What Does a Periodontist Do? When Should You See One?
When most people think about dental care, they think about their teeth. But the health of your gums and the bone supporting your teeth is just as important. That’s where a periodontist comes in.
A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontists also receive advanced training in procedures such as dental implant placement, bone grafting, and gum surgery.
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, gum recession, loose teeth, bone loss, or are considering dental implants, seeing a gum specialist may be an important part of your treatment.
What Does a Periodontist Treat?
Periodontists treat conditions involving the gums, bone, and tissues that support your teeth. One of the most common is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.
Depending on the patient’s condition, periodontal care may include:
Evaluation and treatment of gum disease
Scaling and root planing
Treatment of gum recession
Gum grafting
Bone grafting and regenerative procedures
Dental implant placement
Treatment of complications around dental implants
Management of advanced periodontal disease
The goal is not simply to treat an individual tooth. A periodontist evaluates the foundation supporting your teeth and develops a treatment plan based on your overall periodontal health.
When Should You See a Periodontist?
Some periodontal problems can progress without significant pain, which is why they shouldn’t be ignored simply because they don't hurt.
Consider scheduling an evaluation with a periodontist if you notice:
Bleeding gums: Occasional irritation can happen, but gums that repeatedly bleed when brushing or flossing may be a sign of inflammation or gum disease.
Receding gums: If your teeth appear longer or the roots are becoming exposed, you may be experiencing gum recession.
Loose or shifting teeth: Changes in tooth position or mobility can sometimes indicate loss of the supporting tissues or bone around the teeth.
Persistent swollen or tender gums: Ongoing inflammation should be professionally evaluated to determine the underlying cause.
Bone loss: If X-rays show bone loss around your teeth, a periodontist can evaluate the severity and discuss appropriate treatment options.
Dental implant concerns: Bleeding, swelling, discomfort, or changes around an existing implant should be evaluated. Periodontists are trained to diagnose and manage conditions affecting the tissues surrounding dental implants.
Do You Need a Periodontist for Dental Implants?
Periodontists receive advanced training in the gums and jawbone—the same structures that are essential for supporting dental implants.
Before implant surgery, careful treatment planning may involve evaluating available bone, gum health, implant positioning, your bite, and other anatomical considerations. Some patients may also require procedures such as bone grafting before or during implant treatment.
For patients who need to replace multiple teeth or an entire arch, this planning becomes especially important. Full-arch dental implant treatment requires a comprehensive understanding of the surgical and restorative goals before implants are placed.
Periodontist vs. General Dentist
General dentists provide a wide range of routine and restorative dental care, while periodontists complete additional specialty training focused on periodontal disease, supporting bone and tissues, and implant-related treatment.
Your general dentist and periodontist may also work together. Depending on your needs, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist when a condition requires specialized periodontal or surgical care.
Looking for a Periodontist in Queens, NY?
If you have concerns about your gums, have been told you have bone loss, are experiencing loose teeth, or are considering dental implants, a periodontal evaluation can help determine the appropriate next step.
At Dental Solutions New York, we take a comprehensive approach to periodontal and implant care. Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation so we can understand your oral health, discuss your options, and develop an individualized treatment plan.
If you're looking for a periodontist in Queens, NY, schedule a consultation with Dental Solutions New York.
Dental Solutions New York
📍 144-48 Roosevelt Ave, MD-B, Flushing, NY
📞 718-886-4545