If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you are probably looking for a professional periodontist who can help. But where do you start? There are many things to consider when it comes to finding the right periodontist, and we will help make it easier for you! Here is our list of 7 helpful tips that will lead you in the right direction.

You want a local periodontist

A local periodontist is someone who maintains an office in your area and can provide you with the care that you require. The physician will see you for follow-up visits, keep track of your progress or regression, consult if necessary, etc. This means less time commuting, more cost-effective treatment options, and, most importantly, better care.

You want a board-certified periodontist

When it comes to choosing a periodontist, you want someone who is board-certified. This means that they have passed rigorous testing to become certified by the American Dental Association (ADA). Their knowledge and expertise have been recognized on an international scale by doing this.

Board certification shows that they have completed continuing education courses, so you know they are staying up-to-date on the latest treatments, techniques, and procedures. And you can confirm this by simply checking their certification on the ADA website.

Confirm their experience

Periodontists come in varying experience and expertise levels. Some may only specialize in a certain area, such as implants or children's dentistry. Others may have a wide range of experience with many treatments and procedures. So, it is important to ask about their experience and what they are comfortable treating before making your final decision.

Again, you can confirm this by checking the ADA website to see how many years of experience they have as a periodontist.

Ask about their pain management options

Many people do not know this, but there are several pain management options available when it comes to periodontal work. The technique that your periodontist chooses will depend on the diagnosis and severity of your condition and other factors such as age, medical history.

Anaesthesia can be administered through injection or gas, depending on the treatment. The injection method can either be done with local anaesthesia or sedation, which means you are completely asleep during the procedure.

Gas anaesthetic uses nitrous oxide to help numb your gums and mouth so that it is comfortable for you throughout the entire process. It will dissipate quickly once discontinued, allowing you to drive yourself and resume your day.

Will they accept your dental insurance?

Not all periodontists will accept your dental insurance. This means that you may have to pay for the entire treatment out-of-pocket, which can get very costly!

If cost is a big factor in choosing a dentist, then this is something you definitely want to consider when making your final decision. You want to make sure that the periodontist you choose will accept your dental insurance, which can save you a lot of money!

You should also inquire about any payment plans or interest-free financing options to help make payments easier.

Ask for referrals

One of the best ways to find a good periodontist is by getting referrals from friends, family, or your dentist. They will recommend someone that they trust and who has an excellent reputation in the field.

You can also check online review websites such as Yelp or Google Reviews to get an idea of what other people are saying about the periodontists in your area.

If you feel uncomfortable using referrals, an alternative option is to check out their website or office location and look at any testimonials they may have posted online.

Consider the comfort and care you'll get

Above all else, it is important that you feel comfortable with your treatment. You want to choose a periodontist who makes the entire process as stress-free and painless as possible. Going into surgery or getting dental work done can be nerve-wracking, but if you trust them, this will make the process much easier.

Remember, you are in control of this decision. You do not have to go with the first periodontist that you meet if they don't seem like a good fit for your needs or personality type. Take your time and choose carefully. After all, it is very important that you feel confident about who will take care of your teeth as they might use power tools in your mouth.