What is a Periodontist?

The word "periodontal" means "around the tooth." Periodontists are dentists trained in the “specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues." [The American Dental Association and The American Academy of Periodontology]

What does a Periodontist do?

Periodontists are dental specialists who spend 3 years in postgraduate training after graduating from dental school. With this specialized training, periodontists are trained to:

• Diagnose and treat infections of the gum tissue and bone (periodontitis, or periodontal disease) using non-surgical and surgical techniques.
  
  
  Prior to treatment, this patient teeth tend to red, puffy, with a tendency to bleed. These are signs of periodontal disease which can result in the loss of gum and bone support around the teeth. With non-surgical treatment, the tissue is now firm, pink and exhibits no signs of inflammation. Do you have signs of periodontal disease? Assess your gum disease risk from the American Academy of Periodontology.
• Perform regenerative procedures to restore lost bone and gum support around previously affected tooth.
  
  
  In this x-ray film, the shadow on the left side of molar is reflective of loss of gum and bone support due to a history of periodontal disease. With regenerative treatment, both the bone and gum support were regenerate.
• Perform periodontal plastic (cosmetic) surgery procedures to treat gum recession and to improve the appearance of the gum tissue around the teeth.
  
  
  Prior to treatment, this patient gum recession. This can lead to thermal sensitivity and changes which can lead to further recession. With plastic periodontal surgery, the exposed root is covered with an very esthetic result.
• Surgically placing dental implants and performing bone augmentation procedures to allow for implant placement.
  
  
  On the left, the x-ray shows two central incisors that are failing. They were extracted and dental implants were immediately place into the extraction site. The implants were allowed to heal and osseointegrated.
  
  After healing, final crowns were placed. These “new  teeth” functioned well.
  Implants can be used not only to hold new crowns but also loose fitting removable dentures.
• Manage oral medicine and pathology issues such as diabetes, drug induced overgrowth.
  
  
  Your periodontal health is inter-related with your overall systemic health. Your periodontist has been trained to manage or correct these problems.
• Co-manage complex cases with your restorative dentist by insuring a “solid foundation” for you new restorations.
  
  
  Dental neglect has resulted in poor oral hygiene, bad breath, multiple caries, and periodontal disease. The periodontist can work in conjunction with your dentist to better insure the final restorations (fillings, crowns, bridges, & partial dentures) have a solid dental foundation.
• Providing supportive periodontal treatment for patients after active treatment.
  
  
  Your beautiful smile is highly linked to the health of your teeth and the gum-bone surrounding them. Only with regular maintenance, evaluation, and management can your smile be maintained. Your local periodontist is here to help. Visit Finding a periodontist.

* Note: These are just seven of the many skills your periodontist have been trained to perform.

Other useful links:

• A guide to periodontal diseases from the California Dental Association
• Assess your gum disease risk from the American Academy of Periodontology
• Treatments to save your teeth from the American Academy of Periodontology
• Dental Implants to replace teeth from the American Academy of Periodontology
• Periodontal plastic surgery procedures from the American Academy of Periodontology