While everyone in Kentucky knows what a dentist does, and may even know what an oral surgeon does, many may not be familiar with the term periodontist or the conditions treated by this professional. As a periodontist, Dr. Clagett wants you to be informed about how he can help you when you encounter certain oral health conditions, so keep reading.
What Is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is an oral health professional who has three additional years of training beyond dental school. They specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease—a gum disease that can cause damage to the gum tissue and underlying bone—and in the placement of dental implants. They employ the most advanced techniques—both surgical and non-surgical—to care for their patients and ensure a successful procedure and outcome.
Conditions a Periodontist Can Treat
Periodontitist
First and foremost, a “periodontist” treats “periodontitis.” This oral health condition is where the profession derives its name, so you can rest assured that as a periodontist in Kentucky, Dr. Clagett is fully trained and qualified to care for your periodontitis, no matter the severity.
As we mentioned above, periodontitis is a gum disease that can damage the gums and underlying jawbone that supports the teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to gum loss, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
To treat periodontitis, Dr. Clagett can perform a number of procedures, including:
- Scaling and Root Planing
- LANAP Laser Surgery
- Flap Surgery
- Gum or Bone Grafts
Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs due to poor oral healthcare, age, disease, or infection. If you have exposed tooth roots, you have gum recession. To correct this condition, periodontist Dr. Clagett can perform gum graft surgery to help your gums regrow and protect you against infection and tooth loss.
Bone Loss
Kentucky men and women who have loose or missing teeth, often have bone loss as well. Dr. Clagett can perform a bone graft in order to encourage regrowth of your jawbone and protect it from further resorption, and you from further tooth loss.
Loose or Missing Teeth
Many patients who have periodontal disease also suffer from loose or missing teeth. As a periodontist in Kentucky, Dr. Clagett can restore your smile by placing dental implants to replace your missing teeth. Dental implants restore stimulation to the jawbone, which in turn encourages its strength and allows it to maintain its shape. If you have loose or missing teeth, don’t wait to see a periodontist like Dr. Clagett about having them replaced. Your remaining teeth and oral function depend on it.
Cosmetic Gum Surgery
Not only can Dr. Clagett treat oral health conditions from a medical standpoint, but he can also help Kentucky patients who are unhappy with the cosmetic appearance of their smile. If you’ve always felt your smile looks “gummy,” Dr. Clagett can perform a crown lengthening procedure to expose more of your teeth and improve the aesthetics of your smile.
Learn More About How Dr. Clagett Can Help You
If you believe you have one of the above-mentioned oral health conditions or another oral health concern, don’t wait to call us at Derby City Dental Specialists.
Schedule an initial consultation and in the meantime learn more about Dr. Clagett’s education, qualifications, and training.
