Periodontics: Your Complete Guide

Periodontics is the dental specialty focused on the gums and other structures that support your teeth. This includes the gum tissue, the bone that holds teeth in place, and the ligaments that connect teeth to bone. Periodontists prevent, diagnose, and treat gum disease (also called periodontal disease) and place dental implants. Nearly half of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, making periodontics one of the most widely needed dental specialties.

6,120 periodontists in our directory

What Does a Periodontist Do?

A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in periodontics. Here is what they handle:

Treat all stages of gum disease, from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis.
Perform scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacteria and tartar from below the gumline.
Place dental implants to replace missing teeth with permanent, natural-looking replacements.
Perform gum graft surgery to cover exposed tooth roots and rebuild receding gumlines.
Conduct bone grafting procedures to restore bone lost to gum disease.
Perform crown lengthening to expose more of the tooth structure for crowns or cosmetic improvements.
Treat gum-related complications from diabetes, heart disease, and other systemic conditions.
Use laser therapy for minimally invasive gum treatment.

When to See a Periodontist

You should consider seeing a periodontist if you notice any of these warning signs of gum problems:

Your gums bleed when you brush or floss.
Your gums are red, swollen, or tender.
Your gums are pulling away from your teeth, making your teeth look longer.
You have persistent bad breath that does not go away with brushing.
Your teeth feel loose or are shifting position.
You notice pus between your teeth and gums.
You have been told you have bone loss around your teeth.
You are planning to get dental implants.
You have diabetes or heart disease and want to protect your oral health.
You are pregnant and have swollen, bleeding gums (pregnancy gingivitis).

Periodontist vs. General Dentist

General dentists handle routine gum care. Periodontists take over when gum disease becomes moderate to severe or when surgical treatment is needed.

General Dentist

Regular cleanings and checkups to prevent gum disease.
Diagnosis of early-stage gingivitis.
Basic gum care instructions and hygiene coaching.
Referrals to periodontists for advanced cases.

Periodontist

Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) for moderate to advanced gum disease.
Gum surgery, including flap surgery and pocket reduction.
Gum grafting for receding gums.
Bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration.
Dental implant placement and maintenance.
Management of complex cases involving diabetes, medications, or other health conditions that affect the gums.

Periodontists complete 3 additional years of specialty training beyond dental school, focused on the supporting structures of teeth. This training includes extensive surgical experience with gum and bone procedures, as well as dental implant placement. They are the go-to specialists for anything related to gum health and tooth replacement with implants.

Common Periodontics Procedures

Scaling and Root Planing

A deep cleaning procedure done under local anesthesia. The periodontist uses special instruments to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces. This helps gums reattach to the teeth and reduces pocket depth. It is usually done in two visits, treating half the mouth at each appointment.

Gum Graft Surgery

When gums recede and expose tooth roots, a periodontist can transplant gum tissue to cover the exposed areas. Tissue may come from the roof of your mouth, nearby gum tissue, or a donor source. This protects roots from decay, reduces sensitivity, and improves the appearance of your smile.

Dental Implant Placement

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. After the implant fuses with the bone over several months, a crown is attached on top. Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

Also called flap surgery. The periodontist folds back the gum tissue to remove bacteria and smooth damaged bone. The gum is then repositioned snugly around the tooth, reducing the depth of pockets where bacteria can hide. This makes it easier to keep the area clean going forward.

Conditions Treated by Periodontists

Periodontists diagnose and treat a range of conditions. Here are some of the most common:

Periodontics Articles and Guides

In-depth articles written for patients about periodontics topics, reviewed for clinical accuracy.

Guides

Symptoms

Conditions

Procedures

Equipment

Treatments

Periodontist Education and Training

Periodontists complete 4 years of dental school followed by 3 additional years of residency training in an accredited periodontics program. Their training covers gum surgery, implant dentistry, bone regeneration, and the connection between gum disease and overall health. Board certification through the American Board of Periodontology involves rigorous written and oral examinations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontics

Is gum disease reversible?

Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is fully reversible with professional cleaning and good home care. Once it progresses to periodontitis, it cannot be fully reversed, but it can be managed and controlled. A periodontist can stop the progression, reduce pocket depths, and in some cases regenerate lost bone and tissue.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care, dental implants can last 20 years or more, and many last a lifetime. The key is maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and poor oral care can shorten implant lifespan.

Does scaling and root planing hurt?

The procedure is done with local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during treatment. You may experience some soreness and sensitivity for a few days afterward. Over-the-counter pain relievers and warm salt water rinses usually manage any discomfort.