When to See a Periodontist In Philadelphia

Oral Cancer Warning Signs

The inside of your mouth should appear smooth and coral pink. Any change in this normal appearance warrants examination. Reddish patches called erythroplasia or whitish patches called leukoplakia can indicate precancerous changes or oral cancer.

A sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks requires evaluation. Sores that bleed easily or keep returning may signal serious problems. Normal mouth sores from accidentally biting your cheek heal quickly. Persistent sores need professional assessment.

Lumps or thickening on the skin lining your mouth, chronic sore throat, or hoarseness lasting more than two weeks deserve attention. Difficulty chewing or swallowing can indicate growths or tissue changes. These symptoms may appear on your lips, cheeks, palate, gum tissue, tongue, face, or neck.

Pain doesn’t always accompany oral cancer. Many dangerous lesions cause no discomfort in early stages. Any facial or oral pain without obvious cause may indicate problems requiring examination. We perform oral cancer exams during comprehensive evaluations and recommend monthly self-examinations.

Symptoms Requiring Immediate Evaluation

Swollen, puffy gums that appear bright red instead of healthy pink indicate active infection. Tender gums that hurt when you touch them or eat certain foods need treatment. These symptoms show inflammation has progressed beyond mild gingivitis.

Pus appearing between your teeth and gums signals advanced infection. This discharge may have a foul taste or odor. Abscesses form when bacteria multiply in deep periodontal pockets, creating pockets of infection that can spread.

Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite suggest bone loss has shifted tooth positions. You might notice your bite feels different or dentures no longer fit properly. These changes indicate significant periodontal damage and may require bite adjustment.

Pain when chewing means inflammation or bone loss has affected the structures supporting your teeth. Sensitivity to hot or cold foods that persists after the stimulus is removed can indicate exposed root surfaces from gum recession.

Why Early Intervention Matters

The mildest form of gum disease, gingivitis, responds well to professional cleaning and improved home care. At this stage, no permanent damage has occurred. Treatment completely reverses the condition and restores healthy gum tissue.

Moderate periodontitis requires more intensive treatment. Scaling and root planing cleans bacteria from below the gum line and smooths tooth surfaces. This professional treatment stops disease progression but cannot regenerate bone already lost.

Advanced periodontitis causes severe bone loss around multiple teeth. Treatment becomes more complex, often requiring surgical procedures like guided bone regeneration or osseous surgery. Loose teeth may need extraction if too much supporting bone has been destroyed.

Left untreated, periodontal disease continues destroying bone and soft tissue. The bacterial infection spreads, creating deeper periodontal pockets. Eventually, teeth become so loose they fall out or require extraction. Treating gum disease early saves your natural teeth.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Your first appointment includes a comprehensive evaluation. We examine your gums, measure pocket depths around each tooth, and take X-rays to assess bone levels. This thorough assessment identifies the extent of any periodontal disease and other risk factors.

We discuss findings and recommend appropriate periodontal treatments. Options range from professional cleaning for early gingivitis to more advanced procedures for moderate or severe periodontitis. Treatment plans address your specific needs and health conditions.

Many patients worry about discomfort during periodontal treatment. Modern techniques like Fotona laser therapy and anesthesia options make procedures comfortable. We explain each step and ensure you feel at ease throughout your visit.

Follow-up appointments monitor your healing and maintain your results. Most patients with gum disease need periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months rather than the standard six-month interval. These frequent visits prevent reinfection and catch any problems early.

Schedule Your Evaluation Today

Your mouth provides important warnings about your health. Don’t ignore bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, or suspicious sores. These symptoms won’t improve on their own and indicate problems requiring professional treatment.

Dr. Jay Laudenbach and Dr. Ishita Bhavsar at Laudenbach Periodontics & Dental Implants provide comprehensive periodontal care. Our Philadelphia office welcomes new patients and doesn’t require referrals. We schedule appointments promptly because we understand early treatment produces the best outcomes.

New patients can pre-register using our secure online forms. We’re open Monday through Friday at 1520 Locust Street, Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Contact our office today to schedule your evaluation and protect your oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seeing a Periodontist

Do I need a referral from my dentist to see a periodontist?

No, you don’t need a referral to schedule an appointment at our Philadelphia periodontal office. While many patients come to us after their general dentist identifies gum problems, you can contact us directly if you notice symptoms like bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth. We welcome patients who want to take a proactive approach to their oral health by seeking specialized periodontal care on their own.

How do I know if my gum problems are serious enough for a periodontist?

Any persistent gum symptoms warrant a periodontal evaluation. Bleeding when you brush or eat, chronic bad breath that doesn’t improve with good oral hygiene, gum recession, or teeth that feel loose all indicate you should see a periodontist. Don’t wait for pain – periodontal disease often progresses without causing discomfort. Early examination allows simpler treatment and prevents permanent damage to the bone and soft tissue supporting your teeth.

What’s the difference between a regular dental cleaning and periodontal treatment?

Regular dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar from above the gum line and maintain healthy mouths. Periodontal treatments like scaling and root planing address infection below the gum line in periodontal pockets. This deep cleaning removes bacteria from tooth roots and smooths root surfaces to help gums reattach. Moderate to advanced periodontitis requires these specialized procedures that general dentists may not perform. Periodontists have additional training to treat gum disease at all stages.

Can periodontal disease affect my overall health?

Yes, research shows strong links between periodontal disease and systemic health conditions. The bacterial infection from your gums can enter your bloodstream and contribute to heart disease, complicate diabetes management, and worsen respiratory conditions. Pregnant women with gum disease face higher risk for premature birth. If you have diabetes, heart disease, or other health conditions, managing your periodontal health becomes essential for your overall wellbeing. Regular periodontal evaluations help protect both your oral and systemic health.