What does a periodontist do? Discover how these specialists protect your gums, treat periodontal disease, and enhance your oral health.

What Is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the health of the periodontium, which includes:

• The gums
• Alveolar bone (the bone surrounding the roots of the teeth)
• Cementum (the tissue covering the tooth root)
• Periodontal ligament (the connective tissue that holds the teeth in place)

Periodontists undergo additional years of specialized training after completing dental school. This equips them to handle complex gum-related issues, dental implants, and other advanced procedures.

Their expertise encompasses a wide range of services, from treating gum disease and placing dental implants to performing cosmetic procedures that enhance the appearance of the gums and teeth.

The Importance of Gum Health

Healthy gums are the foundation of overall oral health. The gums protect the teeth and underlying bone, preventing bacteria from infiltrating and causing damage.

However, when gum health is compromised, it can lead to serious problems like periodontal disease, tooth loss, and systemic health conditions.

What Does a Periodontist Do?

There are many reasons why you should consider visiting a periodontist, especially if you care about the health of your teeth. Here are some ways a periodontist can help.

1. Diagnosis of Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, progresses in stages, from gingivitis (a mild form) to periodontitis (a more severe condition).

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, which is characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing or flossing.

As the disease progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that harbor bacteria. Over time, this can lead to bone loss and tooth mobility, which is labeled periodontitis.

A periodontist can detect these issues early, even before symptoms become noticeable. Using tools like periodontal probes and X-rays, they assess the health of the gums and supporting structures.

2. Non-Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease

In the early stages of gum disease, periodontists often use non-surgical treatments to restore oral health.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): This procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smoothing the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from reattaching.

Antibiotic Therapy: Periodontists may use localized antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses to control infection and reduce inflammation.

Laser Therapy: Advanced laser technology can target infected tissue and promote healing, offering a less invasive option for gum disease treatment.

3. Surgical Interventions for Advanced Gum Disease

When gum disease progresses to a severe stage, surgical intervention may be necessary. Periodontists are skilled in performing these advanced procedures.

Flap Surgery: This procedure involves lifting the gums to remove tartar and bacteria from deep pockets, then repositioning the gums for a tighter fit around the teeth.

Bone Grafting: When bone loss occurs due to periodontal disease, a bone graft may be needed to regenerate lost bone and support the teeth.

Guided Tissue Regeneration: This technique uses a special membrane to encourage bone and tissue regrowth in areas affected by periodontitis.

The Importance of Gum Specialists in Dental Implants

Dental implants have revolutionized modern dentistry, offering a durable and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. Periodontists play a vital role in the placement and maintenance of dental implants.

1. Implant Placement

Periodontists are experts in evaluating a patient's jawbone and gum health to determine the suitability for dental implants. They perform the following steps:

Bone Assessment: If the jawbone is insufficient to support an implant, a bone graft may be necessary before placement.

Precise Placement: Using advanced imaging and surgical techniques, periodontists ensure the implant is placed at the correct angle and depth for optimal stability.

2. Maintenance of Dental Implants

Once the implant is in place, a periodontist helps ensure its longevity. They monitor the surrounding gums and bone for signs of infection or complications and provide professional cleanings to maintain the implant's health.

Cosmetic Procedures Performed by Periodontists

Beyond gum disease treatment and implants, periodontists also perform cosmetic procedures to enhance the appearance of your smile. Here are some of them.

1. Gum Grafting

If gum recession has exposed the roots of your teeth, a periodontist can perform gum grafting to restore a more natural gum line. This procedure not only improves aesthetics but also protects the roots from decay.

2. Crown Lengthening

This procedure involves reshaping the gums and bone to expose more of the tooth's surface. It's often done to correct a "gummy smile" or to prepare a tooth for a crown.

3. Ridge Augmentation



After tooth loss, the jawbone and gum tissue can shrink, creating an indentation. Ridge augmentation restores the natural contour of the gums, improving the appearance of dental restorations.

The Connection Between Gum Health and Overall Health

One of the most critical aspects of a periodontist's role is educating patients about the link between gum health and overall health. Research has shown that periodontal disease is associated with systemic conditions. These include:



• Heart Disease: Inflammation from gum disease can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues
• Diabetes: Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, and diabetes can exacerbate gum disease
• Respiratory Problems: Bacteria from the mouth can travel to the lungs, leading to respiratory infections

By treating gum disease, periodontists help reduce the risk of these complications and improve overall well-being.

Choosing The Right Periodontist

Improving dental wellness happens only when you use all the oral health experts at your disposal, including periodontists. Now that you know the answer to the question, What does a periodontist do, you are ready to find the right one for your family.



SmileOn Dentistry in Centreville, VA, offers first-rate dental care for families in a welcoming atmosphere. We use the latest dental technology with gold-standard dental equipment. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Banavar today.