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A periodontist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Several levels of expertise enable providers to address conditions ranging from early gum disease to complex surgical needs. Understanding these distinctions helps patients choose the right specialist based on their condition and desired treatment outcomes. Here is an overview of the different levels of periodontist specialization:
General Periodontists
General periodontists are the first line of defense against gum disease. They diagnose and treat various stages of periodontal conditions, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. Their primary goal is to restore gum health and prevent further damage to the tissues and bone that support your teeth. These gum specialists perform non-surgical treatments and routine maintenance to help patients manage their oral health.
A key part of their work involves scaling and root planing. This is a deep-cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain healthy gums at home. Regular visits to a general periodontist help manage chronic periodontal conditions.
Surgical Periodontists
For patients with advanced gum disease, a surgical periodontal specialist offers intensive treatments. When non-surgical methods are insufficient to control infection and associated damage, these specialists perform surgical procedures to restore periodontal and bone health. Here are some of the procedures surgical periodontists perform:
- Pocket Reduction Surgery: This procedure reduces the depth of the pockets that form between the gums and teeth, making them easier to clean.
- Bone Grafting: When gum disease has destroyed the bone supporting your teeth, the periodontist places natural or synthetic bone material in the area of bone loss to promote new growth.
- Soft Tissue Grafts: A surgical periodontist takes tissue from the roof of your mouth or another source and attaches it to the receded gumline to cover exposed roots and improve aesthetics.
A referral to a surgical periodontist is often made when a general dentist or periodontist determines that advanced treatment is necessary.
Dental Implant Periodontists
Many periodontists also specialize in placing dental implants, a durable solution for replacing missing teeth. This requires a deep understanding of the jawbone’s anatomy and the techniques needed for successful implant integration. Here are some of the key aspects of this specialty:
- Implant Placement: The periodontal specialist surgically places a titanium post into the jawbone, serving as a new tooth root.
- Site Preparation: Before an implant can be placed, some patients may need procedures like bone grafting or a sinus lift to create a solid foundation.
- Managing Complications: A periodontal specialist with expertise in implants can also manage complications, such as implant failure.
Choosing a periodontist who specializes in dental implants provides access to an expert who understands the surgical placement and the long-term health of the surrounding gum tissues.
Cosmetic Periodontists
Cosmetic periodontics focuses on enhancing the appearance of your smile by reshaping the gums. If you are unhappy with the look of your gums, a cosmetic periodontist performs procedures to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing gumline. This periodontal specialist combines artistic skill with clinical expertise to achieve beautiful results. A common procedure is crown lengthening, which removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth’s surface. Another procedure is gum grafting, which can fix gum recession and improve the appearance of long teeth.
Talk to a Periodontist Today
Understanding the different levels of periodontal specialization helps find the right care for your needs. Whether you need routine gum maintenance, advanced surgery, dental implants, or cosmetic enhancements, there is a periodontal specialist with the expertise to help. For persistent gum issues, contact a trusted periodontist near you to book your appointment today and discuss your oral health needs.
