Taking care of your teeth is a given if you want to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. While there are many different dental professionals, you may not have heard of a periodontist before. However, these specialists are crucial in helping you keep your mouth in tip-top shape. Our excellent periodontists, Dr. Maryanne B. Butler and Dr. Amy M. Riffel, at Periodontics of Cherry Creek and Mountainview Periodontics and Dental Implants in Glendale and Parker, Colorado, are here to provide the best care for all our patients.
What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist specializing in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases that affect the gums and supporting teeth structures, including conditions like periodontitis (gum disease), gingivitis, and other infections. Periodontists receive extensive training and education beyond dental school, thoroughly studying the gums and bones around the teeth. They are experts in scaling and root planing (deep cleaning of the teeth), LANP laser surgery, gum disease surgery, gum grafts, and dental implant placement.
What to Expect During Your Visit
If you’re experiencing any symptoms related to gum disease or want to ensure that your gums are as healthy as possible, a visit to a periodontist can be beneficial. During your appointment, Dr. Butler or Dr. Riffel will examine your gums, teeth, and bite and take X-rays to understand better what’s happening beneath the surface. From there, they may recommend a course of treatment, such as a deep cleaning, medication, or surgery.
Why You Should See a Periodontist
Dr. Butler and Dr. Riffel are highly educated periodontists who work to ensure their patients receive the best and most personalized care during their visits. We strongly encourage everyone to see us at our Parker and Glendale, Colorado, dental offices for periodontal care. Some of the reasons include:
Prevention of Gum Disease
One of the biggest reasons to see a periodontist is to prevent gum disease from taking hold in the first place. Gum disease is a very prevalent disease- it’s estimated that nearly half of adults in the United States have some form of it. Regular cleanings with a general dentist can help keep gum disease at bay, but sometimes, more intensive care is needed. A periodontist can identify early warning signs of gum disease and devise a plan to prevent it from progressing.
Dental Implants
Of course, gum disease isn’t the only reason to see a periodontist. A periodontist can be a great resource if you’re interested in dental implants to replace missing teeth. They’ll be able to evaluate your mouth and determine whether you’re a good candidate for implants. And if you’ve experienced bone loss in your jaw, which can sometimes happen due to advanced gum disease or tooth loss, a periodontist may be able to help rebuild that bone with bone grafting. If bone grafting isn’t an option, the bone and soft tissue are reshaped to decrease bacteria and allow easier access for cleaning.
Overall Health
Lastly, it’s important to note that periodontal health doesn’t just impact your mouth – it can affect your overall health, too. Research has shown a strong link between gum disease and other health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. By keeping your gums healthy with the help of a periodontist, you’ll be taking an essential step toward protecting your overall health.
Periodontist in Parker and Glendale, CO
Periodontists may not be the most well-known dental professionals, but they’re essential to any dental care team. Whether you’re experiencing gum disease symptoms or want to ensure optimal gum health, a periodontist can help. Our periodontists, Dr. Maryanne Butler and Dr. Amy Riffel, are experts trained to diagnose and treat various gum-related conditions, from mild gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. And by prioritizing your gum health, you’ll be taking a crucial step toward protecting your overall health and well-being.
Please schedule an appointment with us today at Periodontics of Cherry Creek in Glendale, Colorado, or Mountainview Periodontics and Dental Implants in Parker, Colorado!
