?
Bleeding is the most common sign of gum disease and also the most ignored. When you brush your teeth or floss, your gums should not bleed. If this happens, then most likely, it is the sign of disease. Additional common symptoms are swelling and redness of the gums. You may notice your gum line is receding and this is known as recession. The change in your alignment or bite may be off. Your breath may also have changed drastically. If you are experiencing any of these common symptoms of gum disease, then you should see Dr. Justin Raanan right away.
Quick facts about Periodontitis.
- It is a severe infection that destroys the soft tissue and supporting bones of your teeth.
- Gingivitis is a gum disease that begins when plaque builds up on your teeth and inflames the surrounding gum tissue.
- Common but preventable.
- Bone and tooth loss often require dental implants.
- Gum sensitivity and tenderness.
- Shifting or loose teeth.
- The primary treatment is to clean the pockets around the teeth to prevent further surrounding bone damage.
Don’t take a chance with your health.
Many people ignore or are afraid to face the severity of gum disease. Many studies show that gum disease is more than just an oral health issue. Gingivitis and other infections may create the following:
- Cardiovascular system related ailments;
- Diabetes;
- Infant birth problems;
- Numerous other medical complications in our bodies;
In fact, in some severe cases of gum and tooth decay, it has led to heart attack and other life-threatening medical problems.
YOU HAVE QUESTIONS , WE HAVE THE ANSWERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The answer is quite simple. It is always a best practice to schedule an appointment with Dr. Justin Raanan. Upon examination, Dr. Raanan can discover dental problems that have appeared. This also allows him to identify potential issues before they become problems. Preventative periodontal maintenance is highly recommended and beneficial to your overall dental health. At Dr. Raanan’s office, you do not need a prior referral from your dentist to schedule a periodontal exam.
In the early phases, gums become red and inflamed, but your teeth remain in their sockets. At this stage, the damage to the bone or gum tissue isn’t irreversible. Ignoring these symptoms leads to periodontitis, a severe gum infection that can damage your gums and potentially destroy your jawbone. Simply put, the deep tissue of your gums and bone starts to separate from your teeth, forming pockets. Once these pockets are filled with infection and debris and continue to advance, your gum disease is in the progressed development phase. The infection to your mouth has spread well below your gum line. At this point, the toxins break down the bone and tissue, which no longer allows your tooth/teeth to be held in their proper position.