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Central Oregon Perio

Specialists in Oral Foundational Health

When Should You See A Periodontist?

Referrals from General Dentists and Self Referral

There are several ways treatment from a periodontist may be sought. In the course of a regular dental check up, if the general dentist or hygienist finds symptoms of gingivitis or rapidly progressing periodontal disease, a consultation with a periodontist may be recommended. However, a referral is not necessary for a periodontal consultation.

If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, it is important that you schedule an appointment with a periodontist without delay:

Bleeding while eating or brushing – Unexplained bleeding while consuming food or during the course of daily cleaning is one of the most common signs of periodontal infection.
Bad breath – Continued halitosis (bad breath) which persists even when a rigorous oral hygiene program is in place, can be indicative of periodontitis, gingivitis or the beginnings of an infection in the gum tissues.
Loose/shifting teeth and gum recession – Longer looking teeth can signal recession of the gums and bone loss due to periodontal disease. As this disease progresses and attacks the jawbone, teeth may become loose or be lost alltogher.
Related health conditions – Heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia and osteoporosis are highly correlated with periodontitis and periodontal infections. The bacterial infection and associated inflammation can spread through the blood stream and affect other parts of the body.

"Dr. Nick and his staff are absolutely amazing. I've been fighting dental issues for many many years. I've had work done in different states by different Dentists with different styles. NO ONE EVER took the time to explain what was happening in my mouth nor did any of them take the time to do any type of lab testing, until I came to COP and saw Dr. Nick. He explained everything perfectly and took the time to answer questions and explain each treatment option to me. My surgery was today and he was a rockstar, even when I started to panic. Thank you Dr Nick! Looking forward to next time!"

"I love Central Oregon Perio! The whole staff is amazing and Dr. Nick did a fantastic job on my front tooth implant! I was extremely nervous as I have a past of dental trauma so going to the dentist always gives me major anxiety. The kind staff eased my mind when I arrived for my first visit and Dr. Nick was straight to the point and very knowledgeable. I have been happier and happier after each visit when I get the results of my healing process because it’s healing perfectly! I even reached out to Dr. Nick the weekend after I got the implant placed to make sure what I was experiencing was normal and he instantly got back to my text. I can’t say enough good things about COP! Thank you all!"

"These people are amazing! Dr Nick and his incredible staff make you feel like they genuinely care about providing the best possible experience. More importantly, they care about positive results - I couldn’t be happier with both the care and results I’ve received following a procedure.
Julie at the front desk is exceptionally helpful with making sense of insurance as well scheduling appointments - even with my other dentist!

Thanks C O Perio!"