What is a Certified Specialist in Periodontics?
A periodontist has completed at least 10 years of university education. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease and surgery of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school in an accredited university with post graduate training and a requirement of board certification to practice as a “Certified Specialist”.
Only 3 dental specialties incorporate formal implant training in a standardized university environment. These including: Periodontist, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon & Prosthodontist.
Do I need X-rays?
Only xrays or 3D scans that are required for diagnosis and treatment will be prescribed. Recent xrays taken at another office can be emailed or scanned for ease & convienence. But not all x-rays are appropriate for our needs, and some additional x-rays may be necessary.
How much will it cost?
Each surgery/procedure is different in fees set out in the BC Fee Guide for Specialists of Periodontal. These will be discussed with you at our office.
Will my Insurance Cover this?
Insurance is a contract between the insurer and the insured. It is impossible for us to predict if your insurance will help with any of our fees. We will submit pre-determinations for any proposed treatment as a courtesy.
How long does an implant last?
Dental implants today have a very high success rate. Like any mechanical working part (like cars) there is no exact way to predict the longevity of an implant but many researchers are quoting 95% success rates.
Things that compromise these success rates are patient health (diabetes, smoking, your individual healing) along with poor oral hygiene or pre- existing periodontal disease still remaining in the mouth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
- They are the standard of care of today
- Improved appearance + youthful appearance regained
- Improved comfort
- Enjoy chewing and tasting foods again
- Convenience
- Protect remaining natural teeth
- Improved self esteem
Is laser surgery a cure for periodontal disease?
Once you have periodontal disease, you are always at risk for further breakdown. The bacteria which cause periodontal disease in your mouth are always there and only meticulous home care and regular periodontal visits (as recommended by Dr. Desai) can keep these bacteria in low numbers and thus your pockets in check (ie: like oil changes on a car). This will predict the success of your laser surgery.
Does implant or periodontal surgery hurt?
The most common comment we receive is how comfortable most people feel after the procedure. If you follow the postoperative instructions as directed and take the non-narcotic prescriptions & antibiotics Dr. Desai has suggested, most people return to work the next day and comment how smoothly things have gone! The most common complaint is some residual root sensitivity which lessens usually within 4-6 weeks after surgery.
How do I know if I have gum disease? Symptoms include:
- no real pain
- occasional pressure
- food getting stuck/more noticeable spaces between teeth • loosening teeth
- occasional, but not always, bleeding red gums
- receding gums
- bad breath
- diminishing force of biting teeth.
The presence of pain is often one of the LAST symptoms to appear so don’t count on this!
What are the benefits of seeing a periodontist?
Dr. Desai is a specialist in tooth maintenance & longevity. She has education, training and experience, plus your own dedication to good oral health, will help you keep your teeth for as long as possible
Do I need a referral to see a periodontist?
No. We welcome all patients & we accept all referrals, whether from dentists, physicians, family or friends. Over the telephone or email we can discuss if a consultation in our office is appropriate for your needs.
How do I know if I have gum disease? Warning signs:
- Bleeding gums during tooth brushing and flossing.
- Red, swollen or tender gums.
- Persistent bad breath.
- Pus between the teeth and gums.
- Loose or separated teeth.
What can cause gum disease?
The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If the plaque is not removed, it hardens into a rough, porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Toxins (or poisons) produced by the bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums. The toxins destroy supporting tissues around the teeth. Gums then pull away from the teeth, forming pockets which then fill up with more plaque leading to tooth loss.
How long does laser surgery take to heal?
If you follow Dr. Desai’s post operative instructions, you can generally expect to enjoy your normal routine the following day. Talk with Dr. Desai about any special post operative considerations you may have, such as exercise, diet or post-surgical medications. This should help minimize any disruptions to your daily activities.
What types of treatment are available?
The type of gum treatment you receive very much depends on the stage in which it is caught. If Dr. Desai makes the diagnosis in the early stage of disease, proper brushing and flossing along with scaling and root planing may be all that is required. If, on the other hand, the disease is more advanced, you may require laser treatment.
What is Peridontal Root planing?
Root planing is the non-surgical technique that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline using specially designed instruments. Dr. Desai’s hygienist has more experience and training than your own dentist’s hygienist. Experience and skill are very important to success of root planing.