A periodontist is a dentist specializing in diagnosing, preventing, and treating periodontal diseases – diseases affecting the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Bacteria, also known as plaque, cause periodontal disease. Once plaque builds up on your teeth and all around it, it becomes tartar or calculus. This can only be removed by a professional dentist or periodontist, who will scrub your teeth and gums with dental instruments to remove the plaque and tartar that has built up. These specialists are unique compared to other dentists. Here's all you need to know about a periodontist:
Academic Qualifications for a Periodontist
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases related to the supporting structures of the teeth. They have completed advanced education in treating gum disease, known as periodontics. Also, they should complete four years of dental school and one or two years of specialty training in periodontics. Most dental schools have a department of periodontics, but not all dentists choose to become board certified in this specialty.
Becoming Board Certified as a Periodontist
Dentists must pass the American Board of Periodontology certification exam after completing their residency training to practice as board-certified periodontists. The exam tests knowledge of all aspects of gum disease treatment, including diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
Procedures Performed by Periodontists
Periodontists are known to perform more complex dental procedures that other dentists cannot perform. The following are the performed by a periodontist:
Scaling and Root Planning
This procedure treats gum disease, which can cause bone loss around your teeth. It involves removing plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums and smoothing out rough surfaces on tooth roots to remove bacteria that can cause infection.
Alveolar Osteotomy
This surgery is used to stabilize receding gums or move teeth back into place if they have been knocked out or moved out of alignment due to injury or trauma. It involves cutting away part of the jawbone and repositioning it so that it covers the roots of your teeth more effectively.
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Dental Blog - San Antonio • Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists We post dental blogs to pique your interest and educate our San Antonio community about topics related to dentistry, dental implants, and oral health. Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists, 1130 E Sonterra Blvd, Suite 120, San Antonio, TX 78258 / (210) 614-4700 / aestheticperiodontist.com / 11/19/2024 / Related Terms: Dental Implants San Antonio TX /
A periodontist is a dentist specializing in diagnosing, preventing, and treating periodontal diseases – diseases affecting the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Bacteria, also known as plaque, cause periodontal disease. Once plaque builds up on your teeth and all around it, it becomes tartar or calculus. This can only be removed by a professional dentist or periodontist, who will scrub your teeth and gums with dental instruments to remove the plaque and tartar that has built up. These specialists are unique compared to other dentists. Here's all you need to know about a periodontist: