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PERIODONTICS AND PERIODONTIST

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PERIODONTICS / PERIODONTIST

Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the health of your gums and jawbone — the tissues that support your teeth. A gum specialist is called a periodontist.


What’s the difference between a dentist and a periodontist?
A general or family dentist focuses on preventative and restorative treatments. For instance, if you need a routine dental cleaning, you see your dentist. A dentist also fills cavities and places restorations such as dental crowns or dental bridges.
A periodontist is a gum specialist. They focus on treating conditions that affect the tissues that support your teeth (such as your gums and jawbone).
What exactly does a periodontist do?
A periodontist treats oral health issues that affect your periodontium (the tissues around your teeth). This includes your:
  • Gingiva: Your gums.
  • Periodontal ligament: A group of connective tissue fibers that attach your teeth to your jawbone.
  • Cementum: A hard layer of calcified tissue that covers your teeth roots.
  • Alveolar bone: The part of your jawbone that has tooth sockets.
What type of procedures does a periodontist perform?
  • Periodontal maintenance
  • Scaling and root planing (periodontal cleaning)
  • Periodontal surgery – gingival flap, gum grafts, bone grafts and etc.