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 bone 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.
- Perform Esthetic Tissue Recontouring for improved restorative outcome.
The above photographs show BEFORE (right) and AFTER (left) of esthetic
crown lenthening and veneer restoration.
- Surgically placing dental implants and performing bone augmentation procedures to allow for implant placement.
Above, the picture shows a central incisor that has an advanced cavity that needs to be extracted. The tooth was extracted and a dental implant was placed into the extraction site. The implant was allowed to heal.
After healing, a final crown was placed. These “new tooth” functioned well.
The 'Xray" on the right shows the crown attached to the implant.
- Place Multiple Implants when missing more than one tooth.
Above, photographs show (LEFT) tooth loss in Maxillary right and Central
incisor which needs extraction. The area was restored (RIGHT) with multiple
implant supported crowns. The radiographs of the restored area shows the
underlying implants (BELOW).
- 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 helping to restore lost tissues for better esthetics.
Above Left, shows loss of inter-tooth papilla due to trauma. The Above Right photo shows the area treated to regain the lost papilla tissues and new crowns. The periodontist can work in conjunction with your dentist to better insure the final restorations (fillings, crowns, bridges, & partial dentures) have an improved 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.
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