What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a highly skilled dental health professional who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infections and diseases in the soft tissues surrounding the teeth and the jawbone to which the teeth are anchored.  A dentist must first graduate from an accredited dental school before undertaking an additional two years of study within a periodontology residency training program in order to qualify as a periodontist. The primary focus of this residency training is in both non-surgical and surgical management of periodontal disease. A periodontist is familiar with the most advanced techniques necessary to treat periodontal disease.  

Through training and extensive experience, a periodontist is also eminently qualified in the placement of dental implants, which can restore functionality to the mouth when teeth have been lost.

Conditions Treated by a Periodontist

The periodontist is able to treat mild, moderate and advanced gum disease.

Where one or several teeth are missing, dental implants are an effective option.  If the bone is strong enough to provide a suitable anchor for the prosthetic tooth / teeth, implant(s) can be placed.  However, if the bone is severely eroded, bone grafts may be performed by the periodontist to provide a suitable anchor for the new tooth / teeth.

Periodontists also perform a vast range of periodontal plastic surgery (cosmetic gum) procedures to enhance the smile.   

Be sure to ask Dr. Guier if you have any questions about periodontal disease, periodontal treatment or dental implants.

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