What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a specialized dentist who focuses on the soft tissues of the mouth and the underlying jawbone that supports the teeth. After completing dental school, a dentist must undergo an additional three years of training in a periodontology residency program to become a periodontist.

During this residency, the periodontist receives extensive training in both surgical and non-surgical management of periodontal disease and the placement of dental implants.

The main areas of concern for a periodontist include preventing gum disease (periodontal disease), diagnosing conditions affecting the gums and jawbone, and treating issues such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and bone loss. Periodontal disease is a progressive condition and the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in developed countries.

A periodontist is equipped to treat mild, moderate, and advanced gum disease by addressing the bacterial infection at its root, providing appropriate periodontal treatment, and educating patients about good oral hygiene practices and effective teeth cleaning techniques.

The most common conditions treated by a periodontist include:

1. Gingivitis: This is a mild inflammation of the gums, which may or may not be accompanied by pain and bleeding.

2. Mild to moderate periodontitis: When the pockets between the teeth and the soft tissues measure between 4-6mm, it is classified as moderate periodontitis or gum disease.

3. Advanced periodontitis: When the pockets between the teeth and the soft tissues exceed 6mm in depth, significant bone loss may occur, leading to tooth shifting or loss.

4. Missing teeth: When teeth are lost due to bone loss, a periodontist can place dental implants. These prosthetic teeth are anchored to the jawbone, restoring both functionality and aesthetics to the mouth.

A periodontist is skilled in performing various treatments to stop the progression of gum disease, replace missing teeth, and enhance the appearance of the smile.

Some of the common treatments performed by a periodontist include:

1. Implant placement: Using dental implants, a periodontist can replace one or more missing teeth by securely anchoring prosthetic teeth to the jawbone.

2. Osteoplasty (hard tissue recontouring): After treating periodontitis, the periodontist can reshape the hard tissue to create a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing smile.

3. Gingivoplasty (soft tissue recontouring): If gum recession has occurred due to periodontitis, the periodontist can remove tissue or reshape the gum line to create a more even appearance.

4. Bone grafting: When there is insufficient bone to support dental implants, a periodontist can perform bone grafting to augment or regenerate bone for proper implant placement.

5. Deep pocket cleanings: As gum disease progresses, it becomes challenging to clean the pockets between the teeth and gums. A periodontist can perform scaling and root planing, removing debris and infection-causing bacteria from the tooth surfaces and below the gum line.

6. Crown lengthening: To expose more of the natural tooth structure, a periodontist can remove excess gum tissue surrounding the tooth.

A periodontist is a highly skilled dental professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating various soft tissue and bone problems in the oral cavity. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your periodontist.