How to Choose Your Periodontist in Queens, NY

Ever heard of a periodontist? Yes, maybe, not sure?

A periodontist is a dental specialist that deals with more serious dental problems such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and so on. Some of the dental solutions that they offer include gum graft surgery, dental fillings, and dental implants.

As you can already tell, a periodontist plays a vital role in making sure your oral and overall health is good.

So how do you make sure you end up with the best one? Read on to find out how to choose your periodontist in Queens, NY and more.

Tips for Selecting the Best Periodontist for You

Not all periodontists that practice out there are created equal. Use the following tips to find the best one for you.

Conduct Prior Research

If you already know a dentist or have a dentist whom you go to for routine checkup, find out if they can refer any periodontist to you.

You could also go online and read through various periodontist websites. Here, look at their ratings, read reviews and comments left by patients about the quality of services offered and the practitioners who work there.

Find out from family and friends about periodontists in your area. Ask them if they know of any good periodontists or any bad ones that you should keep off.

Are They Qualified?

Periodontal disease can happen as a result of infection and other complications with the gums and other structures in the mouth. It can also happen owing to poor professionalism and lack of training when you visit an unqualified practitioner.

To avoid all these inconveniences, don’t hesitate to ask and check if the particular periodontist you want to see has all the necessary qualifications.

For example, do they have a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree? Or do they have a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree? Find out if they are board certified or if they have the required accreditations.

This way, you know that they have gone through an additional 3 years of training. As a result, they are able to perform various procedures and can easily identify symptoms and treat periodontal disease.

Beyond education, you also want to make sure that they have worked with patients for long enough and that they are experienced.

Find Out If They Are Compatible With You

Do you and your periodontist click? For you to be able to tell your practitioner how you feel and what you’ve been going through lately, it is important that you think of them as your friend.

This way, it’s easy for you to ask questions and easy for the periodontist to explain diagnoses and treatments patiently for you to understand.

You want to find someone who genuinely cares about your oral health and yet remains professional. One who makes you feel comfortable and welcome every time you visit.

Don’t forget to vet the staff too. They also need to be friendly for you to feel accommodated at their practice.

Pricing and Insurance

Various periodontists offer their services at different prices. Others offer flexible payment terms and some tend to be more strict. Don’t be too quick to settle for a periodontist simply based on how affordable they are.

Dig deeper, ask whether or not they accept all insurance company cards or if they only accept a selected few.

Check to see if they have various payments terms to suit different patients in case one is undergoing extensive procedures. Find out which services are payable in cash and which ones are covered by insurance.

Reasons to Seek Out a Periodontist Instead of a Regular Dentist

It may all seem like too much of a hassle to have to look for a periodontist yet you already have a dentist that you see regularly.

A regular dentist can diagnose and treat many oral health complications and diseases. They can also perform minor procedures associated with the gum.

Periodontists, on the other hand, are well versed in offering specialized diagnosis and treatment in a bid to prevent you from contracting the periodontal disease.

Dentists will refer you to a periodontist if your problem is extensive and you need specified attention.

Common Signs You Need to See a Periodontist

Wondering when exactly you should see a periodontist? Some common signs to watch out for include:

Your Bite is Different

Has your chewing technique changed? Do you feel different when talking and brushing your teeth? These are good indications that there’s a significant shift in your mouth structure.

To be sure about what could be going on, it is advisable to visit a periodontist first. This keeps you safe from having to endure pain if the problem gets worse.

You Have Loose Teeth

When eating hard foods or when brushing your teeth, you may notice that a tooth or several teeth are loose. It could be nothing, but it could also be something serious.

How about scheduling a visit to the periodontist either way?

They will conduct examinations to see if this could be an early case of gum disease or whether you have bone damage. The earlier the problem is isolated, the better your chances of acquiring deserved oral care and treatment.

You Have Bleeding, Red or Swollen Gums

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, or you notice that they are unusually red and swollen, this is a sure sign that you should see a periodontist.

Get a prompt diagnosis and treatment to address these issues and root out any underlying ones.

You Have Receding Gums

Periodontal disease can manifest through abnormal receding gums. As you age, you are bound to notice that your teeth seem bigger/larger than usual.

But if you notice the recession happening too rapidly, then promptly book an appointment with your periodontist.

Here, you will get a clear picture of what could be happening.

You Feel Discomfort and Pain

Pain and discomfort in the mouth are common reasons people head to the dentist all the time. But you are better off seeing a periodontist if you want to know specifics about why and where the pain is coming from.

Ready to Partner With the Best Periodontist?

Studies show that a whopping 47 percent of adults above 30 years of age suffer from gum disease. The stakes are heightened if you chew tobacco, smoke, suffer heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis or respiratory issues.

With the tips above, you now know what signs to watch out for and how to find the best periodontist. Contact us today for special care and high-quality periodontist services.