What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontists are experts in the treatment of all forms of periodontal disease, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and gingival recession.
The Dental Board of Victoria recognises periodontics as one of the specialities of dentistry. Periodontists receive extensive training, including 2-3 years of post graduate education after dental school.
By choosing a specialist you will benefit from his experience,skills and extensive training in the latest procedures for treating periodontal disease and placing dental implants chosen/tailored to your individual needs. In addition, Dr. Kiven can perform cosmetic periodontal procedures to help you achieve the smile you desire.
Why See a Periodontist?
Periodontal Diseases are ongoing infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth.The majority of periodontal issues are plaque-induced inflammatory lesions.When your gums become unhealthy, they can recede &/ or become swollen and red. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth will shift, loosen, or fall out. These changes can affect your ability to chew ,spoil your smile and ultimately lead to tooth loss
Periodontal treatment may be sought in several ways. Your general dentist or a hygienist may recommend a consultation with a periodontist if they find signs of periodontal disease through the course of a checkup or other dental care appointment. You may also decide to see a periodontist on your own, as a referral is not necessary to be seen at our office.
Therefore if you experience any of these symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office without delay:
- Bleeding Gums while brushing or eating normal foods. Unexplained bleeding while performing regular cleaning or consuming food is the most common sign of a periodontal infection.
- Bad breath and taste. Ongoing halitosis (bad breath), which continues despite rigorous oral cleaning, can point to periodontitis, gingivitis or the beginnings of a gum infection.
- Loose Teeth can indicate bone loss as a result of periodontal disease and can significantly affect function.
- Gum recession.Longer-looking teeth can indicate bone loss as a result of periodontal disease.This can also cause –
- Temperature sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Related health concerns. Patients with heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia or osteoporosis are often diagnosed with correlating periodontal infections. The bacterial infection can spread through the blood stream, affecting other areas of the body.
Furthermore any alteration in the normal smooth,coral pink appearance of the soft tissues of the mouth could be a warning sign of a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer.Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we may help.
Meet The Periodontist –Dr. Victor Kiven
Victor Kiven is the Principal of the Melbourne Periodontal Group. Born in Melbourne he received his undergraduate (BDSc) and postgraduate (MDSc )training at the University of Melbourne
Victor has been in Specialist Periodontal practice for more than 30 years & offers experience,a caring practical approach & continuity of care.
He is passionate about working with his patients on optimising their periodontal health/keeping their teeth for aesthetics and function for life.
He practices the full scope of periodontics with expertise ranging from conservative and surgical treatment of a wide variety of periodontal (gum) disease to dental implants and cosmetic periodontal surgery.