What is a Periodontist?

What Makes Periodontists Different From Regular Dentists?

After completing dental school, periodontists pursue an additional three years of specialized training focused specifically on periodontal disease and the supporting structures of teeth. This advanced education gives them expertise in surgical and non-surgical treatments for gum disease, dental implant placement, and cosmetic periodontal procedures. They also receive extensive training in recognizing how periodontal disease connects to overall health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

The depth of their specialization means periodontists see patients primarily for gum-related issues rather than routine dental care. While your general dentist handles cleanings, fillings, and overall oral health, a periodontist focuses on treating advanced gum disease, performing gum surgery, and placing dental implants, allowing them to develop exceptional skills in these specialized areas.

When Would You Need To See A Periodontist?

Periodontal treatment may be sought in several ways. Your general dentist or a hygienist may recommend a consultation with a periodontist if they find signs of periodontal disease through the course of a checkup or other dental care appointment. You may also decide to see a periodontist on your own, as a referral is not necessary to be seen at our office.

In fact, if you experience any of these symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office without delay:

• Bleeding while brushing or eating normal foods. Unexplained bleeding while performing regular cleaning or consuming food is the most common sign of a periodontal infection.
• Bad breath. Ongoing halitosis (bad breath), which continues despite rigorous oral cleaning, can point to periodontitis, gingivitis or the beginnings of a gum infection.
• Loose teeth and gum recession. Longer-looking and loose-feeling teeth can indicate recession of the gums and/or bone loss as a result of periodontal disease.
• Related health concerns. Patients with heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia or osteoporosis are often diagnosed with correlating periodontal infections. The bacterial infection can spread through the blood stream, affecting other areas of the body.

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer.

The following are common signs of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:

• Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth.
• A sore that fails to heal, and bleeds easily.
• A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth.
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and, curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer. We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly.

What Procedures Do Periodontists Perform?

Periodontists offer various surgical and non-surgical treatments to restore and maintain healthy gums and supporting tissues. Here are the main procedures periodontists perform:

• Scaling and Root Planing: A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths rough root surfaces to promote healing.
• Gum Grafts: Surgical procedures that cover exposed tooth roots or thicken thin gum tissue using tissue from other areas of your mouth or donor material.
• Pocket Reduction Surgery: A procedure that reduces the depth of gum pockets by removing diseased tissue and repositioning the gums closer to the teeth.
• Dental Implant Placement: Surgical insertion of titanium posts into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots and support artificial teeth.
• Bone Regeneration: Procedures that encourage new bone growth in areas where bone has been lost due to periodontal disease or tooth extraction.
• Crown Lengthening: Surgery that reshapes gum tissue and bone to expose more of the tooth structure for restorative or cosmetic purposes.

How Do Periodontists Use Advanced Technology?

Modern periodontal practices utilize sophisticated technology that makes treatment more precise and comfortable. Digital imaging and 3D cone beam scans allow periodontists to see detailed views of bone levels, gum tissue thickness, and anatomical structures before planning surgical procedures. This technology helps them determine the best approach for implant placement and predict treatment outcomes more accurately.

Many periodontists use laser therapy for treating gum disease, which can be less invasive than traditional surgery and often results in faster healing times. Some practices incorporate guided tissue regeneration techniques using special membranes and growth factors to encourage the regrowth of bone and ligaments around teeth. Advanced microsurgical techniques allow for more precise procedures with smaller incisions and better healing.

Why Should You Choose Periodontal Treatment Over Tooth Extraction?

Treating gum disease and saving your natural teeth is almost always preferable to extraction and replacement with implants or dentures. Your natural teeth and their supporting structures work together to provide optimal chewing efficiency, speech clarity, and facial support. When gum disease is treated successfully, your natural teeth can often be preserved for decades with proper ongoing care and maintenance.

Periodontal treatment can halt the progression of gum disease and prevent the loss of bone that supports your teeth. Early intervention with periodontal therapy is typically less expensive and less invasive than waiting until teeth become loose or painful and require extraction and replacement.

What Are The Long-Term Benefits Of Periodontal Treatment?

Successful periodontal treatment can stop the progression of gum disease and maintain your natural teeth for life with proper ongoing care. Research shows that treated periodontal patients who maintain regular cleanings and follow-up visits have excellent long-term success rates. Healthy gums also contribute to better overall health, as treating gum disease can help improve control of diabetes and reduce inflammation throughout your body.

Working with skilled periodontists and maintaining regular care with your general dentist creates the best foundation for long-term oral health. Periodontal maintenance visits help prevent disease recurrence and catch any problems early when they’re most easily treated.

Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we may help.