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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.

Periodontist

Is A Periodontist a
Dental Specialist?

Periodontics is one (1) of nine (9) specialties given recognition by the American Dental Association (ADA). Another distinction is the education and training a Periodontist Beverly Hills receives. After finishing dental school, which is a four (4) year program, a periodontist then receives three (3) more years of postdoctoral education in the field of Periodontology. To summarize, both a dentist and a Periodontist Beverly Hills must obtain a dental license. But, a Periodontist in addition to more specialized training also must be accredited with an additional license in the state of California to practice in this field. Dr. Justin Raanan has completed rigorous and comprehensive training making him an expert in the field of 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.

This is a common question, and the two diseases are often mistaken for the same things. Gingivitis is also called gum inflammation. Periodontitis is an inflammation of the gums as well; however, the inflammation affects the supporting structures of your teeth. Simply, gingivitis and periodontitis are two (2) different phases of gum disease. Both of these begin with a bacterial infection and left undiagnosed, is one of the most critical oral health issues you will face. In other words, your gum tissue begins to destruct, and this leads to the loss of a tooth and/or teeth.
Like the age-old debate of the chicken or the egg, the same is to be said of gingivitis and periodontitis. In fact, gingivitis starts before periodontitis. Dr. Justin Raanan advises that it does not mean that gingivitis will lead to periodontitis. Inferior oral hygiene is the leading cause of gingivitis. The next thing that occurs is a bacterial infection sets in which lead to plaque buildup. Further, this leads to swollen gums. A good indicator you may have this disease is if you brush your teeth and your gums consistently bleed.

The early phases result in red and inflamed gums. However, your teeth are still in their sockets. At this point, the damage is not yet irreversible to the bone or gum tissue. If you ignore these symptoms, it will lead to periodontitis. To be clear, this is a severe gum infection that not only damages your gums but potentially can destroy your jawbone. In simpler terms, the deep tissue of your gums and bone begins to separate from your tooth/teeth, and it creates the formation of a pocket.

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.

Dr. Justin Raanan is a Harvard Trained, Board Certified Periodontist in Beverly Hills that specializes in stopping tooth loss caused by gum disease. Not only is he highly trained, but he is also passionate about helping patients that suffer from gum disease. You need to take immediate action if you are exhibiting any of these symptoms. Don’t be afraid, don’t ignore the problem, let Dr. Raanan diagnose and treat your problem. The next step is simple, you contact our office at CLICK TO CALL or fill out a CONTACT FORM to schedule an appointment.
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