What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect the gums, bone, and other supporting structures of the teeth. They are experts in treating gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, as well as performing procedures such as dental implants, gum grafts, and periodontal surgery. Periodontists also work closely with general dentists and other dental specialists to provide comprehensive oral health care for patients.

Additionally, a periodontist is trained to perform cosmetic procedures related to the gums, such as gum reshaping and crown lengthening. They can also perform procedures to correct issues with the alignment of the teeth and jaws, known as orthognathic surgery.

One of the key areas of a periodontist’s work is the treatment of gum diseases. They are able to diagnose and treat various stages of gum disease, including mild gum inflammation (gingivitis) and more severe gum infection (periodontitis). They may perform deep cleaning procedures, known as scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline. In cases where the disease has advanced, they may also perform surgical procedures to remove diseased tissue and promote gum and bone regeneration.

Periodontists are also skilled in the placement of dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots used to replace missing teeth. They assess the health of the gums and bone in the jaw to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for implant placement. They then surgically place the implants and coordinate with restorative dentists to ensure the proper placement of prosthetic teeth onto the implants.

A periodontist plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and stability of the supporting structures of the teeth. They work to prevent and treat gum diseases, restore oral health, and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the gums.

Here is a list of tasks that a periodontist may perform:

1. Diagnosing and treating gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
2. Performing deep cleaning procedures, such as scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline.
3. Conducting surgical procedures to remove diseased tissue and promote gum and bone regeneration.
4. Placing dental implants to replace missing teeth, including assessing suitability for implant placement and coordinating with restorative dentists.
5. Performing cosmetic procedures related to the gums, such as gum reshaping and crown lengthening.
6. Treating and managing gum recession by performing gum grafts.
7. Collaborating with general dentists and other dental specialists to provide comprehensive oral health care for patients.
8. Providing guidance and education on oral hygiene practices to prevent gum diseases.
9. Evaluating and treating issues related to the alignment of the teeth and jaws, such as orthognathic surgery.
10. Conducting regular follow-up visits and check-ups to monitor the progress of treatment and ensure the maintenance of oral health.

It’s important to note that the specific tasks performed by a periodontist may vary depending on their individual expertise and the needs of their patients.