periodontists

Periodontists are dental specialists who focus on the supporting structures of the teeth, including gums, bone, and connective tissue. They diagnose and treat periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, manage gum recession, and plan complex therapies for tooth and implant preservation. They may also perform cosmetic and reconstructive procedures to improve the health and appearance of the gums and supporting tissues.

Education and training: Periodontists complete dental school and then pursue a postgraduate program in periodontics, typically three years, involving intensive study of periodontal biology, microbiology, surgical techniques, bone grafting, regenerative therapy, and implantology. In many countries, board certification is available through a specialty board after formal training.

Procedures and diagnostics: Common procedures include non-surgical therapies such as scaling and root planing, surgical interventions like flap surgery, gingival grafts, and regenerative procedures, and the placement and maintenance of dental implants. They use periodontal charting, probing depth measurements, radiographs, and sometimes cone-beam computed tomography imaging.

Maintenance and collaboration: Periodontists emphasize ongoing maintenance with regular recall visits to monitor and control disease. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and genetic predisposition. They collaborate with general dentists and other specialists to provide comprehensive care and may participate in research on regeneration and implant biology.

History and scope: Periodontics emerged as a dental specialty in the 20th century, consolidating knowledge about gums and bone into a defined field with dedicated training and certification.