A periodontist is a specialist in the gums and bones of your mouth. They are experts in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease (periodontitis), and they place dental implants to replace missing teeth. They are also skilled in treating complications of gum disease and performing cosmetic periodontal procedures. Periodontists have completed three or more additional years of university-based education beyond dental school and are equipped to handle the most challenging and complex treatments.
A general dentist may refer you to a periodontist for evaluation and treatment of gum disease, or you might request a visit to a periodontist to manage a specific issue like chronic bad breath, swollen gums that bleed during brushing and flossing, or loose teeth. The periodontist will conduct a thorough exam, measuring the space between your teeth and the gums (called periodontal pockets) using a probe, as well as taking X-rays to assess bone health. The periodontist will then recommend a course of action to control your symptoms and stop further damage to the gums, roots, and jawbone.
The most common procedure performed by a periodontist is called scaling and root planing, which is essentially a deep dental cleaning. This involves numbing your gums with local anesthesia so that the hygienist can remove tartar and plaque from above and below the gum line, as well as smooth the surface of the tooth roots to discourage future plaque buildup. Periodontists are also adept at managing the recovery and maintaining the long-term health of dental implant patients.
Other common periodontist treatments include gum grafts, root surface debridement (removing damaged tissue), and oral inflammation treatment. In addition, if your gums have receded due to periodontitis, the periodontist can perform a surgical procedure known as pocket reduction to expose more of the tooth’s surface for cleaning and reduce bacteria that can lead to more severe bone loss.
Periodontists are also skilled at handling issues that impact the beauty of your smile, including gummy smiles and excess gum tissue. They can perform a variety of cosmetic procedures, such as crown lengthening to reveal more of the natural tooth for restorative dentistry work and gum contouring to create a more balanced appearance. They are also experts in providing the necessary support for dental implants. As such, they can perform pre-implant procedures like bone grafting to ensure that the replacement tooth will fuse with the jawbone properly. This is essential to the success of your new implant. Periodontists often teach other dentists about the latest advances in periodontal care and treatment. They can also advise you on ways to prevent gum disease and provide guidance on selecting and caring for dentures. If you have any questions or concerns about your gums or teeth, please schedule an appointment with our practice today! We look forward to meeting you.