Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bones. It has been linked to heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and other systemic diseases. Periodontic specialists are dentists that specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. Periodontists often treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as severe gum disease or complex medical history. Some patients’ periodontal needs can easily be managed by a general dentist. What is striking is there is more and more research that suggests a relationship between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases of aging. Due to this link, there are times when patients with complex cases are being managed by both a dentist and a periodontist.
Source: Dr. Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD, of Cardiodontal. Offices in Great Neck and Manhattan. For more information, call 516-282-0310 or visit Cardiodontal.com. See ad on back page.
