WHAT IS A PERIODONTIST?

By Dr. Donald Theriault, D.M.D

Periodontal disease is a condition affecting the gums and the bone that anchors the teeth to the jaws.  It is caused by inflammation produced by the body in response to the plaque which accumulates at the gumline and in between the teeth.  Periodontal or “gum” disease can start with bleeding or sore gums and can progress to bone loss loosening of the teeth and eventually tooth loss.  Halitosis, or bad breath, can also be a sign.

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of this common condition.  He can assess the severity of the disease with a clinical examination and X-rays and treat it accordingly.

A periodontist can treat a number of conditions other than periodontal disease.  Some patients have too little gum tissue.  This shows up as recession of the gums and can be caused by a number of factors.  If it is bad enough or the recession is progressing, the periodontist can repair the site, usually with a gum graft (sounds a lot worse than it really is!)  Areas of visible recession on the front teeth can often be covered with gum tissue to provide a much more attractive smile.  Sometimes a patient will have just the opposite problem; too much gum tissue.  This can result in “short” or “square” teeth or a “gummy smile”.  A periodontist can also treat this condition returning the teeth to their natural shape.

Occasionally a tooth can have decay or a fracture that extends too far below the gumline.  This can interfere with placing fillings or crowns.  A periodontist can modify the area around a tooth to allow the dentist to better restore it. 

Missing teeth now can often be replaced with dental implants.  A periodontist can place these metal “roots” or “anchors” into the jawbone to create a foundation to support a new crown which is placed by the dentist.