How to Choose a Periodontist

Because many people are unfamiliar with periodontology, it can be difficult to know what steps to take in finding which periodontist is right for you and your particular needs. One of the easiest ways to find a columbus ohio periodontist who is geographically close and well respected is to ask your regular dentist for a recommendation. Most dentists will have a professional relationship with a local periodontist and a general understanding of what services they specialize in.

Asking friends, family, or coworkers is another great method for finding a good periodontist in your area. You will generally receive straightforward feedback on the quality and comprehensiveness of services offered, as well as firsthand information about what you can expect from your visit.

If your dentist or friends and family do not have any recommendations, or you would prefer not to take this approach, web searches also generally yield results. Just be sure to include your area zip code and check their homepage to see if they offer the type of services you are looking for.

It is a good idea to have both a general dentist and a periodontist that you trust, as doing so will provide you with a broader and more holistic level of support. By taking a team approach to your oral health, your periodontist and dentist will be able to develop a personalized treatment plan that is designed to your specific needs.

What Kind of Education or Certification Should My Periodontist Have?

Periodontists are required to complete two or three years of additional training following the standard four-year undergraduate and then Graduate or accredited dental school requirements. Though not required, some periodontists also take board-certification exams. If your periodontist has stated they are board certified, this means they have made a commitment to extend their education beyond what is required, and comfortably demonstrate mastery of all aspects of diagnosing and treating periodontal disease and dental implant placement. Certification must be renewed every six years and requires continuing education requirements and other examples of mastery of current periodontic practices.

Once they have met these required certifications, Periodontists can specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, as well as a variety of specialized dental procedures. Your periodontist will be qualified to place dental implants as well as monitor the implants to ensure they are functioning properly. Your periodontist will also be qualified to cover exposed root surfaces and correct gum recession, which are procedures that are commonly done leading up to a cosmetic procedure. Perhaps most importantly, your periodontist is qualified to work with your general dentist and provide you with a comprehensive and
individualized plan for overall oral care.

Examples of Periodontal Procedures

When researching and selecting a periodontist that is right for you, it is important to review their website or speak to their clinic to determine what type of procedures they offer or do not offer. Here is a brief overview of the types of procedure a clinic may offer.

Non-surgical procedures, which include procedures done in early stages of gum disease, including scaling and root planing, deep cleanings, and possibly additional therapy, like antimicrobials or antibiotics.

Standard Periodontal Surgery Procedures, which could include the following:

• Pocket reduction: During a pocket reduction procedure, your periodontist will fold the gum tissue in order to remove bacteria that cause disease. Next, they will secure this tissue in place. When necessary, your periodontist will smooth out irregular surfaces caused by damaged bone in order to reduce the areas where bacteria can form, which will allow for the gum tissue to attach to the healthy bone.
• Regeneration: During a regeneration procedure, your periodontist will remove bacteria by folding back the gum tissue, after which tissue-stimulating proteins or bone grafts will be used to help facilitate your body’s natural healing process in regenerating bone and tissue.
• Gingivectomy: A gingivectomy is a procedure in which your periodontist will cut away part of the gums, which will allow them to remove calculus and smooth out the roots, which will create a better environment for healing.

Periodontal Plastic Surgery Procedures, which could include the following:

• Soft tissue grafting: During this procedure, your periodontist will remove gum tissue in order to cover a root that is exposed. This procedure is done to even out gum lines and reduce sensitivity.
• Gingival Sculpting: A gingival sculpting procedure involves reshaping excess bone tissue and gum to show more of the natural tooth in order to create a bigger, more evenly balanced smile.
• Ridge augmentation: Ridge augmentation is procedure that is done to make artificial teeth appear more natural, to reclaim natural contours of your gum and jaws, or to correct jawbone and gum indentations.

These are just a few examples of procedures commonly offered by periodontist clinics. When deciding what periodontist or clinic is right for you, be sure to ask about these and other procedures, as well as the periodontist’s specialty in the procedure or procedures you will have done.

Important Things to Consider When Choosing Your Periodontist

There are many important things to consider when trying to determine which periodontist is correct for you and your families care. When making this important decision, be sure to ask the following questions:

• How long have they been in practice?
• What options do they provide for your proposed treatment plan? Be sure that you are confident in the rationale for your periodontist’s diagnosis, and also make sure they are willing to discuss the benefits and drawbacks to different treatment options.
• What is their general philosophy? Some periodontists believe in a non-surgical, preventative approach towards oral care, while others are more aligned with a more aggressive approach that utilizes more modern surgical procedures and interventions. There is no right or wrong approach, but it is important that you feel your periodontist’s approach matches with your own.
• What are their qualifications, are they board certified, and how recently have they been board certified? It is important to know that, while it is not required for periodontists to be certified in order to practice, them being certified is one indicator of their continued commitment to professional development.
• What is their level of experience and expertise with the specific procedure or procedures that you need to have performed?
• What are the costs associated with the treatments they are proposing? Does their clinic accept insurance? If they do not accept dental insurance, do they offer financing options and/or third party financing suggestions?
• What levels of anesthesia and pain-relief is the clinic willing to provide?
• What type of technology/equipment does the office have and how up to date is it?
• What is their overall demeanor like? Are the staff and other members of the clinic courteous and professional?
• Who else is part of their referral network? It is important that you have a consistent level of confidence in the professional expertise, not just in your periodontist, but with those who may be collaborating on your healthcare, including other dentists and medical professions. It is also important to determine if these dental/medical professionals also accept your insurance and/or if they offer financing options as well.
• Is your periodontist part of a dental group or do they practice alone? There are benefits to either example, with the most important being that multi-member groups may provide more comprehensive services, but a specialist may provide greater expertise in a procedure that is most specific to your needs.
• What emergency care does the clinic provide?
• Is the office in a convenient location, and do the hours of operation fit your schedule?

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