What is a Periodontist? (And What Do They Actually Do?)

A periodontist is a dentist who has completed three additional years of specialized training beyond dental school, focused entirely on the gums, jawbone, and other structures that support your teeth. Periodontists diagnose and treat gum disease at every stage, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, and they place dental implants. General dentists refer patients to a periodontist for problems below the gumline that need specialist-level care.

If you were just handed a referral and you’re not sure what that means for you, you’re not alone. Most people never think about their periodontist until a dentist mentions the word for the first time. Here’s what the title actually means, what the visit looks like, and how to tell if it’s something you need.

What is a Periodontist?

The word breaks down almost exactly the way it sounds. “Peri” means around, and “odont” refers to the tooth. A periodontist treats the tissue and bone around your teeth, not the teeth themselves.

To earn that title, a general dentist completes an accredited dental school program first, then goes on to a periodontal residency of three additional years. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, that residency covers scaling and root planing, root surface debridement, treatment of oral inflammation, and both surgical and non-surgical periodontal care, along with implant placement.

At the periodontal team in London, KY, that training shows up in how a case gets handled from the first visit. A general dentist can spot a problem. A periodontist is trained to solve it.

How is a Periodontist Different From My Regular Dentist?

This is the question we hear most, and the honest answer is that it’s about focus, not rank. Your general dentist is the one you see for cleanings, cavities, and most day-to-day care. A periodontist takes over when the issue is specifically about your gums or the bone underneath them.

Cleveland Clinic puts it plainly: a general dentist handles preventative and restorative work like fillings and crowns, while a periodontist focuses on the tissues that hold your teeth in place, after completing that extra specialty training.

Think of it the way you’d think about a family doctor sending you to a cardiologist. Your family doctor isn’t stepping aside because something went wrong. They’re making sure you see the person trained specifically for that part of your health.

You can see our team’s specific training and credentials on our team page.

Why Did My Dentist Refer Me to a Periodontist?

A referral is routine. It doesn’t automatically mean your case is severe or that something was missed.

Most referrals happen because of what a dentist finds during a normal exam or cleaning, not because of a crisis. Common reasons include:

• Gum pockets that measure deeper than what a standard cleaning can reach
• Bleeding or swelling that hasn’t improved with better brushing and flossing
• Bone loss visible on an X-ray around one or more teeth
• Recession that’s exposing more of the tooth root than it should
• A need for dental implants, which usually calls for a specialist regardless of how mild the case is

If you’re dealing with a completely separate issue, like a toothache from an infected nerve, that’s actually a job for an endodontist instead. We’ve broken down that distinction here if you’re not sure which one applies to you.

What Does a Periodontist Do? (Common Treatments)

Periodontists handle everything from routine maintenance to surgical procedures. Here’s a quick look at what’s actually involved:

Not every case needs surgery. A lot of periodontal care is non-surgical, especially when it’s caught early. The treatment plan depends entirely on how far the condition has progressed.

What Happens at Your First Periodontist Appointment?

The first visit is mostly about information gathering, not treatment.

Expect a full review of your medical and dental history first. Certain conditions, like diabetes or heart disease, and even pregnancy, can affect how periodontal disease is treated, so this step matters more than people expect.

Signs You Might Need to See a Periodontist

You don’t have to wait for a referral to know something’s off. Consider booking a visit if you notice:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Gums that look swollen, red, or feel tender
• Teeth that look longer than they used to, a sign of recession
• Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with better hygiene
• Any looseness or shifting in your teeth

Catching gum disease at the gingivitis stage is far easier to treat than waiting until it progresses to periodontitis, where the damage to bone and tissue becomes harder to reverse.

Not sure if what you’re noticing is worth a visit? Getting it checked costs you nothing but a conversation.

See a specialist about your symptoms → Request an appointment

No obligation, just a straight answer about what you’re seeing.

Meet the Periodontists at Commonwealth Periodontics and Implant Center

Our team is made up of periodontists who limit their practice to this specialty, which is different from a general office that occasionally handles gum cases.

TL;DR: What Is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist with three extra years of training focused on your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. They treat gum disease at every stage, handle procedures like scaling and root planing, gum grafts, and laser therapy, and place dental implants when teeth can’t be saved. A referral to one isn’t a red flag. It’s your dentist making sure the right specialist is handling a job that calls for one.

Ready to get answers about your gum health? → Schedule your consultation

Both our Somerset and London offices are currently scheduling new patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who completed three additional years of specialized training beyond dental school to treat the gums, jawbone, and other tissues that support your teeth, including diagnosing and treating gum disease and placing dental implants.

What does a periodontist do?

A periodontist diagnoses and treats gum disease at every stage, performs procedures like scaling and root planing, gum grafts, and laser periodontal therapy, and places dental implants for patients who have lost teeth.

Is a periodontist the same as a dentist?

Not exactly. Every periodontist starts out as a general dentist, but they complete extra specialty training focused on the gums and supporting bone, while a general dentist handles broader day-to-day care like cleanings and fillings.

Do I need a referral to see a periodontist?

Many patients come in through a referral from their general dentist, but you can also schedule a visit on your own if you’re noticing symptoms like bleeding gums, recession, or loose teeth.

What’s the difference between a periodontist and an endodontist?

A periodontist treats the structures around your teeth, like gums and bone, while an endodontist treats the inside of the tooth, most often through root canal therapy. Read our full breakdown of endodontist vs periodontist if you’re deciding between the two.

Does getting a referral mean my case is serious?

Not necessarily. Most referrals happen because a dentist found something during a routine exam that needs specialist-level attention, not because of an emergency.