What is a Periodontist? Maintaining your oral health means much more than just brushing your teeth and avoiding too many sweets. Your gums and other soft tissues play key roles in the function and appearance of your smile, which is what a periodontist like Dr. Graser is specially trained to treat. What Training Does a Periodontist Receive?A periodontist has to attend a university or college and receive a Bachelor's degree in one of several approved fields of study. They are then required to apply for and be accepted into dental school. Dental school lasts an additional four years and will result in a doctorate degree. Dental school will involve hands-on coursework and training that is capped off by a final licensing exam and a demonstration of skills. After becoming certified as a general dentist, they must participate in a residency that lasts an additional 36 months. During the residency, they will work closely with periodontists and oral surgeons so that they can gain new skills specifically related to treating the tissues surrounding the teeth. Once the residency is complete, periodontists need to complete another board exam. This second exam is administered by the American Board of Periodontology and will result in them becoming a licensed periodontist. This license must also be renewed at regular intervals, which helps them stay apprised of the latest skills and techniques in their field. What Procedures Can a Periodontist Perform?One of the most important skills possessed by periodontists is the ability to prevent and treat gum disease. These skills range from simple scaling and root planing treatments to complex regenerative procedures. Periodontists are also responsible for installing dental implants. In addition, periodontists can complete oral cancer screenings, like the screenings provided as part of every oral exam at our office. Periodontists can even biopsy any abnormalities that are discovered during your exam and send them to a lab for testing. Why Should I See a Periodontist?If you are noticing changes in the appearance of your gums, bleeding, or perhaps even loose teeth, you likely need to see a periodontist. And if you were referred to a periodontist by your general dentist, they likely have concerns about the gums or bone supporting the teeth that they aren't specialized in. The periodontist's job, as much as possible, is to save your natural teeth. When it comes to severe oral health conditions like gum disease and oral cancer, early detection is key. The sooner these ailments are addressed, the better your outcome will be, which is one more reason to see a periodontist for your oral health needs. If you would like to learn more about the non-invasive treatments that can be provided at Willamette Valley Periodontics or are ready to schedule an appointment, you can do so by calling our office at (971) 261-1926. |
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