How to Choose a Periodontist

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the placement of dental implants and the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. There are a number of professionals providing periodontal care in our region. How do you know you’ve chosen the best periodontist in Concord MA? Make the decision easier on yourself and keep the following in mind throughout your search for your new periodontal care provider.

#1: Request a Referral

Do you need dental implants in Concord MA, or any other periodontal treatment? One of the best ways to find a great periodontist is simply to ask for a referral from your general dentist. He or she is likely acquainted with the work of several local periodontists, and you can trust their opinion on who performs great work in periodontal care. Begin here.

#2: Continuing Education and Experience

Once you have received a referral or have narrowed down your options to a few periodontists in your area, check to see if they value gaining additional experience through continuing education. (You can typically find this information on the practice’s “About Us” page.) Dentistry is constantly advancing, and you want to make sure your periodontist is in tune with the latest the field has to offer. Additionally, it’s a good idea to call and inquire about the periodontist’s experience performing the treatment you require.

#3: Convenience

It seems obvious, but it’s something people often overlook as they search for a medical specialist: location and office hours. Is the practice open when you need them to be? And are they conveniently located, too? Considering this basic information can make your periodontal treatment a lot smoother.

#4: Treatment Planning

After you have chosen a periodontist, ask the important questions during your visit.

• What will the treatment plan look like? Do you have options in how your issue will be treated?
• What are the pros and cons of each treatment option?
• What technology is the office equipped with for performing your treatment?
• What is the periodontist’s experience performing the treatment?
• What pain medication or anesthesia is required with this treatment?
• What will the treatment cost?

It can help to take notes during this initial visit to your periodontist’s office.

What to Expect During Your Periodontal Visit

When you come into your periodontal appointment, you and your doctor will discuss your medical history and your specific periodontal needs. Open and honest communication is important during this initial visit -- inform your doctor of any medical conditions or medications you are taking. Your periodontist will examine your head, neck, and jaw joints. Your mouth, throat, teeth, and gums will also be evaluated in advance of your periodontal treatment.

Periodontists perform a variety of procedures related to the gums. These include:

?     Non-surgical periodontal therapy, like deep cleaning or scaling and root planing

?     Dental implant placement

?     Periodontal surgery procedures

?     Periodontal plastic surgery

The Periodontist Concord MA Trusts

We know your search for an excellent periodontist in the Concord region will lead you straight to our office. We offer the experienced, quality periodontal care you are looking for. Contact our office to schedule an appointment today!