What Is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is an “Oral Health Specialist” with formal residency training in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of periodontal (gum) disease and other oral health problems. Periodontists are specially trained to save teeth when possible. Periodontists are also specially trained to replace missing teeth when they are lost using dental implants. Periodontists are experts in the treatment of all forms of periodontal disease, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and gingival (gum) recession. Periodontists are also experts at Oral Plastic Surgery and regenerating lost gum and bone around teeth.

The American Dental Association recognizes periodontics as one of the nine specialties of dentistry. Periodontists receive extensive training, including three years of additional education beyond dental school.

By choosing a periodontal specialist for your care, you will benefit from the latest diagnostic procedures for treating periodontal disease and placing dental implants tailored to your needs. Periodontists also perform Oral Plastic Surgery to modify the appearance of the gums which can improve the smile. The following are some examples of what periodontists are trained to do:

Bone Regeneration can restore lost bone and gum support

bone-regeneration

In the “Before” x-ray image, 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 repaired as noted on the “After” x-ray image.

Tissue Grafting can treat gum recession and improve the appearance of the gum tissue around the teeth.

tissue-grafting

Prior to treatment, this patient’s canine tooth had significant gum recession. Recession of the gums can cause temperature sensitivity and can worsen with time. Using Oral Plastic Surgery techniques, the exposed root is covered by new gum improving the smile as well as the long term health of the gums.

Esthetic Crown Lengthening can elongate teeth and improve the smile

crown-lengthening

The above photographs show BEFORE and AFTERS following esthetic crown lengthening and porcelain veneer restorations.

Single Tooth Dental Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth

single-tooth-dental-implants

The above picture shows a left central incisor tooth that has an advanced cavity and fractured to the gum line.

after-implant-with-xray

The tooth was removed and a dental implant was placed into the extraction site.

After a few months of healing, a crown was placed on the implant leading to a beautiful outcome.

Multiple Implants can be used to replace multiple missing teeth

multiple-implants

The photograph on the left shows a fractured front tooth which was supporting a tooth bridge. The broken tooth needed to be removed and three implants were placed to replace four missing teeth.

multiple-implants-xray

Three implants were used to create a four tooth bridge which replaces four missing teeth.