All about the Periodontist
A periodontist is a specialized dentist focusing on the soft tissues of the mouth and the underlying jawbone supporting teeth. To become a periodontist, one must first graduate from an accredited dental school and then undergo three additional years of specialized training in a periodontology residency program.
During this residency, emphasis is placed on both surgical and non-surgical approaches to managing periodontal disease and placing dental implants.
The primary concerns of a periodontist include preventing gum disease, diagnosing gum and jawbone conditions, and treating gingivitis, periodontitis, and bone loss. Periodontal disease is a progressive condition and a leading cause of tooth loss among adults.
A periodontist can address mild, moderate, and advanced gum disease by tackling the bacterial infection, providing periodontal treatment, and educating patients on oral hygiene.
Common conditions treated by periodontists include:
- Gingivitis, characterized by mild gum inflammation possibly accompanied by pain and bleeding.
- Mild/moderate periodontitis, where pockets between teeth and soft tissues measure between 4-6mm.
- Advanced periodontitis, with pockets exceeding 6mm leading to significant bone loss and tooth mobility.
- Missing teeth resulting from bone loss, which can be replaced with prosthetic teeth anchored to the jawbone.
Periodontists perform various treatments to halt gum disease progression, replace missing teeth, and enhance smile aesthetics, including:
- Implant placement to replace missing teeth by anchoring prosthetic teeth to the jawbone.
- Osteoplasty to recontour hard tissue for a natural-looking smile post-periodontal treatment.
- Gingivoplasty to address gum recession and create a more even smile.
- Bone grafting to augment bone for proper implant placement.
- Deep pocket cleanings to remove debris and bacteria from gum pockets.
- Crown lengthening to expose more of the natural tooth for certain dental procedures.
Periodontists are highly skilled professionals capable of diagnosing and treating a range of soft tissue and bone issues in the oral cavity. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.