Periodontist Specialists


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Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on gum disease, tissues near to the teeth and bone structure of the mouth.  Usually their main goal is to prevent disease, and as a result they are often pro-active in campaigns and education.  Periodontists are found in most dentistry institutions, and are usually found in university education and NHS hospitals. 

Specialist Periodontist Qualifications

All periodontics have to qualify as a dentist first, and then complete a post-graduate certificate specialising in this subject after two years of professional training.  This allows top rate training and knowledge of every area of restorative dentistry as well as allowing the graduate to specialise in periodontics.  Students are heavily examined, and if they pass they are awarded the Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training and a Membership diploma of the Faculty of Dental surgery through the Royal College of Surgeons.  As you can see, the training given to periodontic specialists is very thorough. 


Periodontal Diseases

There are many types of periodontal disease but there is usually one main cause, that of a build up of dental plaque around the gums and teeth in conjunction with other risk factors.  Periodontal diseases can attack the bones around the mouth and the natural teeth as well as affecting the gum.  Tooth loss, bone infection and severe gum disease can occur as a result of periodontal diseases.

Periodontic Treatments

The wider education of the population is essential in order to promote prevention of any periodontal disease rather than the cure.  Hygienists work to promote better awareness of brushing technique, the importance of flossing and the need for greater oral hygiene.  Periodontics tend to deal with problem cases when there is a problem that needs acute attention.  Help from a periodontist might be necessary in cases of:

  • Severe gum disease.
  • Those with a more complicated medical history
  • Specialised treatments such as root planing (cleaning the infected surface of a root)
  • Necessary root surface debridement – when surgery is required to open the gums in order to access the underlying tooth or bone structure.
  • Surgical implants and their maintenance.
  • Gingivoplasty – This is an extreme assault on gum disease if other techniques aren’t working.  In this procedure the problematic areas of your gum are removed and the remainder reshaped within the mouth so that there are no gaps between the tooth and gum.  This can help to prevent further infections and make the area easier to clean as well as being aesthetically pleasing. 

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