What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in surgical and non-surgical treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth, including the surrounding bone and gingiva (gums). Periodontists are experts in the management of patients with periodontal diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis and gingival recession.
Periodontics is one of the nine American Dental Association recognized specialties of dentistry. Periodontists complete 3 years of additional formal training beyond dental school in an accredited residency training program.
The American Academy of Periodontology is the recognized governing academy for periodontics in the USA.
Periodontists may also earn board certification through the American Board of Periodontology after completion of an American Dental Association accredited residency training program in periodontics. Board certified periodontists are awarded the title "Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology."
Conditions Treated by a Periodontist
The periodontist is mainly concerned with preventing the onset of gum disease (periodontal disease), diagnosing conditions affecting the gums and bone, and treating gingivitis, periodontitis and bone loss. Periodontal disease is a progressive condition and the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the developed world.
Periodontists are able to treat mild, moderate and advanced gum disease by first cleaning affected areas of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. If periodontal disease has led to bone loss and/or recession of the gums, a periodontist may decide that surgery is necessary.
The most common conditions treated by the periodontist are:
Gingivitis – This is the mild inflammation of the gums which may or may not be signified by pain and bleeding.
Mild/moderate periodontitis – When the pockets between the teeth and the soft tissues are measured to be between 4-6mm it is classified as moderate periodontitis (gum disease).
Advanced periodontitis – When the pockets between the teeth and the soft tissues in general exceed 6mm in depth, significant bone loss may have occurred, possibly leading to the shifting or loss of teeth.
Missing teeth – When teeth are missing as a result of bone loss, the periodontist can implant prosthetic teeth. These teeth are anchored to the bone underneath the gums and restore functionality to the mouth.
Treatments Performed by a Periodontist
The periodontist is able to perform a wide range of treatments to halt the progression of gum disease, replace missing teeth and make the appearance of the smile more aesthetically pleasing.
Here are some of the treatments commonly performed by the periodontist:
Implant placement – When a tooth or several teeth are missing, a periodontist is able to create a natural-looking replacement by anchoring a prosthetic tooth to the bone underneath the gums.
Osteoplasty (hard tissue recontouring) – Once periodontitis has been treated, the periodontist can recontour the hard tissue to make the smile both natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing.
Gingivoplasty (soft tissue recontouring) – As gums recede due to periodontitis, the teeth may appear longer; causing a “toothy" smile. A periodontist can remove tissue or straighten the gum line to make the teeth appear more even.
Bone grafting – Dental implants can only be positioned if there is sufficient bone to attach the prosthetic tooth to. If bone loss has occurred, bone grafting is an excellent way to add or “grow” bone so that an implant may be properly secured.
Deep pocket cleanings – As gingivitis and periodontitis progress, it becomes more difficult to cleanse the pockets between the soft tissues and the teeth. A periodontist can scale and root plane the teeth, sometimes under local anesthetic, to remove plaque, tartar, and infection-causing bacteria.
Crown lengthening – In order to expose more of the natural tooth, the periodontist can remove some of the surrounding gingival tissue.
Root Coverage procedure - Using tissue grafts, a periodontist can cover root exposure caused by over-zealous brushing, trauma, or genetically related inadequacy of volume.