When To See A Periodontist

When To See A Periodontist

When To See A Periodontist

There are different types of treatment for periodontal disease. Your general dentist or hygienst may recommend a consultation with a periodontist such as Dr. Cristoforo or Dr. Carmosino if they found signs of periodontal disease during a checkup or other dental care appointment. You may also decide to see a periodontist on your own. A referral is not necessary to be seen at our office.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, however, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office without delay:

  • Bleeding while brushing or eating normal foods
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Gum recession
  • Related health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia, or osteoporosis

The inside of your mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration of this appearance is a warning sign of a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer.

The following are common signs of a pathalogic process or cancerous growth:

  • Reddish patches
  • Whitish patches
  • A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
  • A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Such changes can be detected on the cheeks, lips, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, or on the tongue, face, and neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer. It is recommended to perform an oral cancer self-examination monthly.

Remember, your mouth is one of your body's most important warning systems. Don't ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Instead, please contact our office so we can help identify any suspicious areas and perform an oral cancer exam.