A periodontist is a dentist who is specially trained in treating periodontal disease (gum disease). Periodontists complete dental school and then continue their studies with specialized training in periodontics.
Get the Facts on Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
A periodontist diagnoses, treats and restores gum disease through a number of surgical and non-surgical techniques. A periodontist is also skilled in placing dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots. If you've lost a tooth due to periodontal disease, a periodontist will surgically implant a metal post that serves as an anchor for a replacement tooth.
Surgical Gum Treatments
Periodontists also perform soft-tissue procedures to improve the gum line. This can include surgically shaping gum tissue and treating gum recession. A periodontist can treat damage to gum and bone with procedures like gum grafting, which reduces further gum recession and bone loss. Gum grafting involves taking a small amount of gum tissue from another site in the mouth and using it to bulk up the area that is lacking gum tissue.
If I Have Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease), Do I Need a Referral to a Periodontist?
While many patients are referred to a periodontist by their general dentist, a referral is not a requirement.
View our other Periodontics videos and find out more about periodontal disease (gum disease).