What Is A Periodontal Specialist & What They Can Do For You

Posted on Jul 06, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

A Periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gums and all oral tissues) disease and dental implant placement. After completing 4 years of undergraduate school at a college or university, Periodontists continue another 4 years in dental school followed by 3 more years in extensive training in this specialty. They are considered experts in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease as well as cosmetic periodontal procedures such as gum recontouring and crown lengthening.

In addition to treating gum disease, Periodontists offer treatments such as scaling & root planing (which cleans infection below the gum line) or root surface debridement (a process that removes damaged tissue). They also treat severe gum problems and have extensive training in the placement of dental implants.

Because of the relationship between periodontal disease and chronic diseases, patients with signs of periodontal disease receive an optimal level of expertise by a trained Periodontal specialist. Patients with moderate or severe periodontal disease are restored to a healthy state more efficiently by a partnership between your general dentist and a Periodontist.

Because a Periodontist is specially trained to work with gum tissues, their skills in implant placement enhance treatment outcomes and typically shorten treatment times due to their expertise.