Periodontal Services in Winchester
When Should I see a Periodontist?
Periodontal treatment can be initiated in various ways. Your dentist or hygienist may suggest a consultation with a periodontist upon detecting signs of periodontal disease during a routine checkup. Alternatively, you can seek a periodontist independently, as no referral is necessary for our office.
We encourage prompt scheduling if you experience:
- Bleeding while brushing or eating.
- Persistent bad breath despite thorough cleaning.
- Teeth feeling loose or gums receding.
- Concurrent health issues like heart disease or diabetes, which may correlate with periodontal infections spreading through the bloodstream.
Changes in the mouth’s normal appearance, such as reddish or whitish patches, sores that don’t heal, lumps, chronic sore throat, or difficulty chewing or swallowing, could signal a pathological process or oral cancer. Regular self-examinations are, as pain is not always present with oral cancer. Don’t overlook suspicious symptoms; contact us promptly for assistance.
ing are common signs of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:
- Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth.
- A sore that fails to heal, and bleeds easily.
- A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth.
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness.
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and, curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer. We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly.
Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we may help.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a condition affecting gums and jaw bone, crucial for tooth support. Healthy gums frame teeth beautifully, but when unhealthy, they recede, swell, and may lead to teeth shifting or loss. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and food particles, is the primary cause. Gingivitis, the milder form, can progress to periodontitis, where gum tissue and bone degrade, potentially leading to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is often symptomless, affecting 80% of Americans by age 45, with many unaware. Regular oral care and dental check-ups are essential for prevention.
