Your family dentist is similar to your primary care physician who is a General, or Family Medicine Practitioner. A Doctor of General Dentistry is qualified to do routine checkups, diagnose dental health issues, and perform cleanings and minor procedures such as filling cavities.

The Periodontist specializes in diseases of the periodontium, which includes the gums, or gingiva, the underlying extension of the jawbone known as the alveolar bone, the bone-like substance covering the roots of the teeth called the cementum, and the connective tissues which are properly called the periodontal ligament.

The word “periodontal,” like many medical terms, derives from a combination of Greek phrases: in this case, peri, which means “surrounding,” and odonz, which means “tooth.” The periodontist is therefore one who studies and treats the area that surrounds and supports the teeth.

Now, you would not want an orthopedic surgeon to treat you for a heart condition; likewise, it’s important to obtain the services of a periodontist for gum disease.  In order to practice legally as a periodontist in the US, a dentist must complete a three-year residency program beyond dental school and be certified by either the American Board of Periodontology or the American Academy of Periodontology. The periodontist is trained not only in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, s/he can also perform any necessary surgery that is beyond the training of a practitioner of general dentistry.

Should your family dentist discover you are suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis, s/he has a legal and ethical responsibility to refer you to a qualified periodontist if possible. You can also find a periodontist through your state Dental Association or Board of Licensing.

In addition to treating gum disease, many periodontists are also trained in the placement of dental implants and other cosmetic reconstructions. This goes far beyond mere vanity; unsightly teeth are often an indicator of potentially serious dental health issues that require professional attention. After periodontal surgery for gum disease, it is not uncommon to require some reconstruction of the alveolar bone.