Periodontists focus on the structures that support your teeth: gums, bone, and the connective tissue that holds teeth in place. They diagnose and treat gum disease, place dental implants, and perform gum grafting and other surgical procedures.
After dental school, periodontists complete three additional years of residency training in periodontics. This makes them the go-to specialists for advanced gum disease that hasn't responded to standard treatment, as well as complex implant placements.
Gum disease affects nearly half of adults over 30 in the United States, according to the CDC. Left untreated, it leads to bone loss and tooth loss. Research has also linked severe gum disease to heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic health problems.
Your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist if you have gums that bleed easily, deep gum pockets, receding gums, loose teeth, or bone loss visible on X-rays. You might also see a periodontist if you need dental implants or have gum disease that isn't improving with regular cleanings.
The periodontist will take a detailed medical history, examine your gums with a probe to measure pocket depths, and review X-rays. They will explain the severity of any gum disease and recommend a treatment plan, which may range from deep cleanings to surgical options depending on the condition.
Deep cleaning: $500-1,500 · Gum grafting: $600-1,200 per area · Dental implant: $3,000-5,000 per tooth
Gingivitis is mild gum inflammation: red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush. It is reversible with better oral hygiene and professional cleanings. Periodontitis is the advanced stage where infection has spread below the gumline, damaging bone. Periodontitis cannot be fully reversed, only managed to prevent further loss.
Most patients report less discomfort than expected. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and many periodontists offer sedation options. Post-surgery soreness is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and resolves within a few days. The implant itself integrates with your bone over three to six months.
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss once daily, and get regular dental cleanings. Avoid smoking, which is the strongest risk factor for gum disease. Managing diabetes and eating a balanced diet also help. If your gums bleed when you brush, see a dentist. That is an early warning sign.
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Periodontal treatments like scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) are usually covered under dental insurance at 50-80%. Dental implants are covered by some plans but excluded by many. Check whether your plan requires a referral from a general dentist and verify the periodontist is in-network before scheduling.