Periodontist
What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a specialist in periodontics. Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the tissues that support your teeth: your gums and jawbone. Our modern word “periodontics” is created from joining the two Greek words, “peri,” which means “around,” and “odont,” which means “tooth.” So a specialist in periodontics treats conditions and disorders that affect the tissues that are “around” the “tooth.” In modern practice, this means that a periodontist specializes in treating, diagnosing, and preventing problems that can impact your teeth which originate in your gums or jawbone. The fact that roughly half the country has some form of gum disease indicates that there is likely a lot of demand for periodontists’ services.
What Exactly Does a Periodontist Do?
Some of the things that a periodontist does on a regular basis can include the following:
- Diagnosis and Treat Problems – Periodontists are experts at diagnosing and treating a number of gum diseases including gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums, and periodontitis, which is an advanced gum disease. They also evaluate overall gum health, assess the degree of damage to the gums, and then create a treatment plan to address the problem.
- Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) – This is essentially a deep dental cleaning periodontists use to treat gum disease. After local anesthesia is used to numb the gums, plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria are removed from deep below the gumline. The surface of tooth roots are also smoothed to prevent the growth of bacterial and to encourage the gums to reattach to the tooth.
- Periodontal Surgery – Periodontists often perform surgery on people’s gums. There are many types of these surgeries or treatments which address damage caused by gum disease along with other issues. These procedures include gum grafts, gingival flap surgery, bone grafts, surgical crown lengthening, difficult tooth extractions, smile lifts, and even frenectomies when someone’s lips or tongue are held too close to the gums.
- Dental Implants – These are artificial tooth roots used to support artificial teeth. Periodontists are often involved in assessing the suitability of dental implant placement, performing the surgical procedure, and then the maintenance of dental implants.
- Gum Grafting – Periodontists can perform gum graft surgery to restore receding gums. They do this by taking tissue from another area of your mouth or use synthetic materials to cover exposed tooth roots, improving both aesthetics and gum health.
- Maintenance and Follow-up – Periodontists provide ongoing care to patients who have had gum disease. They monitor the progress of procedures and treatments performed, conduct regular checkups, and provide guidance on oral hygiene practices to help prevent further gum problems.
It’s important to note that periodontists work closely with general dentists and other dental specialists to ensure comprehensive dental care. They play a vital role in treating and managing gum diseases and maintaining optimal oral health.
Why Would You Need to See a Periodontist?
There can be many reasons why someone may need to see a periodontist. They could include any of the following:
- Gum Disease – If you have symptoms of gum disease, such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, or loose teeth, your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist for a more comprehensive evaluation and specialized treatment.
- Advanced Gum Disease – If gum disease has progressed to a more advanced stage, known as periodontitis, your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist for further assessment and treatment. Periodontists are experts in managing complex cases of gum disease and can provide specialized therapies to help control the infection and prevent further damage.
- Gum Recession – Receding gums can expose the roots of the teeth, leading to sensitivity, an unattractive smile, and an increased risk of decay. Periodontists can perform gum grafting procedures to restore and cover the exposed root surfaces, improving both aesthetics and oral health.
- Persistent Gum Problems – If you have ongoing issues with your gums that are not responding to conventional treatment or if you have a complex medical history that affects your oral health, your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist for specialized care and management.
- Dental Implants – If you are considering dental implants as a solution for missing teeth, a periodontist can play a crucial role. They are trained in implant placement surgery and can assess the health of your gums and jawbone to determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.
- Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation – As part of routine dental care, your general dentist may recommend a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, especially if you have risk factors for gum disease. This evaluation includes assessing the health of your gums, measuring pocket depths, checking for bone loss, and determining the overall condition of your periodontal tissues.
So while a general dentist can handle many cases of gum disease, certain situations may require greater expertise, and this is where a periodontist is needed. By following the advice and guidance of your general dentist and periodontist, you can make sure that you receive the most appropriate and effective care for your specific situation.
What is a Periodontist vs Dentist?
A periodontist and a dentist are both dental professionals, but they have different areas of specialization and expertise. Here are some ways you can compare the two:
Dentist
- General dentists are primary oral health care providers who diagnose, treat, and manage overall oral health issues.
- They provide a wide range of dental services, including preventive care, dental cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, and basic tooth extractions.
- Dentists often handle routine dental check-ups, oral hygiene education, and basic restorative procedures.
- They are trained to identify common dental problems, perform dental examinations, take X-rays, and provide general dental treatments.
- Dentists may refer patients to specialists, such as periodontists, when specialized care is needed.
- To become a general dentist typically requires 8 years of post-secondary education: 4 years for a bachelor degree from a university and then 4 additional years of dentistry school.
Periodontist
- Periodontists are dental specialists who focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
- They have completed additional education and training beyond dental school: typically 3 years of study in periodontology which is above and beyond the 8 years they likely spent completing their education to become a general dentist.
- Periodontists are experts in treating gum disease, performing gum surgeries, placing dental implants, and managing complex cases involving the gums and bone structures.
- They specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions such as gingivitis, periodontitis, gum recession, and bone loss around the teeth.
- Periodontists often perform procedures such as scaling and root planning, gum grafting, periodontal surgeries, and maintenance of dental implants.
- They work closely with general dentists and other dental specialists to provide comprehensive oral care to patients.
So to put this in a nutshell, a dentist provides general oral health care services, while a periodontist specializes in treating diseases and conditions related to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. While dentists handle a broad range of dental treatments, periodontists have advanced training and expertise specifically in periodontology and are skilled in managing complex gum related issues.