A periodontist is a dental specialist focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases that affect the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. After completing dental school, a periodontist pursues an additional three years of advanced residency training in periodontology and dental implant surgery. This specialty training gives them the expertise to treat all stages of periodontal disease, restore missing teeth with implants, and perform procedures that improve gum health and smile aesthetics.
At Decatur Dental Care, our periodontal team provides comprehensive gum care, advanced periodontal treatment, and restorative solutions to protect your long-term oral health.
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 offering information and education on good oral hygiene and effective tooth cleaning.
The most common conditions treated include:
- Gingivitis – Mild inflammation of the gums, which may or may not include pain and bleeding.
- Mild/moderate periodontitis – When the pockets between the teeth and the soft tissues are measured to be between 4mm and 6mm.
- Advanced periodontitis – Pocket depths in general exceed 6mm, with significant bone loss that can cause shifting or loss of teeth.
- Missing teeth – When teeth are missing as a result of bone loss, the periodontist can implant prosthetic teeth anchored to the jawbone.
How Periodontal Disease Begins
Periodontal disease begins when the toxins found in plaque start to attack the soft or gingival tissue surrounding the teeth. This bacterium embeds itself in the gum and rapidly breeds, causing a bacterial infection.
As the infection progresses, it starts to burrow deeper into the tissue, causing inflammation or irritation between the teeth and gums. The body’s response is to destroy the infected tissue, which is why the gums appear to recede. The resulting pockets between the teeth deepen and, if no treatment is sought, the tissue that makes up the jawbone also recedes, causing unstable teeth and tooth loss.
When to See a Periodontist
There are several ways to seek treatment from a periodontist. In the course of a regular dental check-up, if the general dentist or hygienist finds symptoms of gingivitis or rapidly progressing periodontal disease, a consultation with a periodontist may be recommended. However, a referral is not necessary for a periodontal consultation.
If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, you should schedule an appointment without delay:
- Bleeding while eating or brushing – One of the most common signs of periodontal infection.
- Bad breath – Persistent halitosis, even with good oral hygiene, can indicate periodontitis or gingivitis.
- Loose teeth and gum recession – Longer-looking teeth may signal gum recession and bone loss.
- Gangrene in the tissues – Hard to self-diagnose, but checked by dentists and periodontists.
- Related health conditions – Heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia, and osteoporosis are highly correlated with periodontal infections.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Before initiating any dental treatment, the periodontist must extensively examine the gums, jawbone, and general condition of the teeth. Once gingivitis or periodontal disease is diagnosed, the periodontist has several surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
Gingivitis / Mild Periodontal Disease
When the gum pockets exceed 4mm in depth, scaling and root planing may be performed to remove debris and allow pockets to heal. Education on an effective cleaning regimen will also be provided.
Moderate Periodontal Disease
If gum pockets reach 4–6mm, a more extensive scaling and root planing may be needed, usually under local anesthetic.
Advanced Periodontal Disease
Gum pockets greater than 6–7mm are often accompanied by bone loss and gum recession. Scaling and root planing are performed initially, and surgical treatment may be recommended to reduce pocket depth.
Tooth Loss
Where teeth are missing due to periodontal disease, dental implants are an effective option. If the bone is strong enough to provide an anchor for an implant, it can be placed. If bone loss is severe, bone grafts may be needed.
Treatments Performed by a Periodontist
Periodontists can perform a wide range of treatments to halt gum disease progression, replace missing teeth, and enhance the smile.
Common treatments include:
- Implant placement – Anchoring a prosthetic tooth to the jawbone.
- Osteoplasty (hard tissue recontouring) – Recontouring hard tissue after periodontal treatment for a natural appearance.
- Gingivoplasty (soft tissue recontouring) – Straightening or contouring gums when recession creates a “toothy” smile.
- Bone grafting – Adding or “growing” bone when needed for implant placement.
- Deep pocket cleanings – Scaling and root planing to remove debris and infection-causing bacteria.
- Crown lengthening – Exposing more of the natural tooth by removing some gingival tissue.
Professional Expertise at Decatur Dental Care
The periodontist is a highly skilled dental professional who is able to diagnose and treat many commonly occurring soft tissue and bone problems in the oral cavity. If you have questions about periodontal disease, periodontal treatment, or dental implants, our team at Decatur Dental Care is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation.