What Does a Periodontist Do? Specialist Gum Care Explained

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Yet many people only focus on their teeth when thinking about oral health. Gums play a vital role in protecting teeth, supporting bone, and maintaining overall wellbeing. But what happens if gum health starts to decline? That’s where a periodontist comes in.

A periodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats gum disease, manages gum recession, performs surgical procedures, and places dental implants. Unlike general dentists, periodontists focus on protecting gums and supporting bone health to prevent tooth loss. Seeing one early helps maintain strong teeth, fresh breath, and lasting oral health.

At Green Dental, we often hear the question: what is a periodontist, and do I need to see one?

This guide explains what periodontists do, how they can help, and why specialist gum care can make all the difference.

What Is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dental specialist focused on the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of gum disease and conditions affecting the supporting structures of teeth.

Periodontists complete additional years of advanced training after dental school. This extra expertise allows them to manage complex gum conditions, perform surgical treatments, and even place dental implants.

Simply put: while general dentists care for your teeth overall, periodontists are the experts you see when gum health is at risk.

What Does a Periodontist Do?

Periodontists manage a wide range of treatments designed to restore gum health and protect teeth. These include:

• Treatment for gum disease – Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove plaque and bacteria below the gum line.

• Managing gum recession – Grafting procedures to rebuild gum tissue and protect exposed roots.

• Periodontal surgery – Advanced treatments for severe gum disease, including pocket reduction surgery.

• Dental implant placement – Many periodontists are trained in placing implants, thanks to their expertise in bone and gum tissue.
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• Maintenance plans – Long-term care to stabilise gum health in patients prone to periodontal issues.
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Periodontist vs Dentist: What’s the Difference?

It’s natural to wonder: if you already see a dentist, why would you need a periodontist?

• Dentist – Handles routine care such as fillings, check-ups, and preventative treatments.
• Periodontist - Specialises in diagnosing and treating advanced gum problems, and provides surgical solutions when necessary.

Think of it like healthcare: your dentist is your GP, while your periodontist is the consultant who manages more complex cases.

Signs You May Need to See a Periodontist

Not sure if you need specialist gum care? Here are common warning signs that mean it’s time to consider booking an appointment:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss.
• Swollen, tender, or receding gums.
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth.
• Loose teeth or changes in how your teeth fit together.
• A family history of gum disease.

If you recognise any of these symptoms, seeing a periodontist early can prevent small problems from becoming serious.

Benefits of Seeing a Periodontist Early

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The earlier it’s diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. Benefits of seeing a periodontist include:

• Preventing tooth loss – Treating gum disease before it progresses.
• Protecting overall health – Gum disease has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and other systemic conditions.
• Saving money – Early treatment avoids the need for complex, costly procedures later.
• Improving quality of life – Healthy gums mean a stronger bite, fresher breath, and a confident smile.

Periodontics at Green Dental

At Green Dental, we provide dedicated periodontal care alongside our general and cosmetic dentistry services. Our approach combines:

• Specialist-led expertise – Experienced clinicians trained in advanced gum treatments.

• State-of-the-art technology – Modern techniques for diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment.

• Patient-focused care – We understand gum disease can feel daunting; our team ensures every patient feels reassured and informed.

• Implant expertise – For patients who have lost teeth due to gum disease, we also offer high-quality dental implants.

Whether you’re managing the early signs of gum disease or need advanced treatment, our team in Leicester can help.

Conclusion

A periodontist is more than just a “gum specialist” – they’re the key to maintaining healthy gums, preventing tooth loss, and protecting your overall wellbeing. If you’ve noticed changes in your gum health or want peace of mind, seeking expert care is the best step forward.

At Green Dental, our team is here to provide comprehensive periodontal care tailored to your needs.

Call us today on 01162 604 604 or book an appointment online to arrange your consultation with our experienced team.

FAQs

What is a periodontist and what do they treat?

A periodontist is a specialist dentist focused on diagnosing and treating gum disease and related conditions.

Do I need a referral to see a periodontist?

Not always. At Green Dental, you can book directly with our team.

Can a periodontist place dental implants?

Yes, many periodontists are highly trained in implant placement.

What’s the difference between a periodontist and a dentist?

A dentist manages general oral health; a periodontist treats complex gum issues.

Is gum disease treatment painful?

With modern techniques and anaesthesia, periodontal treatment is usually comfortable.