Most dentists will refer their patients to a periodontist if their needs are beyond their level of expertise. However, finding a periodontist that offers the treatment support you need and suits your specific preferences is important.

Your periodontist Woodbury, NY will typically review your medical and dental history during the first visit. This will include medications you are taking, as many can impact your gums and oral health.

Ask for Referrals

Your general family dentist often recommends a periodontist to care for your needs. This is a great way to ensure an established working relationship with someone who understands your oral health needs and concerns.

Ask about their education, professional credentials, and certifications. Look for a periodontist who has earned a four-year undergraduate degree, a dental school degree, and three years of training in an American Dental Association-accredited periodontal residency program.

It would help if you also determined whether the periodontist uses the latest technology to diagnose and treat your gum issues. Outdated treatment methods can be ineffective and painful.

Finally, it would help if you asked the periodontist about their referral network and whether they work collaboratively with other dentists or medical professionals on certain treatments. You should also be confident in their professionalism and expertise if they do. Also, ask about their availability and scheduling flexibility. You don’t want to be stuck with a busy periodontist who will be hard to reach when you need them.

Look for Certifications

There are many factors to consider when choosing a periodontist, including how long they’ve been in business, where they went to school, and whether or not they’re board certified. You’ll also want to examine their treatment philosophies, insurance policies, and office hours.

The best way to determine if a particular periodontist is right for you is by scheduling an appointment and meeting them in person. During this appointment, the prospective periodontist will likely examine your mouth, throat, teeth, and gums and take an X-ray of your head and jaw joints.

When meeting the potential periodontist, determine if they use the latest treatment methods and technology. Ask about their use of laser gum treatment, 3D imaging, and digital X-rays. Also, ask if they offer different levels of dental sedation. These are important things to know before making your final decision. The right periodontist will be able to provide you with the care that you need and deserve.

Look for Experience

The more experience a periodontist has, the better. When it comes to a procedure such as gum disease treatment, dental implants, or other advanced treatments, you want to ensure that the periodontist you choose has had years of practice and many patients under their belt. For example, you can get dental implants from an expert like Dimitri Salin in Bakersfield, California, if you want the best result.

A seasoned professional is also likely to be a thought leader. They will be sought after to give talks and lectures, meaning they are well-regarded as someone who knows their stuff.

Ask the periodontist if they have had significant training in the latest techniques and technology, such as laser gum disease treatment or 3d imaging. This will give you confidence that they can offer you the best care possible. You will also want to find out if the clinic accepts your insurance and offers any financing options if necessary. The last thing you want is to be put off getting the periodontal care you need due to financial concerns.

Look for Reviews

In addition to education, credentials, and certifications, the periodontist’s treatment philosophy is another thing to consider. Some have a more surgical approach and may suggest oral surgery for severe cases of gum disease. In contrast, others prefer to focus on non-surgical options, such as deep cleaning and addressing bacterial toxins in the mouth.

Asking a potential periodontist about their treatment philosophy should help you feel confident in their expertise and knowledge. You should also be able to determine whether they accept your dental insurance and offer financing options, as some of these treatments can be costly.

Additionally, be sure to find out if they have the latest technology available in their clinic, such as laser gum disease treatment and advanced diagnostics like CT scans and 3D imaging. This can lead to a more efficient procedure with less pain and discomfort. You should also find out if they have convenient office hours and what emergency care support they provide.

Jane