A periodontist is a specialized dental professional focusing on the health and stability of the structures that support the teeth, including the gums, underlying jawbone, and connective tissues. These components are collectively known as the periodontium. They are experts in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting these supporting structures. Their advanced expertise is necessary for maintaining optimal oral health.
Defining the Dental Specialist
The path to becoming a periodontist requires significant advanced education beyond the standard dental degree. After four years of dental school, they complete an additional two to three years of specialized residency training. This intensive post-doctoral program concentrates solely on periodontology, the study of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Training includes instruction in both non-surgical therapies and complex surgical procedures.
This specialized focus distinguishes them from general dentists, whose practice encompasses a broader range of oral health issues. A periodontist possesses a deep understanding of the gums, bone, and their systemic connection. Their expertise is sought for managing complex cases, performing surgical repairs, and placing dental implants. The goal is to preserve natural teeth and restore the function and aesthetics of the supporting apparatus.
The Conditions Addressed
Periodontists primarily manage the spectrum of periodontal disease, which begins with the inflammatory condition known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, the inflammation can progress to periodontitis, a destructive infection that damages soft tissue and destroys the bone supporting the teeth. This bone loss leads to the formation of deep pockets around the teeth where bacteria thrive.
Untreated periodontitis leads to increasing tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss, making it the number one cause of tooth loss among adults. Periodontists also diagnose and treat gum recession, where tissue pulls back to expose the tooth root surface. They address the loss of jawbone volume resulting from advanced disease or following tooth extraction. Diagnosis involves measuring the depth of periodontal pockets and evaluating bone structure through dental radiographs.
Common Periodontal Treatments
Treatment approaches are divided into non-surgical methods for early disease and surgical procedures for advanced tissue damage. The most common non-surgical treatment is scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning. Scaling involves removing plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the tooth root surfaces to discourage bacterial accumulation and allow gum tissue to reattach.
If non-surgical treatment is insufficient, a periodontist may recommend surgical interventions to repair damage and regenerate lost tissue. Flap surgery, or pocket reduction surgery, involves lifting the gum tissue to access the deeper infection and reshape the underlying bone. To address exposed tooth roots caused by recession, soft tissue grafting is performed. Bone grafting procedures utilize donor or synthetic material to rebuild jawbone density lost to disease.
The placement of dental implants is a significant part of modern periodontal practice. An implant involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone to serve as a replacement tooth root. Their expertise in managing the surrounding gum and bone tissue ensures a stable foundation for the prosthetic tooth. These restorative procedures aim to halt disease progression, restore function, and improve appearance.
Knowing When to See a Periodontist
While a general dentist handles routine cleanings and early-stage gingivitis, a referral to a periodontist is warranted for complex or advanced conditions. Patients should seek consultation if they notice signs of tissue damage or infection.
Symptoms requiring specialized care include:
- Chronic gum bleeding
- Gums that appear red, swollen, or tender
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession that makes teeth look longer or causes sensitivity
- Loose or shifting teeth, or a change in bite
Although referrals often come from a general dentist, direct consultation is an option. Seeking prompt care offers the best chance of controlling the disease and preserving natural teeth.