Compare 1338 periodontists in St. Louis, MO. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
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.
The SLU Center for Advanced Dental Education offers specialty dental care at reduced rates. Washington University does not operate a general dental clinic, but many private practices in the Central West End and Clayton accept new patients quickly. Missouri dental Medicaid (MO HealthNet) coverage for adults is limited, so confirm coverage before booking.
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.
Deep cleaning: $500-1,500 · Gum grafting: $600-1,200 per area · Dental implant: $3,000-5,000 per tooth
St. Louis water is fluoridated. The humid summers and cold winters create seasonal dry mouth and cracked tooth issues similar to other Midwestern cities. Air conditioning in summer can also contribute to dry oral tissues.
Periodontitis involves infection and bone loss around the teeth. Periodontists perform scaling and root planing, pocket reduction surgery, and regenerative procedures to halt the progression.
Gum recession exposes tooth roots, causing sensitivity and increasing cavity risk. Periodontists perform gum grafting procedures to restore coverage and protect exposed roots.
Periodontists place dental implants by surgically inserting titanium posts into the jawbone. Their expertise in bone and soft tissue makes them well-suited for implant cases that involve bone grafting.
Chronic infection and gum disease can destroy the bone supporting your teeth. Periodontists use bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration to rebuild lost bone structure.
Diabetes and gum disease worsen each other in a two-way relationship. Periodontists work alongside your medical team to manage gum health as part of your overall diabetes care.
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.