FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
1)
What is a Periodontist?
2)
What is Board Certification?
3)
What is Periodontal Disease?
4)
If I have periodontal disease, why doesn't
it hurt?
5)
What are Dental Implants?
6)
What is Halcion used for?
7)
Why is a Full Mouth set of Dental X-rays
(FMX) needed?
1)
What is a Periodontist?
A Periodontist is a dental specialist with advanced training
in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting
the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontists
also place dental implants, which are used to replace missing
teeth. To become a Periodontist one must attend a 2-3 year
advanced training residency after completion of dental school.
(Reference: American Academy of Periodontology)
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2)
What is Board Certification?
A Periodontist may become Certified by the American Board of
Periodontology (ABP). The ABP is the oldest dental specialty
board recognized by the American Dental Association and is the
only national certifying board in the specialty of Periodontics.
Requirements for Certification by the ABP include:
- Completion
of a 2-3 year post-doctoral Periodontal Residency at an
approved program.
- At
least four years of active experience in the clinical practice
of Periodontics.
- Comprehensive
oral and written examination covering all phases of periodontal
disease and its treatment.
- Presentation
of detailed reports on a broad range of actual treatment
personally provided by the candidate.
Once certified
by the ABP, a periodontist is considered to be a Diplomate
of the American Board of Periodontolgy. Currently approximately
30% of practicing periodontists nationally are Board Certified.
Dr. Rubinoff is a Diplomate of the American Board
of Periodontolgy.
(Reference: American Board of Periodontology)
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3)
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal Disease ("gum disease") is a bacterial
infection of the gums, supporting bone, periodontal ligament
(the microscopic fibers which support and attach the tooth
to the jaw bone) and cementum (the tooth root outer surface
layer). If left untreated, symptoms may include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
- Red, swollen and tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between the gum and tooth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
(Reference:
American Academy of Periodontology)
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4)
If I have periodontal disease, why doesn't it hurt?
Periodontal disease is a chronic low-grade infection. As such,
there is usually no pain involved until you develop a severe
abscess. An analogy would be the patient with high blood pressure
who has no pain until has/she has a heart attack.
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5)
What are Dental Implants?
- Click on the link to learn more
about Dental Implants
Dental Implants are artificial titanium tooth roots that are
placed into your jawbone to take the place of one or more
missing natural teeth. Dental implants may be used to replace
a single missing tooth or an entire dentition. The number
of dental implants required will vary depending on the number
of teeth being replaced, remaining jaw structure and type
of replacement teeth being planned (fixed or detachable).
Dr. Rubinoff can evaluate your particular concerns and needs
and determine if you will be a favorable candidate for dental
implants. He works closely with your restorative dentist in
a team approach to ensure best results for you.
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6)
What is Halcion used for?
Halcion (Triazolam) is a small tablet that may be used to
relax and sedate patients before dental procedures. Most patients
"doze-off" during the procedure and report that
they don't have that "hung-over" feeling after waking
up from the Halcion as they may have with other pharmacological
agents. As an added bonus, most patients also report that
they remember little, if anything, of the procedure. Please
ask Dr. Rubinoff if the use of Halcion is indicated for you.
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7)
Why is a Full Mouth set of Dental X-rays (FMX) needed?
Dental X-rays are used to view and evaluate areas of the dental
structures (teeth and bone) that are not visible to the eye.
Dental X-rays assist us in diagnosing dental caries (decay),
root canal abscesses, bone loss around teeth and calculus
(tartar) on the teeth under the gums. Even though you may
have been referred for evaluation of a problem in a particular
area, there are often other subtle areas involved as well.
A complete dental/periodontal evaluation including a FMX (18-21
small X-ray films) is necessary to properly diagnose your
condition.
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