Monday, August 31, 2015

What Exactly Is A Periodontist In Houston TX?

Basically, a periodontist is a dental practitioner who specializes in the placement of dental implants and also performs cosmetic oral plastic surgical procedures. Plus, he has the required educational background to prevent, diagnose and treat periodontal diseases both surgical and non-surgical approaches. When you have periodontal concerns that are beyond what your general dentist can handle, it is wise to see a competent periodontist in Houston to ensure that you are in good hands.

The truth actually is that all general dental practitioners have the education and training to handle basic periodontal diseases. However, additional training is necessary for them to be able to treat advanced cases and this when periodontist comes in handy. Today, it is common for periodontists to team up with general dentists and other specialists in the field to diagnose and treat gum and other dental-related diseases.

When to see a periodontist:

Ideally, if you notice any symptom of periodontal disease, you should see one. Although it is important to remember that regular examination of your gum area should be a part of your dental hygiene routine. People dealing with medical conditions such as diabetes, heart or respiratory ailments as well as those who regularly smoke should see a periodontist on a regular basis because they are often prone to periodontal diseases. And considering that the proper treatment of the disease largely depends on its cause, accurate diagnosis is therefore crucial.

If there’s a need for you to see a periodontist, start looking for one from your dentist by asking for a referral. However, you should also know what to look for to ensure that you choose one that is competent and skilled in his profession. First and foremost, you should consider how long he has been practicing. Aside from that, you should also take note if he has taken any continuing education and/or recertification courses recently. Ask about what treatment plan he has for your condition. You should ask if there are other options available. If there are any, what are the pros and cons of each option?

Specifically ask if the periodontist has already performed the same procedure that you’ll require. If he had, did he encounter any problem? Ask about his emergency plans. You should also ask about the cost of the procedure and whether or not he accepts your dental insurance. If not, inquire if there are payment options that he offers that you can avail. It is also important that you’re comfortable around him. Is he pleasant and accommodating? Can you easily reach him? In the end, you have to find a periodontist that is not only skilled and experienced in his field but also one that you will be comfortable with.


Concerned that you may have a gum disease? Visit us at: https://nehoustonimplants.com/contact-us and let us give you something to smile about with the revolutionary treatment methods we have available for you.


The Most Notable Cons Of Dental Implants In Houston TX

Dental implants have definitely brought the field of dentistry to a whole new level. This dental procedure has become the norm when it comes to solutions for missing teeth. However, just like all other medical procedures, it comes without some risks. Before you consider dental implants in Houston to address a single or multiple teeth loss, you have to know all the associated risks.

Dental implants actually have very high success rate, about 97%. But as stated above, there are risks involved in the procedure. One of the most common is infection. This generally happens when the facility or the tools and equipment are not clean or the surgery itself is not properly carried out. Infection also develops when the wound is not being cared for properly after the surgery. Early on-set infection has to be treated right away to prevent it from spreading and affecting surrounding tissue or jawbone.

Another risk associated with dental implants is nerve damage which can be either temporary or permanent. When the nerve is damaged during the surgery, a patient may experience tingling, numbness, or pain. The pain can be felt in the mouth, jaw and even in other parts of the facial area. Aside from the nerve, the blood vessel, gum tissue and nearby teeth can be damaged as well particularly when the surrounding tissue or bone has been affected during the procedure which can cause pain and will disrupt or prolong the healing process of the dental implant.

In addition, there are also cases of a failed implant. This basically means that the dental implant itself fails to attach into the jawbone area and the tissues around it didn’t grow as expected. Normally, a dental implant successfully affixes the first time. However, if they don’t, the dentist will have to try again although the procedure has to wait for a certain period of time to allow the area to heal.

Then there are the sinus issues. This rarely occurs but there are cases when the titanium posts pokes into the jaw or gum tissue into the sinus cavity. This then disturbs the normal activities of the sinus system which can lead to infection. If this happens, the post has to be reset.

To summarize, dental implants as a whole is a safe dental procedure with very minimal risks. The associated risks that might occur can be easily addressed. Generally, if you are an excellent candidate for this dental procedure, you are most likely going to have a safe and successful treatment with very minimal or even zero complication.


Considering dental implants? Visit Dr. Holly Gregory of Houston Dental Implants Oral Surgery & Periodontics today to see if this dental procedure is right for you.