What Is Periodontic?
Periodontology is a dental specialty. The word “periodontology” comes from two Greek words: “peri” meaning “round” and “odont” meaning “tooth”. Therefore, the field of periodontics treats conditions that affect the tissues “around your teeth” such as bone loss, receding gums and periodontitis (gums).

What Is The Difference Between A Dentist And A Dentist?
A general dentist or family dentist focuses on preventive and restorative treatments. For example, if you need routine teeth cleaning, see your dentist. A dentist also fills cavities and places restorations such as dental crowns or dental bridges. In the United States, a general dentist must complete four years of dental training before receiving his license to practice dentistry.

A periodontist is a gum specialist. They focus on treating conditions that affect the tissues that support your teeth (such as the gums and jawbone). In addition to a four-year dental degree, a periodontist receives three years of additional training before receiving his or her license to practice periodontics in the United States.

Why Should You Go To A Dentist?
There are several reasons why someone should see a periodontist. Some people only need to see a dentist occasionally. In other words, they may need to undergo treatment that is beyond the capacity of a general dental practice. For example, you may need a gum graft, bone graft or frenectomy. A periodontist can perform your surgical treatment and refer you back to your family dentist when your recovery is complete.

Other people may need to see a periodontist for a longer period of time. This also applies to people who are prone to gum disease. Those who are genetically predisposed to gum disease usually need a dental cleaning in addition to routine dental cleanings at the dentist. In these cases, your dentist works closely with your family dentist. You will continue to be cared for by both to maintain optimal oral health.

What Exactly Does A Periodontist Do?
A periodontist treats oral health problems that affect your periodontium (the tissues around your teeth). This includes your:

Gingiva: Your gums.

Periodontal Ligaments: A group of connective tissue fibers that connect your teeth to your jawbone.

Cementum: A hard layer of calcified tissue that covers the roots of the teeth.

Alveolar Bone: The part of your jawbone that contains holes for your teeth.

What Procedures Does A Periodontist Perform?
A periodontist can perform a variety of periodontal treatments, including periodontal preservation, scaling and root planing, and various types of periodontal surgery.

Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal care is a form of tooth cleaning. It is comparable to a regular teeth cleaning at the dentist. But in addition to brushing your teeth, your periodontist or dental hygienist will check the health of your gums and measure the pockets around your teeth. (As you lose bone tissue around your teeth, the pockets deepen.) Many people who need periodontal maintenance need this cleaning every three to four months. Your periodontist can recommend a cleaning schedule that works for you.

Scaling And Root Planing (Periodontal Cleaning)
“Scaling and root planing (SRP)” is another term for thorough tooth cleaning. The main difference is that SRP requires a local anesthetic to numb your gums. This allows your dental hygienist to clean deep below the gum line, where harmful bacteria hide. They also smooth the surfaces of your tooth roots to prevent plaque and bacteria from building up.Periodontists generally recommend scaling and root planing for people with early (mild) gum disease.

Periodontal Surgery
A periodontist routinely performs gum surgery. There are several types of surgical periodontal treatments including:

Gingival Flap Surgery:
Also known as pocket surgery, this procedure treats moderate to severe periodontitis (gum disease). During this procedure, your periodontist makes incisions and gently moves the gums away from your teeth. This allows them to see the infection deep below your gum line. After thoroughly cleaning the roots of your teeth, your periodontist will reposition and suture your gums.