There are several types of dentists, but periodontist specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and dental implants. They are also experts in treating bone loss and regenerating lost tissue.

They use less invasive, nonsurgical procedures such as scaling and root planning to treat mild to moderate gum disease. They may perform minor surgery to repair loose gum tissue by removing diseased tissue and placing a graft.

Gum Disease

When people think of ways to improve their health, things like getting more exercise and eating better are usually at the top of the list. But taking good care of one’s teeth and gums should be right up there, too.

Poor oral health invites infection into the body, and studies have linked it to other health problems. These include heart disease, diabetes and even some gastrointestinal disorders.

If you’re not brushing and flossing your teeth and properly cleaning between your teeth, a sticky film of bacteria and food called plaque builds up on the tooth and gumline. Over time, plaque hardens into a crusty deposit called tartar that can only be removed by a dental professional.

A periodontist can treat the early stages of gum disease, gingivitis, with scaling and root planing, in which they remove tartar from underneath the gum line. They also teach patients how to clean their teeth and gums correctly, and they may perform a procedure called flap surgery to help treat more advanced gum disease. In this procedure, a periodontist makes small cuts in the gum to create a “flap,” then folds back the gum tissue and removes bacteria and inflamed tissue from under the gums. They might also perform a gum graft, in which they take healthy tissue from the roof of the mouth or another source and sew it over spots where the gums are thin or have receded.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that provides a permanent solution to missing teeth. They provide a sturdy base for artificial teeth and blend in seamlessly with your natural smile. They also promote oral health by preventing bone loss in the jaw where the teeth are missing.

Periodontists have three years of specialized training that makes them experts in both the soft tissues (gums) and the underlying hard tissue (bone). They can ensure an implant placement procedure that is tailored to your unique needs. For example, they can make sure you have enough bone in your jaw for the implant by performing a bone graft if needed.

They can also ensure that the new implant is positioned correctly by closing the incisions with a stitch. This helps prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting into the empty space, which can cause chewing and speech problems and increase the risk of tooth decay. Plus, patients with implants don’t have to worry about restrictions on foods like meat, nuts and candy that are often verboten with other tooth replacement options.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a dental surgery that exposes more of a tooth’s structure for cosmetic or functional reasons. During the procedure, your periodontist will numb the area with local anesthesia, make incisions, and remove gum tissue and, sometimes, bone. The tooth’s roots remain intact and the surgical site is stitched up, and patients are given post-surgery instructions to ensure proper healing.

Many people choose to undergo crown lengthening for aesthetic reasons, such as reducing what is commonly known as a “gummy smile” where there is too much gum tissue visible around the teeth. This cosmetic improvement also helps improve the smile’s overall symmetry and appearance.

Other reasons for crown lengthening include addressing tooth decay or fractures that extend beneath the gum line, saving a broken tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted by exposing enough of the tooth to restore, and improving oral hygiene by making it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.

Cosmetic Procedures

A periodontist can help you manage gum disease and improve the appearance of your smile. A DDS focuses on providing preventive care by teaching patients proper oral hygiene, performing routine cleanings and examinations, and treating basic tooth decay. Periodontists have additional training in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease as well as planning and placing dental implants.

Gum grafts can cover exposed root surfaces, reduce sensitivity, and make teeth look more appealing. Gum tissue can also be reshaped for cosmetic purposes, such as fixing a “gummy smile” by removing excess soft and hard tissues.

When teeth are severely damaged by advanced gum disease, a periodontist can reconstruct the area with soft and hard tissue grafts to strengthen the tooth and restore beauty to the smile. Bone grafts can use fragments of the patient’s own bone or synthetic bone to promote new bone growth around damaged teeth, creating a solid foundation for future restorative procedures like dental implant placement.