What Does a Periodontist Do?

What We Do

A PERIODONTIST is a dental specialist who treats the supporting structures of the teeth including the gums, roots and bone. DIAGNOSIS is very important, and emphasis is placed on PREVENTION.

Our goal is to recognize disease, determine if it is advancing and then stop its progression. Treatment usually includes the following:

Coaching patients to perform a higher level of HOME CARE;

DEEPER CLEANING than normal to remove tartar from behind the gums;

analyzing and adjusting BITE, sometimes splinting teeth to prevent trauma;

appropriate use of ANTIMICROBIALS may include antibiotic therapy or direct delivery of antimicrobials into infected areas;

SURGICAL TREATMENT of more advanced periodontal disease may include reducing pockets or rebuilding the gum or bone with regeneration;

often COSMETICS is the goal of reconstructive surgery;

DENTAL IMPLANTS are provided by a periodontist to replace missing teeth when conventional bridges or partial dentures are not appropriate.

A PERIODONTIST'S job is to assure that the FOUNDATION is adequate for dental restorations such as crown, bridges or dentures. This is very important if you are about to invest in your teeth!

Your periodontist will help you understand if other health factors are involved in your periodontal disease, such as CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, RESPIRATORY DISEASE or DIABETES. Current research has shown important relationships and we will be glad to discuss this with you. (See our Newsroom)

A patient's comfort is very important to us, and we can usually provide excellent control of discomfort with local anesthetic and a very gentle touch. Nitrous oxide is available if necessary. Sometimes oral sedatives are helpful for very anxious patients.

900 Ritchie Hwy, Suite 103
Severna Park, MD 21146
410-647-0200

505 Dutchman's Lane
Easton, MD 21601
410-820-8477

Email: richard@drgartner.com

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