If you have a dental issue that requires treatment, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist. A periodontist is a specialty dentist treating all kinds of dental problems, including gum disease. Your dentist may refer you to these specialists if they cannot perform the procedure you need, don’t have the training to treat your condition, or want a second opinion. At Rockland Dental Specialists, our caring periodontists support you before, during, and after your treatment to ensure you receive the best care possible.
Our knowledgeable team has over 24 years of combined experience, so you can trust us to develop a treatment plan that meets your unique needs. We understand going to the dentist or periodontist can be an intimidating experience, but we will prioritize your comfort and safety with our relaxing offices and attentive care. Our specialists provide transparent and consistent communication so you understand who you should seek for treatment.
3 Differences Between a Dentist and Periodontist
Depending on your condition and its severity, you may need to see a periodontist instead of a dentist. The difference between these classifications includes the following:
Practice Areas
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a periodontist specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease, as well as extensive surgical training. They also perform dental implant surgery. While a dentist can treat certain gum conditions, the ADA does not recognize them as a gum disease specialist like a periodontist. Therefore, a periodontist is a type of dentist that works on a specific area of dentistry, while a dentist treats more general concerns on a wider range of the mouth.
Training and Education
All dentists must receive an undergraduate degree and then earn their graduate degree in dental school. A periodontist must attend an additional two to three years of training to receive the recognition. During this time, periodontists learn the following:
- Dental implant procedures
- Non-surgical and surgical procedures
- Latest techniques to treat gum disease, for example, LANAP treatment
- Cosmetic procedures
- Cleaning infected surfaces
- Removing damaged tissue
- Regenerative procedures
Typical dentists do not have training in these areas, so they may refer you to a periodontist if your condition requires extensive treatment and specialized maintenance.
Procedures
If your gums are bleeding or your teeth are temperature-sensitive, your dentists may recommend seeing a periodontist for treatment. Unlike dentists, periodontists can perform the following procedures:
- Bone and gum grafts
- Laser treatment
- Dental implant surgery
- Sinus lifts
- Scaling and root planing
- Dental crown lengthening
- Periodontal pocket surgery
A regular dentist can perform teeth cleanings, general examinations, and other minor dental procedures, including the following:
- Cavity removal
- Root canals
- Simple root canal treatment
- Dental crowns
- X-rays
- Sealants
If you need a procedure involving the bone and tissue surrounding your teeth, you may need a periodontist. Every case is different and requires unique treatment, so your dentist can assess your needs and determine if you should see a specialist to get the treatment that will improve your overall health and confidence.
Seek Help From an Experienced New York Periodontist at Rockland Dental Specialists
Dealing with the discomfort of a dental condition can be frustrating, so you deserve high-quality treatment that will renew the functionality of your teeth, gums, and jaw. If your problem involves your gums, you may need to see a periodontist because they receive special training in gum disease treatment. Our compassionate team at Rockland Dental Specialists works with you and considers your health history when developing your treatment plan so you get the perfect treatment for you.
In our relaxing offices, we utilize the latest technologies and innovative techniques to provide optimal results. Our gracious specialists offer several sedation options so that you can have a painless, stress-free procedure. We also provide free insurance verifications and payment plans so that you can receive our high-quality services cost-effectively. To schedule a consultation, call us at (845) 400-9205 or fill out our
