What Makes a Periodontist Different from a Dentist?

TL;DR

• Gums are the foundation of your teeth, and a periodontist specializes in keeping them and the supporting structures healthy.
• Warning signs to see a periodontist include bleeding, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums and loose teeth.
• Treatments periodontists provide:
  • Non-surgical treatments include deep cleaning, periodontal maintenance and laser-assisted care to control infection and reduce inflammation.
  • Surgical treatments, such as flap surgery, gum grafting, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration and crown lengthening, address advanced gum disease and repair damage.
  • Specialized services include dental implant care and cosmetic periodontal procedures to protect and improve gum health.
• A periodontist visit involves reviewing your medical and dental history, examining your gums, measuring gum support, reviewing X-rays, explaining findings clearly and discussing personalized next steps.

Who is a Periodontist?

We all know how important our teeth are, but the gums that hold them in place often get ignored. Healthy gums not only keep your teeth secure but also protect the bone underneath. When they are weak or diseased, it can lead to problems like bleeding, pain, loose teeth and even infections that affect your overall health. 

This is where a periodontist plays an important role. A periodontist is a gum specialist who has particular expertise in gums and the structures that support your teeth. They are trained to spot early signs of gum disease, provide treatments to stop it from getting worse and help keep your gums strong for a lifetime.

In this article, we will cover what exactly a periodontist does, how they differ from a general dentist, the signs that indicate you should see one and the types of procedures a periodontist can perform.

What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and a Periodontist?

A general dentist looks after your teeth and overall oral health, handling routine check-ups, fillings, crowns and cleanings. They can identify early signs of gum issues, but more advanced problems are best managed by a gum specialist or periodontist.

A periodontist focuses on the parts of your mouth that support your teeth, called the periodontium. These include:

• Gums (Gingiva): The soft tissue that surrounds and protects your teeth. Healthy gums keep your teeth stable and shield the bone underneath.
• Periodontal Ligament: Tiny fibers that connect your teeth to your jawbone, acting like natural shock absorbers when you chew.
• Cementum: A protective layer covering the roots of your teeth, helping them stay anchored securely.
• Alveolar Bone: The part of your jaw that holds your teeth in place, giving your smile a strong foundation.

In addition to completing a four-year dental school, periodontists undergo three more years of specialized training in diagnosing and managing gum and bone conditions. This extra training allows them to understand the complexities of the tissues around your teeth and provide care that goes beyond general dentistry.

Put simply, a dentist keeps your teeth in good shape, while a periodontist makes sure the foundation holding them stays strong and healthy.

Signs You Should See a Periodontist

A few warning signs can help you spot problems early and avoid serious damage. You should consider seeing a dental gum specialist if you notice:

• Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing.
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath that brushing alone doesn’t fix.
• Gums pulling away from your teeth or receding.
• Loose teeth or changes in how your teeth align together when you bite.

Even if you only notice one of these signs, it’s a good idea to get checked.

What Type of Procedures Does a Periodontist Perform?

As mentioned before, a periodontist focuses on treatments that protect your gums and the structures that keep your teeth in place. The type of care depends on how early the problem is caught and how much support your gums and bone need. These procedures are generally grouped into non-surgical care, surgical care and specialized services:

Non-Surgical Procedures

These are usually recommended when gum problems are in the early stages. The aim is to control infection, reduce inflammation and prevent further damage.

• Scaling and root planning: A deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots, helping the gums heal and reattach.
• Periodontal maintenance: Regular cleaning visits meant for patients with ongoing gum concerns, helping keep disease under control.

Surgical Procedures

When gum disease has progressed, surgical care may be needed to clean deeper areas and repair damage.

• Flap surgery: The gums are gently lifted to allow thorough cleaning of hard-to-reach areas, then placed back to support healing.
• Gum grafting: Tissue is added to areas where gums have receded, protecting exposed roots and reducing sensitivity.
• Bone grafting: Bone material, either from your own body, a donor source or a synthetic option, is used to rebuild bone lost due to gum disease.
• Guided tissue regeneration: Special membranes and materials are placed to encourage the natural regrowth of lost bone and gum tissue.
• Crown lengthening: Gum tissue and bone are reshaped to expose more of the tooth, either to improve appearance or prepare the tooth for restorative work.

Specialized Services

These services focus on long-term gum health and replacing missing teeth while protecting the surrounding tissues.

• Dental implant care: Placement and ongoing care of implants with close attention to gum and bone health.
• Laser-assisted gum care: In certain cases, laser technology is used to reduce bacteria and inflamed tissue with minimal discomfort.

What to Expect at the Periodontist?

At Periodontal Specialists, your first visit is planned around understanding your gum health and making you feel comfortable throughout the process. Here is what you can expect:

• You will be asked about your dental and medical history, along with any symptoms such as bleeding gums, discomfort or sensitivity.
• Your gums will be carefully examined to check for swelling, redness, bleeding or signs of recession.
• The space between your teeth and gums may be measured to understand how well the gums are supporting your teeth.
• X-rays may be reviewed to assess bone levels and identify issues that are not visible during a routine check.
• The findings are explained in clear, simple terms so you understand what is happening with your gums.
• You will be guided through the next steps, whether that involves preventive care, ongoing monitoring or treatment planning.
• You can ask questions and discuss concerns before any decisions are made.

Final Thoughts

Healthy gums are the base that keeps your teeth strong and comfortable for years to come. When gum concerns are overlooked, minor issues can gradually develop into problems that affect chewing, appearance and overall oral health. 

A periodontist or gum specialist focuses on identifying these concerns early and addressing them at the right stage, helping protect the foundation of your smile before permanent damage sets in. At Periodontal Specialists, we combine 50 years of experience with careful diagnosis and personalized treatment planning to help patients protect and restore their gum health.

If you are searching for trusted periodontal specialists in Rochester, Northfield, Red Wing, Owatonna and Winona, schedule a consultation with us today.

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