Everyone in Kentucky knows about dentists and orthodontists. They know what they treat and how they help with certain situations relating to the mouth and teeth. In fact, as we move up the list of dental care specialists, you’ll even find that many people know about oral surgeons and what they do. But, it’s less common for the general public to know about periodontists and how they can help maintain your oral health.
As a board-certified periodontist in Kentucky, Dr. Clagett has many years of experience providing periodontal care to his patients. His approach is one of care and gentleness, as he always works to make each patient feel supported and educated about their condition, treatment options, and expected outcomes.
Keep reading as we explain more about the role of a periodontist and what he or she can do to keep you in good oral health (and even protect your overall health).
What Is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who has three additional years of specialized training beyond dental school. As with Dr. Clagett, a periodontist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, a gum disease that affects the gums, underlying bone, and teeth of those affected.
A periodontist can also perform a wide variety of oral health procedures, including:
- Gum graft surgery
- Tooth lengthening surgery
- Scaling and root planing
- Root surface debridement
- Laser gum surgery
- Traditional gum surgery
- Dental implant placement
What You Can Expect During Your Initial Consultation with Periodontist, Dr. Clagett
When you come to Dr. Clagett’s Kentucky periodontal office, you will be warmly welcomed by every team member you encounter. In fact, the comfort of his patients is his top priority, and he has developed his entire practice around this goal.
Dr. Clagett will talk to you about your oral health concerns and perform a full evaluation by checking your gums for recession and your teeth for alignment and whether or not any of them are loose. He will measure your periodontal pockets (the area between the teeth and gums) to determine the health of your gums. Additionally, he will take any needed x-rays and images to assist in diagnosis and treatment planning and talk to you about your treatment options.
How to Know if You Should Visit a Periodontist
Men and women in Kentucky who are experiencing the following signs of periodontal disease should visit a periodontist like Dr. Clagett as soon as possible:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that won’t go away no matter what you try
- Shifting of your teeth
- Teeth that are loose
- Receding gums
- Gums that are red, tender, or swollen
- Excessive buildup of plaque or tartar on your teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Tooth loss
These symptoms can range in their severity, and it’s vital that you are checked by a trained periodontist soon. Research suggests that periodontal disease is directly related to other chronic diseases such as heart failure, diabetes, and dementia, so having periodontal treatment can protect your overall health as well as your oral health.
Call Periodontist Dr. Clagett for Treatment Today
If you believe you need to be seen by a periodontist, our friendly team will be able to answer any questions you have and schedule an initial consultation for you.
Contact Dr. Clagett’s Kentucky office today.
