Seeing a periodontist in Jerusalem: what the first visit includes
Our clinic in south Jerusalem offers consultations for periodontal treatment, in English. The first consultation is an essential step in diagnosing and treating gum disease: it lets the clinician assess the condition of your gums and build a personal treatment plan. Certified periodontists treat patients at the clinic, in coordination with Dr Haim Aseriel, a US-trained general dentist (DDS, NYU College of Dentistry), so diagnosis, treatment and follow-up take place in the same place.
During the first visit, the clinician carries out a full assessment of your gum health, including pocket depth measurements and a check of tooth mobility. X-rays are taken when needed to show the supporting bone. Your general medical history is also reviewed, because systemic conditions such as diabetes can affect gum health. Personal oral hygiene instructions are an integral part of the visit: without better daily habits, the success of periodontal treatment is limited.
After the diagnosis, the findings are explained using the measurements and X-rays, and the treatment options that suit your situation are presented, so that you take part in every decision: for example treatment for gum recession, or a bone graft when there is significant bone loss. At the end of the visit you receive a detailed written treatment plan (recommended procedures, estimated timeline, maintenance needed afterwards) and estimate, with no obligation, and itemized receipts after treatment that you can submit to your insurer (coverage depends on your policy).
The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street in Talpiot, south Jerusalem. Opening hours: Sun 8:00–19:00 · Mon 9:00–19:00 · Tue–Wed 9:00–21:00 · Thu 8:30–21:00 · Fri 8:00–14:00. To book, call 03-912-1879 or use the contact form; you can also read what patients say in their Google reviews.
What is periodontal disease and what causes it?
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry devoted to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the gums and the supporting tissues of the teeth. Periodontal disease is a group of inflammatory conditions affecting those tissues: the gums themselves, the periodontal ligament, the cementum covering the root and the alveolar bone. Its main cause is the build-up of bacterial plaque on the teeth, which triggers an inflammatory response from the body.
There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mild form of gum disease: inflammation of the gums only, without damage to the supporting tissues. According to the ADA, at this stage it is still reversible with a professional cleaning, daily brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more advanced disease with irreversible loss of bone and connective tissue attachment. According to the CDC, the damage cannot be undone, but professional treatment can stop the disease from progressing. Left untreated, periodontitis can lead to loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss.
Other risk factors for gum disease include smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, hormonal changes, certain medications, genetics, systemic illness and a poor diet. According to the ADA clinical practice guideline, scaling and root planing is the recommended initial treatment for chronic periodontitis. Gum disease is also linked to general health: the relationship with diabetes works both ways, since diabetes raises the risk of periodontitis, and untreated gum inflammation can make blood sugar harder to control (Preshaw et al., 2012).
At the clinic, periodontal treatment is tailored to each patient and combines thorough tartar removal with guidance on daily oral hygiene. More advanced cases may require surgical treatment, performed by a periodontist.
What are the signs of periodontal disease?
Recognizing the early signs of gum disease is key to successful treatment and to preventing irreversible damage to the tissues that hold the teeth. The most common signs are gums that bleed when you brush or floss, red and swollen gums, tender gum tissue, persistent bad breath and receding gums that make the teeth look longer. In advanced cases, teeth may feel loose and new gaps may appear between them.
Gum disease often develops without significant pain in its early stages, which is why many people delay treatment until it is advanced. Deep pockets between the tooth and the gum are a clear sign of disease: in NIDCR research, pockets of 4 mm or more, together with loss of attachment, are part of the definition of periodontitis. When an infection also reaches the nerve of the tooth, root canal treatment may be needed as well.
4 mm
Pocket depth from which the definition of periodontitis starts (NIDCR)
Other signs to watch for:
- Gums that feel "spongy"
- Recurrent sores on the gums
- Pus coming from the gums
- Changes in your bite or in how dentures fit
- Pain when chewing
At the clinic, a gum examination includes pocket measurements, a bleeding check and X-rays when needed, to detect early signs that are hard to see with the naked eye. According to the ADA, you can have gum disease without noticing any symptoms. Early detection allows earlier intervention, when treatment is simpler.
When should you see a periodontal specialist?
Any of the signs listed above is a reason for a gum examination. If your dentist has advised you to consult a periodontist, do not put it off: it is an opportunity to treat the problem before it gets worse.
Some people are at higher risk of periodontal disease and should be especially careful about regular check-ups: smokers (according to the NIDCR, smoking is one of the most significant risk factors), people with diabetes, pregnant women (see pregnancy gingivitis), people with cardiovascular disease, patients taking certain medications that affect the gums (such as some blood pressure drugs, anti-seizure drugs and drugs that prevent organ transplant rejection) and people with a family history of gum disease.
If you have already been treated for gum disease, or have dental implants, you need regular follow-up, as described below.
How is periodontal disease diagnosed?
Diagnosing periodontal disease relies on a thorough examination of the gums and of the bone that supports the teeth.
01
Medical and dental history
The visit starts with a careful review of your medical and dental history, including risk factors such as smoking, diabetes and medications that can affect the gums. This review helps identify the stage of the disease and tailor the treatment plan.
02
Pocket depth measurement
The depth of the gum pockets is measured with a fine periodontal probe, which records the distance between the edge of the gum and the point where the gum attaches to the tooth.
03
Dental X-rays
X-rays show the level of the bone below the gum line. They make it possible to assess how much bone has been lost and how severe the disease is.
According to the ADA guideline, systemic antibiotics as an add-on to scaling and root planing receive only a weak recommendation, because of their possible side effects: they are considered case by case and are available by prescription only. The clinician also checks how effective your brushing technique is and gives you personal advice to improve your oral hygiene.
Examination, treatment plan and price quote
detailed and personalized
During the consultation, Dr Haim Aseriel examines your teeth, explains all the options and gives you a transparent price quote, with no obligation. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street, Jerusalem.
Periodontal surgery: cosmetic gum procedures and root coverage
Cosmetic gum surgery is an important part of modern periodontics. Surgical techniques can improve the look of the smile with procedures such as covering exposed roots, reshaping the gum line and crown lengthening. For a full overview, see our page on gum surgery.
Exposed roots, most often caused by gum recession, are covered with a soft tissue graft, usually taken from the palate and placed over the exposed area. More on the procedure on our gum graft page.
Crown lengthening removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth. It is used for cosmetic or restorative reasons, for example to prepare a tooth for a crown. In a "gummy smile", the gum line can be reshaped to give the smile more harmonious proportions.
Microsurgical techniques, performed under optical magnification with fine instruments, aim to keep incisions small and make healing easier. Whether they are suitable is decided case by case; in every case the procedure is adapted to the patient, with the aim of preserving as much natural tissue as possible.
What is a periodontist, and when are you referred to one?
A periodontist is a dentist with additional training in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and of the tissues that support the teeth. According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), in the United States this training lasts up to three additional years after dental school and covers both surgical and non-surgical treatment. According to the NIDCR, a general dentist may refer patients to a periodontist, mainly for complex cases. At our Jerusalem clinic, certified periodontists treat patients in coordination with Dr Haim Aseriel, so anyone looking for a periodontist in Jerusalem can have the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up in one place.
Periodontists also perform gum grafts and soft-tissue reconstruction; sinus lifts and bone grafts are done at the clinic, with PRF when indicated.
Why regular follow-up after periodontal treatment matters
Regular gum check-ups are part of any long-term oral health strategy. Follow-up visits detect changes in the gums early, allow quick intervention when needed and prevent periodontal disease from progressing to stages that can lead to tooth loss.
Maintenance visits
At each maintenance visit, pocket depths, gum bleeding and other signs of inflammation or recession are re-assessed. Your oral hygiene routine is reviewed, with personal advice to improve it when needed.
After surgical treatment
For patients who have had bone grafts, dental implants or soft-tissue surgery, follow-up is essential to the long-term success of treatment. It allows early signs of peri-implantitis or infection to be detected and treated at an early stage.
How often?
The frequency of visits depends on the condition of your mouth and your personal risk of decay and gum disease. For many people this means a check-up every six months; patients treated for periodontitis usually need more frequent maintenance visits, as recommended by their dentist.
Each patient receives a follow-up plan adapted to his or her needs, which can be adjusted if your health or lifestyle changes. Professional cleanings with the dental hygienist are part of this plan.
Periodontist: frequently asked questions
In Israel, the specialist title in periodontics is granted by the Ministry of Health and can be checked in the Ministry's registry of licensed professionals. Beyond the title, ask how the treatment plan will look, who will handle the periodic maintenance visits and whether the periodontist works in coordination with your regular dentist. At our clinic in Jerusalem, certified periodontists treat patients in coordination with Dr Haim Aseriel.
A general dentist diagnoses gum disease, performs cleanings and tartar removal, and refers patients to a periodontist when needed. A periodontist is a dentist who has completed recognized specialty training in periodontics and treats advanced or complex cases, such as periodontitis with deep pockets, gum surgery and the coverage of exposed roots.
The frequency of follow-up visits after periodontal treatment depends on the condition of the gums, the type of treatment performed and your personal risk. Patients treated for periodontitis usually need more frequent maintenance visits; others may only need a check-up every six months, as recommended by their dentist. A Cochrane review (2020) found no evidence supporting one fixed interval for everyone.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, About Periodontal (Gum) Disease – View the source
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Periodontal Disease in Adults (Age 30 or Older) – View the source
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Periodontal (Gum) Disease – View the source
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: Gum Disease – View the source
- American Academy of Periodontology, Periodontal Treatments and Procedures – View the source
- Smiley CJ et al., Journal of the American Dental Association, 2015 – View the study
- Preshaw PM et al., Diabetologia, 2012 – View the study
- Fee PA et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020 – View the study
