A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal disease, placing dental implants, and treating oral inflammation. They receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. They are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease and perform cosmetic periodontal procedures.

A general dentist can manage some patients’ periodontal needs. However, as more patients exhibit signs of periodontal disease and research suggests a relationship between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases, periodontal treatment may require a greater understanding and expertise by a trained specialist. Patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease or complex cases will benefit from a partnership between a general dentist and a periodontist.

Bacterial plaque is the primary cause of periodontal disease. However, other factors can affect the health of your gums, including:

• Smoking and tobacco use
• Genetics
• Stress
• Medications
• Diabetes
• Poor nutrition and obesity
• Clenching and grinding your teeth
• Hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause)
• Systemic diseases

For a more detailed description of these factors, refer to the “Services” tab.

Common symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite

If you experience any of these symptoms, scheduling an appointment with a periodontist for an evaluation is important.

Treatment for periodontal disease varies depending on the severity of the condition. We may treat early stages with non-surgical therapies such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) and improved oral hygiene practices. More advanced cases may require surgical treatments, including:

• Pocket reduction surgery
• Regenerative procedures
• Soft tissue grafts
• Bone grafts

Sometimes, we recommend dental implants to replace teeth lost due to periodontal disease.

Your periodontal treatment will begin with a thorough examination and evaluation by Dr. Maryanne Butler or Dr. Amy Riffel. This may include taking X-rays, measuring the depth of your gum pockets, and assessing the overall health of your gums and supporting structures. We will develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs based on the findings. Non-surgical treatments are typically performed in the dental office and may require one or more visits.

Preventing periodontal disease involves maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Good oral hygiene includes:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing daily to remove plaque between teeth
• Using an antimicrobial mouthwash
• Eating a balanced diet
• Avoiding tobacco use
• Visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams

If you are at higher risk for periodontal disease, your periodontist may recommend more frequent visits to monitor and manage your oral health.

At Mountainview Periodontics and Dental Implants in Parker and Periodontics of Cherry Creek in Glendale, you’ll receive care from highly trained and experienced periodontists Dr. Maryanne Butler and Dr. Amy Riffel. Our practices provide state-of-the-art periodontal care with a patient-centered approach. Whether you need routine periodontal maintenance, advanced surgical procedures, or dental implants, our team is here to ensure your treatment is as effective and comfortable as possible.