A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the soft tissues of the mouth and the underlying jawbone which supports the teeth. A dentist must first graduate from an accredited dental school and then complete an additional three years of study within a periodontology residency training program to qualify as a periodontist.
The primary focus of this residency training is on both surgical and nonsurgical management of periodontal disease, as well as the placement of dental implants.
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 jawbone, 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.
The periodontist can treat mild, moderate, and advanced gum disease by first addressing the bacterial infection at the root of the problem, providing periodontal treatment, and then providing information and education on good oral hygiene and effective tooth cleaning.
The most common conditions treated by the periodontist are:
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- 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 occur, causing 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 jawbone, restoring functionality to the mouth.
Treatments Performed by a Periodontist
The periodontist can perform a wide range of treatments to halt the progression of gum disease, replace missing teeth, and enhance the appearance of the smile.
Here are some of the treatments commonly performed by periodontists:
- Implant placement – When a tooth or several teeth are missing, the periodontist can create a natural-looking replacement by anchoring a prosthetic tooth to the jawbone.
- Osteoplasty (hard tissue recontouring) – After periodontitis has been treated, the periodontist can recontour the hard tissue to create a smile that is 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. The periodontist can remove tissues or adjust the gum line to create a more even appearance of the teeth.
- 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. The periodontist can scale and root plane the teeth (sometimes under local anesthetic) to remove debris and infection-causing bacteria.
- Crown lengthening – To expose more of the natural tooth, the periodontist can remove some of the surrounding gingival tissue.
The periodontist is a highly skilled dental health professional who can diagnose and treat a wide range of common soft tissue and bone problems in the oral cavity.
Be sure to ask your periodontist if you have any questions or concerns.
