What is a Periodontist?
When your dentist mentions that you might need to see a periodontist, you may wonder what makes this specialist different from your regular dental care provider. A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses exclusively on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease and other conditions affecting the tissues that support your teeth. While general dentists can handle basic gum care, periodontists receive extensive additional training to manage complex cases involving the gums, bone, and ligaments that keep your teeth firmly in place.
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in:
- Saving your teeth by the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease.
- Creating the foundation for, the placement of and maintenance of dental implants.
- Reducing your risk for systemic disease (heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, to name a few).
Periodontists are experts in the treatment of all forms of periodontal disease, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and gingival recession.
The American Dental Association recognizes periodontics as one of the nine specialties of dentistry. Periodontists receive extensive training, including three years of additional education beyond dental school.
By choosing a specialist you will benefit from the latest procedures for treating periodontal disease and placing dental implants tailored to your needs. In addition, Dr. Rodriguez, Dr. Matoska, Dr. Otomo-Corgel and Dr. Ahn can perform cosmetic periodontal procedures to help you achieve the smile you desire.
