periodontics visit

Your First Visit

Table of Contents

What will happen at my first visit?

After establishing your medical and dental health history profile we will complete a thorough examination. We check for things like bone loss, loose teeth, bite, oral cancer screening, TMJ and signs of periodontal disease .

What should I bring?

On the day of your initial visit, please bring the following:

• If you are being referred by your dentist, please bring your referral form and the X-Rays from your referring dental office.
• A list of medications you are currently taking – See below to download our Medical History form and Registration Form.
• Your dental insurance card or dental insurance information.
• Please Note: Patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the day of the initial visit.

Will it hurt?

We will be as gentle as possible. The periodontal exam can be done with little or no discomfort.

Do I need x-rays?

We will need current dental x-rays. If your referring dentist has taken x-rays, you may request that they be forwarded to us.

What will it cost?

Since all patients are different, your Periodontist must complete your examination before establishing your treatment plan and the fee for care. The fee for periodontal treatment can vary considerably depending on the type of problems and the complexity and length of treatment. An approximate fee can usually be determined at the initial visit; but on occasion, some initial treatment or further diagnostics must be completed before the final treatment plan can be established. Our philosophy of practice is to treat as conservatively as possible to attain treatment goals.

Will my Insurance cover the cost?

Dental insurance policies often cover a portion of periodontal treatment. Please bring all medical and dental benefit information and cards to your examination appointment.

Will I need surgery?

Not everyone needs periodontal surgery. If treated early, gum disease can be controlled without surgery. We will make recommendations based on your individual situation. Our philosophy of practice is to treat as conservatively as possible to attain treatment goals.

Can my teeth be saved?

The recent advances in periodontal treatment allow us to successfully treat most teeth.

When will I go back to my general dentist?

Our office and your Dentist will work closely together. If crowns and fillings are needed your Dentist will provide them. Regular visits to your Dentist are an important part of periodontal maintenance.

What if I choose not to have gum treatment?

Periodontal disease is a progressive, painless infection. Delay can cause you further bone loss and more expense. If your teeth are lost, dentures are never as effective as your own teeth.

Consultation Appointment

We will check for periodontal or gum disease using instruments and X-rays. An instrument called a periodontal probe is used to gently measure the depth of the sulcus (the shallow v-shaped crevice between your teeth and gums). A healthy sulcus depth is usually three millimeters or less. Healthy gum tissue does not bleed, so you and your dentist should see no bleeding during your evaluation. Gum or periodontal disease causes the sulcus to deepen into a pocket. A periodontal probe can determine whether you have developed any pockets and the depth of those pockets. Generally, the more severe the disease, the deeper the pocket.

Dental X-Rays or radiographs also may be taken to evaluate the amount of bone supporting the teeth and to detect other problems not visible with the naked eye.

During the examination appointment, every effort will be made to address your chief complaints. To that end, a thorough review of your medical history, a comprehensive oral exam (checking for decay, measuring pocket depth, recession, mobility, etc.) and evaluating X-Rays will be performed to reach a proper diagnosis.

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What to Expect during Your First Periodontal Visit

Like many Americans, you have probably been seeing a general dentist since you were young. General dentists assist with dental recommendations, ensuring that your teeth and gums are healthy through routine cleanings. However, when you lose a tooth in an accident or you suffer from a gum condition, then your general dentist will likely refer you to a periodontics and implantology specialist like Central Florida Periodontics & Implantology.

The Specialty of Periodontics

Periodontists begin their career with all the training and experience of a general dentist. However, they take their learning a step further by undergoing an additional three years of specialized training focusing on gum and bone health , the parts of the body that support teeth. This experience gives them the ability to treat a variety of dental and gum conditions including gum disease, connective tissue grafting, and the placement of dental implants to replace lost teeth.

During your first visit to a periodontics and implantology office, here’s what you can expect:

Expectations for a Positive First Periodontal Visit

For the best first experience, it’s advisable to arrive 15 minutes earlier than your appointment. A team of friendly, knowledgeable staff members will greet you and give you all the appropriate first-time periodontics and implantology forms to fill out.

Once you’ve completed the forms, you’ll be escorted to one of the specialists’ comfortable and relaxing rooms where you will meet a board certified periodontist. That periodontist will use the forms you filled out and a brief interview with you to understand the reason for your visit and what you need to move forward.

During this consultation, your periodontist will inquire about:

• Any preexisting health concerns
• Your medical history, including any medications you are currently taking
• Daily lifestyle, including diet
• Any dental concerns related and unrelated to the reason for your visit
• Any concerns about various treatment options

First Visit Examination and Treatment Diagnosis

You can also expect the periodontist to perform a brief dental examination to add his or her notes to your medical file. This examination generally begins with a look at your head, neck, and jaw for any signs of temporomandibular joint disorder. He or she will then examine your mouth, teeth, throat, and gums. Depending upon your condition, you may also have X-rays taken to determine issues related to underlying bone loss.

The periodontist will use this information to establish a baseline and create a customized, detailed treatment plan that’s specific to you and your needs. Possible treatment recommendations include:

• Advanced periodontal treatment
• Bone grafting
• Crown lengthening
• Dental implanting
• Extractions
• Gingival recontouring
• Gum grafting or repositioning

Once you and your periodontist have agreed on the best course of action for your treatment , you’ll be re-escorted to the front office. There, staff members will consult with you on scheduling the appointment for the procedure.

Scheduling Your Treatment Visit(s)

Most treatment plans can be done at the periodontics and implantology office during a convenient one- or two-hour session. Some more advanced cases might require surgical treatment in which you may have to refrain from strenuous activities for a couple days following the treatment. But many periodontal diseases can be efficiently treated with the latest laser technology that is painless and requires minimal post-treatment downtime.

Contact Central Florida Periodontics and Implantology

For more information on periodontics and implantology, or to schedule an appointment to speak with your local Orlando specialists, contact us today at Central Florida Periodontics and Implantology . Both our Winter Park offices are staffed by an experienced and caring team of dedicated professionals that ensure all of our patients have their surgical and administrative needs met as effectively and efficiently as possible.

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• Periodontitis

To tell whether you have periodontitis and how severe it is, your dentist may:

• Review your medical history to identify any factors that could be linked to your symptoms. Examples include smoking or taking certain medicines that cause dry mouth.
• Examine your mouth to look for plaque and tartar buildup and check for easy bleeding.
• Measure how deep the pockets are between your gums and teeth by placing a tiny ruler called a dental probe between your teeth and gumline. Pockets are measured at several places in your upper and lower gums. In a healthy mouth, the pocket depth is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters (mm). Pockets deeper than 4 mm may indicate periodontitis. Pockets deeper than 5 mm cannot be cleaned well with routine care.
• Take dental X-rays to check for bone loss in areas where your dentist sees deeper pockets.

Your dentist may assign a stage and a grade to periodontitis based on how severe the disease is, the complexity of treatment, your risk factors and your health. Then a treatment plan is made.

Treatment may be done by a dentist or a periodontist. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in gum disease. A dental hygienist may work with your dentist or periodontist as part of your treatment plan. The goal of treatment is to thoroughly clean the pockets around teeth and prevent damage to surrounding gum tissue and bone. You have the best chance for successful treatment when you also have a daily routine of good oral care, manage health conditions that may impact dental health and stop tobacco use.

Nonsurgical treatments

If periodontitis isn't advanced, treatment may involve less invasive procedures, including:

• Scaling. Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from your tooth surfaces and below your gumline. It may be done using instruments, a laser or an ultrasonic device.
• Root planing. Root planing smooths the root surfaces. This helps prevent further buildup of tartar and bacteria. It also helps your gums attach to your teeth again.
• Antibiotics. Topical or oral antibiotics can help control bacterial infection. Topical antibiotics can include antibiotic mouth rinses or putting gel containing an antibiotic into gum pockets. Sometimes oral antibiotics are needed to get of bacteria that cause infections.

Surgical treatments

If you have advanced periodontitis, you may need dental surgery, such as:

• Flap surgery, also called pocket reduction surgery. Your periodontist makes cuts in your gums to carefully fold back the tissue. This exposes the tooth roots for more effective scaling and root planing. Because periodontitis often causes bone loss, the underlying bone may be reshaped before the gum tissue is stitched back in place. After you heal, it's easier to clean the areas around your teeth and maintain healthy gum tissue.
• Soft tissue grafts. When you lose gum tissue, your gumline gets lower, exposing some of your tooth roots. You may need to have some of the damaged tissue reinforced. This is usually done by removing a small amount of tissue from the roof of your mouth or using tissue from another donor source and attaching it to the affected site. This can help reduce further gum loss, cover exposed roots and give your teeth a better appearance.
• Bone grafting. This procedure is performed when periodontitis destroys the bone around your tooth root. The graft may be made from small bits of your own bone, or the bone may be made of artificial material or donated. The bone graft helps prevent tooth loss by holding your tooth in place. It also serves as a platform for the regrowth of natural bone.
• Guided tissue regeneration. This allows the regrowth of bone that was destroyed by bacteria. In one approach, your dentist places a special type of fabric between existing bone and your tooth. The material prevents unwanted tissue from growing into the healing area, allowing bone to grow back instead.
• Tissue-stimulating proteins. Another approach involves applying a special gel to a diseased tooth root. This gel contains the same proteins found in developing tooth enamel and stimulates the growth of healthy bone and tissue.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Try these measures to reduce or prevent periodontitis:

• Brush your teeth twice a day or, better yet, after every meal or snack.
• Use a soft toothbrush and replace it at least every three months.
• Consider using an electric toothbrush, which may be more effective at removing plaque and tartar.
• Floss every day. If it's hard to use standard dental floss, try a floss holder. Other options include interdental brushes, water flossers or interdental cleaning aids designed to clean between your teeth. Talk with your dentist or dental hygienist about what would work best for you.
• Use a mouth rinse to help reduce plaque between your teeth, if recommended by your dentist.
• Get regular professional dental cleanings on a schedule recommended by your dentist.
• Don't smoke or chew tobacco.

Preparing for your appointment

You may start by seeing your general dentist. Depending on how severe your periodontitis is, your dentist may refer you to a specialist in the treatment of periodontal disease called a periodontist.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

• Any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may not seem related to the reason for your appointment.
• Key personal information, such as any medical conditions you may have.
• All medicines you take, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs or other supplements, and the doses.
• Questions to ask your dentist.

Questions to ask your dentist may include:

• What's likely causing my symptoms?
• What kinds of tests, if any, do I need?
• What's the best plan of action?
• Will my dental insurance cover the treatments you're recommending?
• What are other options to the approach you're suggesting?
• Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
• What steps can I take at home to keep my gums and teeth healthy?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can have?
• What websites do you recommend?

Feel free to ask other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your dentist

Your dentist may ask you questions, such as:

• When did you first start having symptoms?
• Do you have symptoms all the time or do they come and go?
• How often do you brush your teeth?
• Do you use dental floss? How often?
• How often do you see a dentist?
• What medical conditions do you have?
• What medicines do you take?
• Do you use tobacco products?

Preparing for questions will help you make the most of your time with the dentist.

• AskMayoExpert. Periodontal disease. Mayo Clinic; 2022.
• Periodontitis (pyorrhea). Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dental-disorders/periodontal-disorders/periodontitis?redirectid=433?ruleredirectid=30. Accessed Dec. 27, 2022.
• Periodontal (gum) disease. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease. Accessed Dec. 27, 2022.
• Smiley CJ, et al. Evidence-based clinical practice guideline on the nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis by means of scaling and root planing with or without adjuncts. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2015; doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2015.01.026.
• Kwon T, et al. Current concepts in the management of periodontitis. International Dental Journal. 2021; doi:10.1111/idj.12630.
• Sanz M, et al. Treatment of stage 1-III periodontitis ⸺ The EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2020; doi:10.1111/jcpe.13290.
• Herrera D, et al. Treatment of stage IV periodontitis: The EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2022; doi:10.1111/jcpe.13639.
• Gondivkar SM, et al. Nutrition and oral health. Disease-a-Month. 2019; doi:10.1016/j.disamonth.2018.09.009.
• Kapila YL. Oral health's inextricable connection to systemic health: Special populations bring to bear multimodal relationships and factors connecting periodontal disease to systemic diseases and conditions. Periodontology 2000. 2021; doi:10.1111/prd.12398.
• Bellocchio L, et al. Cannabinoids drugs and oral health ⸺ From recreational side-effects to medicinal purposes: A systematic review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021; doi:10.3390/ijms22158329.
• Figueredo CA, et al. The impact of vaping on periodontitis: A systematic review. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research. 2021; doi:10.1002/cre2.360.
• Longo BC, et al. Gingival pigmentation: Concurrent assessment of distribution, intensity, and extent in a black population. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. 2022; doi:10.1111/jerd.12846.
• Packyanathan JS, et al. Evaluation of gingival melanin pigmentation in pediatric population ⸺ An observational study. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. 2019; doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_332_19.
• Nannan M, et al. Periodontal disease in pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: Progress in related mechanisms and management strategies. Frontiers in Medicine. 2022; doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.963956.
• Zhou MX (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Jan. 19, 2023.

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Periodontists: How healthy smiles happen.

Periodontists are experts in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum disease, and in the surgical placement of dental implants.

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Symptoms of gum disease are often silent, meaning they may not appear until the advanced stages. If you have swollen gums or bleeding while brushing or flossing, you may have gum disease.

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Periodoncia

Periodontics is the dental specialty focusing exclusively in the inflammatory disease that destroys the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal, or disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. As specialists in periodontal disease, they are experts in the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. They are also trained in cosmetic periodontal procedures.

Periodontists treat cases ranging from mild gingivitis to more severe periodontitis. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (the cleaning of infected root surfaces), root surface debridement (the removal of damaged tissue), and regenerative procedures (the reversal of lost bone and tissue). When necessary, periodontists can also perform surgical procedures for patients with severe gum disease. Additionally, periodontists are trained in the placement, maintenance and repair of dental implants.

For more information about periodontics or periodontists, visit Perio.org.

Periodontics

Other services, patient resources, what will my first visit to a periodontist look like.

If your dentist recently referred you to a periodontist, or you’re noticing the signs of gum disease on your own, you may be wondering what to expect on your very first periodontist appointment .

Your team at Periodontal Health Center is here to help you prepare for your periodontist consultation , so you can visit us in Tampa or New Port Richey feeling confident and ready to restore your smile. 

Let’s discuss what a periodontist does, when to see a periodontist , and what to expect on your first visit. 

What is a periodontist ?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease , as well as other conditions that affect the gums, bone and connective tissues. 

Periodontists have to undergo specialized training after dental school in order to become an expert in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. 

At Periodontal Health Center, our team of periodontal specialists is led by Dr. Jessica Stilley , who is nationally recognized as the first board-certified periodontist in Pasco County and has been granted the status of Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology!

We are proud to be a diverse team of all women, all board-certified surgeons. Our team members have years of experience providing exceptional periodontal care, including scaling and root planing , periodontal maintenance , orthodontic surgery , plastic surgery , regeneration surgery , pocket reduction surgery , dental implants , BOTOX® and more! 

When to see a periodontist

How do you know when to see a periodontist ? There are a few signs that indicate the need for a periodontist consultation . If you notice bleeding gums, inflamed or reddened gums, tender/sore gums, bad breath or loose teeth, it’s time to schedule your first visit !

It’s important that you schedule an appointment as soon as you notice these symptoms of gum disease. According to the CDC, about 47% of adults in the U.S. have some form of severe gum disease ! There’s a common misconception that gum disease only affects older adults; however, gum disease is actually more common in young adults than ever before.

Early intervention is key with gum disease! This oral disease can have serious consequences if left untreated. It can lead to tooth loss as well as jaw bone loss, and has been linked to a number of health conditions, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. 

You may want to consider seeing a periodontist if you have certain risk factors for gum disease, such as diabetes, a family history of gum disease, or unhealthy habits – like smoking. 

Do I need a referral to see a periodontist?

Your dentist can refer you to a periodontist, but you can also refer yourself to a periodontist by scheduling an appointment with us!

Referring dentists can fill out a form on this page for a quick and easy referral process. 

What to expect at your first visit

When you visit our periodontal office in Tampa or New Port Richey , here’s what you can expect:

Thorough evaluation

Your periodontist will perform a thorough evaluation of your oral health. She will review your medical and dental history, take any necessary x-rays, and perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums. 

We’ll use our state-of-the-art Cone Beam CT scanning machine to produce 3D digital x-rays that enable us to assess the jaw bones and detect diseases of the jaw. 

Depending on your reason for visiting us, this examination may include measuring the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums, checking for signs of inflammation or bleeding, and assessing the overall health of your gum tissue.

Personalized treatment plan

At Periodontal Health Center, we provide truly personalized care! Our periodontists create treatment plans on an individual basis, because every patient is different. 

Based on the results of your evaluation, your periodontist will develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. This may include non-surgical therapies, such as scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums), or surgical procedures, such as gum grafting or dental implant placement. 

Your periodontist will explain the recommended treatments in detail and answer any questions you may have!

Schedule your first visit today!

Our team of experienced periodontists is dedicated to providing the highest level of personalized care for each patient. We understand that visiting a periodontist for the first time can sound daunting, so we strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where you feel informed and at ease. 

If you have any questions about what to expect at your first visit , please don’t hesitate to reach out to us . We would be happy to hear from you!

If you’re looking for a “ periodontist near me ”, schedule your periodontal consultation with us today. A healthy mouth is a healthy body, and we’re here to help you achieve both!

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6 Symptoms That Tell You When To See a Periodontist

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If you’ve found your way to our site, you may be wondering “do I need to see a periodontist?” According to the American Dental Association, almost half of Americans over 30 have chronic periodontitis. So, there’s a good chance you may actually need to see a periodontist.

Periodontist vs Dentist, what’s the difference?

You probably already go for a dental checkup twice a year and let the hygienist clean your teeth and lecture you about flossing. And periodontists also deal with teeth, right? So why see a periodontist if you’re already seeing a general dentist?

The difference is periodontists don’t actually just focus just on teeth. So what does a periodontist do? We at MD Periodontics of course want to help you keep all your natural, healthy teeth, but periodontists also treat the gums (gingiva) and bone structures that support your teeth, in addition to your teeth. We are dentists (DDS) who also have advanced training after dental school.

A dentist may also give a patient a referral to a periodontist for more advanced periodontal (gum) disease or complicated cases.

So, when should you see a periodontist?

Here are six signs you should see a periodontist ASAP.

1. Bleeding Gums when Brushing or Flossing

A top sign of periodontal disease is bleeding gums. Bleeding when flossing is a sign of early-stage gingivitis (gum disease). But if you start getting bleeding gums after brushing or (even worse) unexplained bleeding after eating, you may have more advanced periodontitis and should consult with a periodontist.

2. Red, Swollen, Tender Gums

The bacteria that cause gingivitis also cause inflammation. If left untreated, inflamed gums can create deep pockets around your teeth. Deep periodontal pockets increase your risk of tooth loss, so swollen gums should not be ignored. 

Inflamed gums may also be redder in appearance rather than pink and tender to the touch. If you have swollen gums with pain or bleeding tender gums, call a periodontist!

3. Chronic Bad Breath (Halitosis)

You may not think of bad breath as a warning sign of disease (after all, we’ve all overdone it on garlic at least once). But if you have chronic bad breath that doesn’t go away with good oral hygiene, it could be a sign of periodontal infection.

4. Hot and/or Cold Sensitive Teeth

Advanced gum disease can cause increased tooth sensitivity due to a receding gum line and exposed roots. Temperature sensitivity in teeth can also be caused by eroding enamel , which is another potentially serious problem. 

In short, if your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold food and beverages seek dental care to treat or halt the progression of whatever’s negatively impacting your teeth.

5. Loose Teeth (in adults)

Once you’ve lost your baby teeth, the rest of your teeth (should) last forever. Periodontitis can deepen pockets around the teeth, making them loose. You may also notice shifting teeth.

If you’re having trouble chewing, notice a change in the way your teeth fit together or see new spaces between your teeth, make an appointment! Loose teeth are also a warning sign of bone loss, so early treatment is paramount.

6. Gum Recession

If your teeth are looking longer, it could be because your gums are receding. Gum recession is a symptom of advanced periodontal disease and can have severe side effects. Loss of gum tissue around the teeth can lead to exposed roots or result in tooth loss.

Periodontitis vs Gingivitis, what is the difference?

Periodontal disease (or gum disease) is progressive. The early stage of infection is called gingivitis. If left untreated, it can progress into more advanced periodontitis. A thorough dental cleaning and good brushing and flossing habits can restore your oral health. Periodontitis, however, requires more advanced periodontal treatment.

Keep an eye on your oral health to know when to see a dentist or periodontist.

Gingivitis Symptoms

Common symptoms of gingivitis include:

• red, swollen gums
• bleeding gums when brushing and flossing

Many people have gingivitis without realizing it because there isn’t any pain. It’s important to attend your regular dental cleanings so any gum disease can be diagnosed and treated early.

Periodontitis Symptoms

Your symptoms of periodontitis will be more severe the more advanced the infection is. Common symptoms include:

• bleeding gums
• sensitive teeth
• loose teeth or teeth that change position
• pain when chewing
• receding gums

When the gums pull away from a tooth, they form spaces called gum pockets. These pockets can become infected, leading to more advanced periodontitis.

Periodontitis also comes with the potential for related health issues. Periodontal infections correlate with heart disease , diabetes, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. That’s why it’s important to get gum disease treated before the bacterial infection spreads through the bloodstream.

Periodontitis Treatment

Once you have your periodontist appointment, the doctor will evaluate the progression of your gum disease and go over your treatment options.

Treatment options may include:

If severe periodontitis has resulted in gum recession and loss of gum tissue, gum grafting may be necessary to restore oral health and appearance.

As previously mentioned, advanced gum disease can result in bone loss and (ultimately) tooth loss. A bone graft can reinforce the jawbone to save existing teeth or build up sufficient bone for a dental implant .

Also called “deep cleaning,” scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment that removes accumulated bacteria and plaque and smooths the rough surfaces of the tooth. This gives the gums a chance to reattach to the teeth and removes rough patches where bacteria can accumulate.

MD Periodontics: Best Periodontist Los Angeles

Two of the most trusted and respected periodontists and holistic dentists in Southern California are the American Board of Periodontology-certified husband and wife team of Dr. Abdy Moshrefi, DDS, and Dr. Nazanin Daneshmand, DDS.

At our beautiful Beverly Hills offices, MD Periodontics offers patients the best periodontic treatment that Los Angeles has to offer. Our holistic approach to dentistry ensures that your treatment utilizes the least toxic materials available, the most advanced technology, and amenities including aromatherapy to minimize discomfort and stress during procedures. You’ll experience a supportive atmosphere you would never expect to find at a dental office and results that you will love.

To schedule a consultation, click here or call us at (855) 245-1100. Your smile will thank you!

We are conveniently located to patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. Our board-certified periodontists and implant dentistry experts are available at locations in or near Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. We are conveniently located near West Los Angeles, Culver City, West Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Sherman Oaks, and Encino.

At MD Periodontics we take our patients’ safety very seriously. That’s why our facility’s Covid-19 patient safety procedures far exceed all CDC recommendations.

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• Periodontitis diagnosis and treatment

Most people occasionally have some inflammation and bleeding of the gums. This usually isn’t a major problem, at least at first. However, when left untreated, this inflammation, otherwise known as gingivitis , may worsen and cause damage to the soft tissue and bone responsible for keeping our teeth anchored. This more severe form of gum disease is an infection referred to as periodontitis . Over time, periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or be lost.

Maintaining healthy oral habits and going for regular dental checkups can prevent gingivitis from becoming periodontitis. If you develop periodontitis, treatment performed by a dentist or hygienist can stop or slow down the progression of this serious gum infection. Often, more challenging periodontal care, particularly surgical care, is provided by a periodontist, a dentist with advanced training in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease.  Treatment works best when accompanied by good at-home care and control of risk factors for periodontal disease. Let’s take a closer look at how periodontitis is diagnosed and treated.

How is periodontitis diagnosed? 1

During a routine dental checkup, your dentist will be able to detect signs of periodontitis at an early stage. Therefore, it is important to schedule regular dental visits at least once a year. Your dentist can determine whether you have or are at risk for periodontitis and its level of severity using the following method:

• Review of medical history — Your dentist will review your medical history to identify potential risk factors  that could contribute to your periodontal symptoms, such as smoking, teeth grinding, poor nutrition, stress, certain diseases like diabetes, and some medications.
• Examination of the mouth — Your dentist will assess your mouth for plaque or tartar buildup and check for gums that bleed easily.
• Measurement of gum pocket depth — Your dentist may place a dental probe at sites around your teeth to check the attachment of the gums to the teeth. Pockets deeper than 4 millimeters may be an indicator of periodontitis.
• Dental X-ray evaluation — If your dentist observes pocket depths that are deeper than normal, they will usually take dental X-rays to check for potential bone loss.

What are the treatment options for periodontitis? 2

Periodontitis treatment aims first to thoroughly clean plaque and tartar from the pockets around teeth and prevents further damage to the surrounding bone and gum tissues. Successful treatment is only possible when you adopt a daily routine of good oral care and manage health conditions and habits that may impact your dental health. There are two types of treatments depending on the severity:

Nonsurgical treatments for early stages

If periodontitis isn’t advanced, treatment may involve minimally invasive procedures, including:

• Scaling — Typically performed using instruments or ultrasonic devices. Scaling removes tartar and plaque bacteria from the tooth and root surfaces above and beneath gums.
• Root planning — Smooths the root surfaces to discourage further tartar and bacteria buildup. In addition, this technique removes bacterial byproducts that cause inflammation and delay healing.
• Scaling and root planning — Sometimes referred to as a “deep cleaning.” It is typically only done when you already have a diagnosis of periodontitis with some bone loss present.
• Topical or oral antibiotics — May be given to help control bacterial infection.

Surgical treatments for advanced stages

If periodontitis is advanced, surgical treatments may be required, such as:

• Gingival flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery) — During flap surgery, tiny excisions are made in your gum. In doing so, a section of gum tissue can be lifted back, exposing the roots for more successful scaling and root planing. This procedure may help reduce the depth of pockets around your teeth, making it easier to keep them clean and prevent further disease.
• Bone grafting — Bone grafting is performed when periodontal disease has destroyed some of the bone surrounding your tooth root. The bone graft helps prevent tooth loss by providing additional support and serving as a platform for natural bone regrowth.
• Soft tissue grafts — If you start to lose gum tissue and your gum line recedes, then  graft surgery can help cover the exposed root, protect the remaining gum tissue, and prevent further recession and bone loss. This is done by removing a small amount of tissue from the roof of your mouth or other donor site and attaching it to the affected site. Grafts can also protect previously exposed roots from decay and sensitivity and make for a more esthetic smile.
• Regenerative procedures — These more advanced procedures can sometimes help your body regrow some of the bone and gum tissue lost as a result of periodontitis.

Final thoughts

Periodontitis can be prevented if early gum problems like gingivitis are detected and treated early enough. But if you have periodontitis, then routine dental checkups with your dentist are crucial to ensure that your periodontal disease doesn’t progress. To avoid the problem getting worse, you may need more frequent dental visits. For successful treatment, it is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene habits, control risk factors like smoking or bruxing, and closely follow your dentist’s instructions.

Additional resources

Looking for more information? Learn more about periodontitis:

• Gum disease overview
• Periodontitis overview
• Common causes of periodontitis

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020, February 14). Periodontitis . Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354479 .

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• What is gingivitis?
• Gingivitis symptoms
• Common causes of gingivitis
• Gingivitis diagnosis and treatment
• What is periodontitis?
• Periodontitis signs and symptoms
• Periodontitis causes and risk factors
• Preventing gum disease

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What Is Periodontics? Everything You Need to Know (2018 Update)

September 19, 2018

Table of Contents

When most people think about oral health, they fixate on their teeth. In reality, there are a number of different things that can affect a person’s smile and jaw function. Periodontics addresses a few of these elements, while providing treatments for serious oral health issues.

What Does Periodontics Entail?

Periodontics is a branch of dentistry focusing on the structures that surround and support the teeth. A periodontist is a dental professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of periodontal disease. Periodontists also have expertise in the placement of dental implants and the treatment of oral inflammation.

To become a periodontist, dentists must receive extensive training in these specific areas, while attaining three additional years of education beyond traditional dental school. They will also be highly trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures, along with restorative treatments that prioritize both aesthetics and function.

What Does a Periodontist Do?

Periodontists offer a broad spectrum of treatments, including scaling and root planing, during which the infected surface of a tooth’s root is cleaned. They also perform root surface debridement, involving the removal of damaged tissue.

Periodontists are typically called upon to treat complicated or advanced cases of gum disease. Their experience and special training enables them to diagnose the underlying causes of the disease and offer the most appropriate treatments and restorative procedures. That said, they typically also work in conjunction with a patient’s general dentist, tailoring a comprehensive plan to resolve a patient’s gum disease and keep it from recurring.

Periodontists must also be skilled at performing oral surgery and are specially trained to place, maintain and repair dental implants.

Who Should See a Periodontist?

While a general dentist can manage certain periodontal issues; more serious issues require the attention of a highly trained periodontist. This is especially important, since research has linked periodontal disease to a variety of chronic health problems, including diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, respiratory disease and certain forms of cancer.

According to the American Dental Association , nearly 50 percent of U.S. adults over the age of 30 suffer from some sort of gum disease. While the cause of this isn’t fully understood, it does suggest that periodontal diagnosis and treatment may demand the increased level of expertise that comes with a trained specialist. That said, patients with moderate or severe gum disease are typically best managed by a partnership between the family dentist and a periodontist.

What Should I Expect at My Periodontist Appointment?

During a typical visit, a periodontist will review your complete dental and medical histories. He or she will also want to know whether you take certain medication or are being treated for any other health issue, such as diabetes or heart disease, which could impact your periodontal care. It’s also important to inform your periodontist if you are pregnant, since studies suggest that women with periodontal problems could be at a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight and premature deliveries.

Once the periodontist has reviewed your history, he or she will provide a thorough evaluation of your periodontal issue and then provide recommendations for how to best treat the problem.

If you are a Gentle Dental or SmileKeepers patient, you can call your local office for more information on periodontics in your specific office.

This information has been reviewed by the Gentle Dental Clinical review committee .

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Periodontist Near Me: How to Find Your Local Gum Specialist

If you've ever had a disease affect your gums and teeth, then you have probably heard of a periodontist. But what is a periodontist? Are all dentists periodontists? How can I find a dental specialist in my area ? And why would I need to find a periodontist near me ?

In this article, we will help you find a local periodontist and answer all the other questions that come about after you find your specialist.

Keep reading, or call 866-383-0748 right now if you simply want to be connected with a local gum specialist who is available to treat you. You'll be connected with a live operator who will put you through to a gum specialist in your area.

Click here to get connected or call 866-383-0748 (toll-free, 24/7)

Table of contents

• 1 What is a periodontist?
• 2 Treatments offered by a periodontist
• 3 How much does it cost to visit a periodontist?
• 4 Taking care of your gums at home
• 5 Finding a periodontist near you
• 6 Conclusion

What is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the inflammatory disease that destroys your gums and other structures that support your teeth. These dentists focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental disease and the placement of dental implants.

They go through intense training in these three areas and are usually experts in cutting edge technologies for new treatments. In fact, these dentists go through an extra three years of education after dental school. In addition to the treatment of disease and placement of implants, they are also trained in cosmetic dental procedures.

Dr. Genie Diaz explains what a periodontist is in this video:

Are all dentists periodontists?

Not all dentists are periodontists. As mentioned before, periodontics requires an additional three years of education after dental school. You can think of periodontists as a specialist in gums . They have all the knowledge and skills of a general dental practitioner plus the expertise to treat periodontal disease and perform cosmetic dental procedures . Periodontists can treat anything from mild gingivitis to severe periodontal disease.

Periodontists also treat infected root surfaces through a process called root planing and offer scaling, removal of damaged tissues (root surface debridement), and the reversal of lost tissue and bone. They can also perform surgical procedures focusing on implants and gum health (like laser gum surgery ) rather than oral and maxillofacial procedures.

Here is a video explaining the difference between a periodontist and a regular dentist:

Why might I need to find a periodontist near me?

You may need to find a periodontist near you if your dentist refers you to one or if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding while brushing your teeth or eating – Unexplained bleeding while eating and brushing point to a deeper problem. This is one of the most common symptoms of a periodontal infection.
• Halitosis (bad breath) – Bad breath that persists with an intensive oral hygiene routine can indicate periodontitis, gingivitis, and infection in the gum tissue.
• Receding gums and loose teeth – If your teeth are looking longer, it can be a sign of gum recession and bone loss from periodontal disease. As the disease progresses it moves from your gums to your jawbone and your teeth may become loose or completely fall out.
• Other health conditions – Some other non-dental diseases correlate with periodontal infections. Heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia, and other disorders are a few. Bacterial infection can spread to other parts of your body through the bloodstream.

If you or your general dentist suspect you are experiencing periodontal disease, it is imperative that you find a periodontist near you as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your gums and possible spreading of the infection to other parts of your mouth and body.

How to diagnose gum disease

You may be thinking, after I find a gum specialist near me , how will that specialist diagnose my gum disease? We have compiled a list of the techniques that periodontists use when diagnosing this type of infection below:

• A thorough review of your dental and medical history that may be contributing to your symptoms.
• An examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth to find signs of plaque and inflammation, indicating infection.
• Inserting a dental probe next to your tooth beneath your gum line at several sites in your mouth in order to measure the pocket depth of the groove between your gums and teeth. Usually, in a healthy mouth, that depth measures between 1-3 millimeters. A pocket deeper than 4 millimeters may be an indicator of gum disease.
• X-rays of your jawbone to check for bone loss in the areas where your periodontist sees deeper pockets.
• Additional medical tests to determine what has caused the infection. If the cause is unclear from the initial examination, your doctor will order further testing to determine if an underlying condition is causing the disease.

A periodontal specialist in your area can determine what has caused your disease. Then the periodontal doctor can prescribe or perform the necessary treatments to get your mouth back in a healthy state.

How does periodontal disease affect my health?

Periodontal disease is the result of poor brushing and flossing habits that allow a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque, to build up on the teeth. In more advanced cases, the symptoms are uncomfortable and noticeable. Things such as bleeding gums , pain when chewing, and tooth loss are the result of periodontal disease.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to more substantial health issues and make one more susceptible to more serious conditions. A variety of serious conditions, including cancer of the kidney, pancreas, and blood, can result from untreated periodontal disease . The bacteria from your gums and teeth can travel through your bloodstream to other parts of your body and negatively affect your entire system.

If you suspect that you have periodontal disease and require treatment from a periodontist then don't wait. Call your dentist or local health services department today to schedule an appointment.

Treatments offered by a periodontist

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of periodontal disease as well as restorative dentistry procedures. Not only will they be able to diagnose disease, but they will also be able to prescribe antibiotics and various procedures to eliminate infection and remedy any lasting damage. These treatments can include root canals, gum grafting, teeth scaling, jawbone grafting, and dental implants. Many periodontists also have training in laser dentistry techniques.

A root canal is a process of drilling into the tooth to remove decay from inside the roots of the tooth. This procedure will clean bacteria out of the root system and prevent infection from spreading to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. You may also be referred to an endodontist for this procedure.

A root removal procedure is usually necessary if you have untreated tooth decay, faulty crowns or fillings, a broken tooth, have had repeated dental work on the tooth, or there is physical trauma. Once the root system has been treated, the tooth will be filled in to preserve the rest of the tooth. These teeth are more fragile than healthy teeth, so your periodontist may recommend a crown to prevent damage.

If there is no longer enough remaining root or tooth to support the structure, then you may require a complete tooth/root extraction. This usually is the result of a prolonged infection that has spread through the root system of the tooth and left too much damage to repair with a root canal treatment.

Gum grafting

Gum grafting is a surgical option that can prevent bone loss and gum recession from progressing. It can also help to protect roots that have been exposed to infection from decay. There are three types of gum graft surgery: connective tissue graft, free gingival graft, and pedicle (lateral) graft. Your periodontist will choose which type you will have depending on your individual needs.

Teeth scaling

Teeth scaling is a common cleaning procedure. Most dentists use this treatment in routine visits in order to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Teeth scaling removes tartar buildup and helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy. You can think of this procedure as a deep cleaning that your ordinary dental hygiene routine cannot match up to.

Jawbone grafts

If your periodontal disease has progressed into the area of restorative dentistry, then you may require a jawbone graft . This procedure involves the transfer of a small piece of bone from one area of the body to another to create a solid base for dental implants. Your jaw can lose some of its density due to prolonged infection and decay, rendering it unfit to be the base of dental implants to replace your natural teeth.

Dental implants

A dental implant is a post-surgical inserted into the jawbone to hold a dental crown that replaces your natural tooth. Essentially, it is a prosthetic tooth complete with a “root” (the post). You may need dental implants if your periodontist observes that the root system and structure of your tooth are past the point of recovery and recommends tooth removal.

More likely though, you'll see a prosthodontist for dental implants — Read more about finding a prosthodontist near you .

How much does it cost to visit a periodontist?

Now for the big question: how do I find an affordable periodontist near me? To answer this question we must first look at how much a periodontist normally costs. Depending on what treatment is required and how advanced your gum disease is, the cost will fluctuate. If you only require cleaning and a course of antibiotics, the cost will be much less than if your tooth roots require planning or removal and a dental implant procedure. Below is a table of different treatments and their approximate prices:

Affordable periodontist near me

If you need to find a periodontist immediately, it's just a case of doing a quick internet search with your zip code. Most periodontists will build time into their schedule that will allow them to see patients on short notice if urgent treatment is needed, such as an emergency abscess treatment for unbearable tooth pain. If you find yourself in need of a periodontist, you can call and ask your local dentist's office for a referral to a local gum specialist.

You can also check with your local health departments about affordable or and discounted dental services near you. CMS  (1-800-MEDICARE) can provide detailed information about the local government programs in your area including Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program).

Another option is to contact local dental schools to see if they have a periodontist clinic available at discounted rates. You may also contact the United Way to find out if discounted dental programs are available in your community.

If your condition doesn't require immediate treatment (dental implants, cosmetic procedures), then you may want to consider dental tourism to relieve yourself of some of the burdensome costs of dental care in the United States.

Taking care of your gums at home

Avoiding periodontal disease is fairly simple, provided that no underlying health conditions are the cause of the disease. Keeping your mouth clean and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums requires daily maintenance. Some steps you can take to prevent and potentially reverse periodontal disease at home include:

• Brush your teeth often—at least twice a day or after every meal and snack.
• Use a soft toothbrush and replace it often, at least every 3-4 months.
• Consider using an electric toothbrush because it is more effective at removing plaque and tartar.
• Floss after brushing. Consider using a water flosser, as it is more effective at removing debris from between teeth, permanent retainers, and dental bridges/implants. Read about some of the best water flossers on the market.
• Supplement brushing and flossing with an interdental cleaner .
• Don't smoke or chew tobacco.

Keeping your gums and teeth in a healthy state may require a bit more effort than you may be used to when it comes to dental hygiene routines. But the impact it will have on your wallet and overall health is well worth the extra five minutes it will take to ensure mouth bacteria is kept at bay.

How to avoid periodontal disease

In addition to all the at-home care mentioned above, you can visit your dentist regularly to get routine cleanings, check-ups, and occasionally deep cleaning . Periodontal disease can be reversed if caught in the early stages so it is very important to keep tabs on your gum health and regularly have your dentist investigate the health of your gums and teeth.

Finding a periodontist near you

If your regular dentist has recommended you receive specialist treatment, they should also be able to refer you to a periodontist near you. You can search online for recommended gum specialists nearby.

Or, if you need help now, you can also call 866-383-0748 24/7 and speak with a live operator who will match you with a nearby periodontist according to your needs.

Periodontists offer specialized dental care. If you have gingivitis or any other type of periodontal disease, then a visit to your local periodontist will be necessary to treat the disease. Keeping your mouth healthy is an important part of a healthy life. You can minimize your risk of gum disease by scheduling routine cleanings, check-ups, and taking care of your mouth health at home.

There are services available all across the country to help ease the burden of dental costs, making finding an affordable periodontist in your area completely feasible. If you suspect you need a periodontist, call your dentist today because the longer you wait to treat gum disease, the worse it can become and therefore more expensive and cumbersome to treat.

If you still have questions but you can't get in to see a dentist, you may want to consider teledentistry. Learn more about online dental appointments in our full guide .

How can I find a periodontist near me?

Finding a periodontist in your area is as simple as asking your dentist, or any other local dentist, for a referral. You can also do an internet search with your zip code or call 866-383-0748 . You'll be connected with a dentist in your area who can help you find a local periodontist.

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the inflammatory disease that destroys your gums and other teeth structures. These dentists focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease.

How much does a periodontist cost?

Depending on what treatment is required and how advanced your gum disease is, the cost will fluctuate. Cleaning and antibiotics cost much less than planning, removal, or implants.

American Dental Association :  Periodontics . Consulted 5 August, 2020.

Mayo Clinic :  Gingivitis . Consulted 5 August, 2020.

NIH :  Periodontal (Gum) Disease. Consulted 5 August, 2020.

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First Visit to a Periodontist

Most general practicing dentists have a good relationship with a periodontist newark ohio in your community. If you have a first visit scheduled to see a periodontist that should mean that your regular dentist is handing over the care for a particular procedure to someone trained in that area. There are ten specialties in dentistry. A periodontist specializes in the system of hard and soft tissues that support your teeth. This means the complex network of periodontal ligaments that hold the teeth in place and the soft tissue of the gums. The gums act as a shock absorber during your biting and chewing to prevent damage when there is occasional excessive force. A periodontist finishes four years of dental school and then focuses on this area for yet another three years. Three primary procedures that the periodontist has been trained in is dealing with gum disease, crown lengthening and dental implants.

What to Expect if your First Visit has been referred for Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a very progressive, painless infection. Almost half of the American adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. The disease has two identifiable stages that the periodontist must treat. How does it even happen? Well, it happens because our society is always rushing and something that many of us are not fond of doing is brushing our teeth. The health industry strongly suggests we brush for two minutes twice a daily and then floss at least once. This is all you need to do to prevent gum disease. If and when you don’t brush a sticky substance immediately adheres to the tooth called plaque. The plaque will carry millions of bacteria that attack the enamel of the tooth which results in cavities. As it moved down the tooth and comes in contact with the soft tissue of the gums it will cause an immediate infection. This very first stage of disease is called gingivitis. The gums are inflamed, swollen, and turn a darker red in color. You will also have bad breath. If your general dentist confirms gingivitis and refers you to a periodontist this is what your visit will entail.

Even though it has been a referral the periodontist will want to establish their own oral health history. They might ask more specific questions than your family dentist. New, current x-rays will need to be captured to see if there is damage below the surface. They might be looking for bone loss, loose teeth, your bite changing and even oral cancer screening. Upon determining and confirming the stage of the disease and the necessary remedies the first thing they will perform is a very thorough cleaning of your teeth. The periodontist takes the cleaning further than your family dentist. At times it might involve a local anesthetic as they deep clean, or scale, the teeth under the gum line to remove that damaging plaque. Again, depending on the advancement of the disease, it might necessitate the addition of root planning, traveling further down the tooth to remove all the plaque. Once this is completed an antibiotic will be prescribed and within several days you will begin to see the improvement and the reversal of the disease.

If your gum disease has advanced to the second level it is now called periodontitis. The signs now include your gums bleeding and they will be tender to the touch. You will also notice that the swollen gums sag away from the tooth. This creates a pocket which only makes it easier for food particles to collect in the pocket accelerating the disease. The procedures performed for gingivitis are repeated and intensified in their approach. Scaling and root planning are essential and more intense. There may be some minor surgery involved as well at this point. At this stage you may have loose teeth. After the plaque is removed you could be fit with a mouth guard to protect the loose teeth and allow everything to subside and heal in the absence of the infection. The recovery time will be longer, gaps will recede, and you can expect another visit or two to monitor your progress. Anyone in the field of dentistry sets their primary objective to keep natural teeth. A periodontist will do the same.

What to Expect if your First Visit is regarding Crown Lengthening

This procedure is of a totally different nature than dealing with the health complications of gum disease. Crown lengthening is a cosmetic procedure. If you look in the mirror and the proportions are off when you smile in which you see more gum than teeth you have what the industry calls a gummy smile. It can make you self-conscious of smiling and can actually affect both your personal and professional interactions. This is easily corrected by a periodontist to get the proportions back in balance.

This procedure is called crown lengthening. The part of your tooth that is visible is called the crown. And there is crown available under that soft tissue. A periodontist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the gums. Then, with either a surgical scalpel or with a laser, the proper amount of soft tissue will simply be removed exposing more of the tooth. In a short few days the gums will heal, and you will have a new, balanced smile.

What to expect if your First Visit is related to a Dental Implant

Periodontists are also trained to surgically place a dental implant. If you have lost a tooth it is strongly suggested that the gap be filled, or the neighboring teeth will shift into that space and disrupt your bite pattern. Growing in popularity is the dental implant procedure due to the many healthy benefits.

The procedure begins with the periodontist placing a titanium post into your jawbone. Once this post has fused to the bone an extension, or abutment, is placed on the post. Then an artificial crown, fabricated at a dental lab of either porcelain or ceramic, will be affixed to the abutment. It is hard to discern the difference from the natural teeth around the implant and the post serves as a root promoting good bone health.

Periodontal Expectations including Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits

After you have addressed your periodontal situation and the periodontist is comfortable with your recovery you will return to your general dentist. The results of your periodontal work will be shared with your family dentist, so everyone is on the same page moving forward.

Which takes us to your role in creating good oral hygiene habits. A staggering statistic is the fact that at any time during the day each of us can have millions of bacteria in our mouth. 100 to 200 different species. That is the nature of our existence. You need bacteria in your gut to digest the foods you take in to get the nutritional values for your body to survive. The entry portal is your mouth. Your general dentist will hand you a new tooth brush and instruct you as to how to and when to brush. Possibly since you have had your periodontal experience it will be easier to establish good hygiene to avoid going through those procedures again. You will also want to entertain the idea of scheduling a visit with your dentist twice a year. Through evaluations and x-rays this allows them to continue to build a history of your oral health. You will also receive a good professional cleaning at these visits to remove unwanted plaque. Enjoy that smile and protect your investment.

More information on Periodontists : Frequently Asked Questions about Periodontists

Get in [ edit ]

By boat [ edit ].

During summer there are boats from Kazan , Samara and other destinations on the Volga River.

By train [ edit ]

The train takes you here from Moscow (from Kazanskaya train station) in approximately 16 hours or from Volgograd in about 20 hours. Ulyanovsk Main Station is located 6 km from the city center.

Get around [ edit ]

Ulyanovsk has an extensive public transportation network that includes buses, trolleys, and trams. It is very affordable, but congested and may be quite confusing. You won't find any route maps or schedules, neither at bus stops nor in buses. Fee collectors usually don't speak English. Express buses and semi-private van routes are more comfortable and more expensive. Taxis are not expensive, and that's your best bet if you want to get somewhere (relatively) quickly, in (relative) comfort (almost all cars are old Russian ladas or over 10 year old non-Russian cars), and without much hassle. They are also most likely to have English speaking drivers (one in 1000) and superloud Russian pop music.

Getting between the banks of the Volga is a problem. There is a two lane bridge connecting the banks and it's nearly always congested, so if you're unlucky, it can take a couple of hours. Most locals avoid going over the bridge if they can. A four-lane bridge was planned to relieve these problems.

See [ edit ]

As the home town of Lenin, it's worth visiting the Lenin Memorial Centre and Gardens and museums based in his former houses. There is also a museum dedicated to the poet 'Goncharov' and the war memorial at the end of the main street 'Ulitsa Goncharova' offers breathtaking views over the Volga.

Do [ edit ]

In winter, try cross-country skiing along the Sviaga river, in summer take a boat ride over the reservoir.

Buy [ edit ]

The city's main shopping centre 'Tsum' is basic to say the least but does offer some basic shopping.

Eat [ edit ]

• Shpinat , Ulitsa Kirova, 79 ( in Rakurs Hotel ), ☏ +7 842 258-53-41 . An upscale restaurant with small portions but big on presentation if that appeals to you. ( updated Feb 2021 )
• Gonzo , Ulitsa Goncharova, 48+7 842 244-44-22 ( across from Hilton Garden Inn ), ☏ +7 842 244-44-22 . Lots of tasty Russian dishes, particularly heavy on meat. ( updated Feb 2021 )
• Veprevo Koleno , Ulitsa Federatsii, 11 , ☏ +7 951 094-51-15 . featuring Czech food and beer. ( updated Feb 2021 )
• Gallery Restaurant , Ulitsa Goncharova, 25 ( inside Radisson Hotel ), ☏ +7 8422 41-74-71 . 09:30-02:00 . Buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring Russian and international items.  
• Lobby Bar , ul. Goncharova 25, ground floor ( inside Radisson Hotel ). 09:30-02:00 . Quick bites.  

Go next [ edit ]

The capital of Tatarstan , Kazan , is a stunning city just 7 hours train ride from Ulyanovsk.

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Ulyanovsk Oblast

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• Type: State with 1,250,000 residents
• Description: federal subject of Russia
• Neighbors: Chuvashia , Mordovia , Penza Oblast , Samara Oblast , Saratov Oblast and Tatarstan
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