Appointment RequestFrequently Asked Periodontal Questions – Salt Lake City, UT
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Even though you’ll find plenty of great information on our website about our team, periodontal care, and dental implants, we’re sure you still have questions! We’re eager to answer them, so below, you’ll find our responses to some of the most common questions we receive every day. If there is anything else you’d like to know more about that we haven’t covered here, you can always give us a call.
What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a type of dental specialist that focuses on finding, diagnosing, and treating conditions that affect the oral structures that support the teeth, i.e. the gums and underlying bone. Taking care of these parts of the mouth is very different compared to standard dental care, which is why periodontics has been a recognized specialty for decades.
How does a dentist become a periodontist?
Just like a general dentist, a periodontist has to graduate from an accredited dental school, but then they continue their training by completing a multi-year residency that is solely dedicated to learning about all aspects of periodontal care. This is when the dentist will acquire the extra skills they need to provide next-level gum disease therapy and dental implant treatment.
Why should I get dental implants placed by a periodontist instead of a general dentist?
In short, while many general dentists offer to place dental implants themselves, they do not have nearly the same amount of training and experience compared to a periodontist when it comes to performing this procedure. While a general dentist might place 1-2 implants a month, a periodontist literally places more than that each day, meaning they can provide a higher level of care and better results. This difference in expertise is why most dentists refer their implant patients to periodontists.
Do I need a referral to visit a periodontist?
No! While many of our patients are referred to us by their general dentist, it’s perfectly alright for people to schedule appointments with us themselves. You can arrange a visit by giving us a call or requesting an appointment.
Do bleeding gums mean I have gum disease?
Maybe. Bleeding gums are often an indication of early-stage gum disease, but they can also occur if someone has just started flossing regularly, or they may be cleaning their teeth with too much pressure. If the bleeding continues despite brushing and flossing your teeth with a lighter touch for a few days, then you likely need to come see us for treatment.
Is periodontal care covered by dental insurance?
In many cases, yes! Our periodontal office accepts many popular PPO dental insurance plans to make treatment more affordable. To learn how we could use your plan, just give us a call, and we’ll go over your benefits and give you an estimate of any out-of-pocket costs.