What Dental Work do Periodontists Perform?

Published Mar 30 2010

How can you determine whether or not you have gum disease? A periodontal evaluation may be the answer. Periodontal evaluations are performed by dentistry professionals known as periodontists – but what are periodontists anyway?

Periodontists are gum specialists who have completed not only four years of dentistry school, but also an additional three years of specialty training in the diagnoses, prevention, and treatment of diseases affecting gums. This specialty training has granted periodontists expertise in the treatment of gums and other teeth supporting structures.

If your periodontist discovers that you have periodontal disease, he or she has access to both surgical procedures and non-surgical procedures to best treat your condition. Surgical procedures include contouring of your teeth or gums, and work that regenerates your teeth's supporting bones. Common non-surgical procedures are scaling and root planing. Periodontists truly have a well-rounded arsenal in the fight against periodontal disease!

Taking the necessary steps to care for your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing, as well as regular preventative care at a general dentist, can prevent often costly trips to periodontists. However, if special gum care is required for your specific situation, periodontists are there to help, and a discount plan can decrease your costs at their offices substantially.