
Common Causes
Our specialist periodontists are fully qualified dentists who specialise in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of patients with gum disease and the placement of dental implants. A periodontist has undergone extensive postgraduate training, leading to registration as a Specialist Practitioner.
Related Conditions
Our periodontists are dedicated to helping patients preserve their teeth through individualized treatments and personalized care. We provide a wide range of periodontal, dental implant, and cosmetic services, and will work to develop a treatment plan that meets all of your needs. Your satisfaction is our top priority!
What is a specialist periodontist?
Surgical treatments If you have advanced periodontitis, treatment may require dental surgery, such as: Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery). Your periodontist makes tiny incisions in your gum so that a section of gum tissue can be lifted back, exposing the roots for more effective scaling and root planing.
Why choose our periodontists?
Research has shown that effective brushing and flossing, along with regular professional teeth cleaning, helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. But sometimes, even people who are very attentive to their oral hygiene can’t keep gum disease from getting started. When that occurs, it’s time to see a periodontist.
How do dentists treat periodontal disease?
Is it time to see a periodontist?
Why do you need to see a periodontist?
What is periodontist 2021?
What causes gums to pull back?
How to treat gum disease?
What is the procedure called to hold a tooth?
What to expect when visiting a periodontist?
Do you need a periodontist for gum disease?
See more
About this website

What do periodontist specialize in?
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. They also help you manage signs of advancing gum problems like oral inflammation. Gum disease happens when the tissue around your teeth gets infected, causing inflammation.
What is periodontal treatment called?
You may need to have occasional deep cleaning treatments called “scaling and root planing” to treat gum recession. During scaling and root planing, your dentist will clean tartar and plaque from the surface of your teeth and the roots of your teeth.
Who needs periodontal treatment?
Periodontal therapy is often the first line of treatment for slight periodontitis. It's at this stage of gum disease wherein a patient has at least one tooth with 3 mm of gum attachment loss. About 9% of people with periodontal disease are at this stage. Periodontal therapy can also help with gingivitis.
What type of procedures does a periodontist perform?
Common Periodontic Procedures and TreatmentsNon-surgical Periodontal Treatment. Not all periodontal treatment involves a surgery of some sort. ... Scaling and Root Planing. ... Periodontics' Tray Delivery Systems. ... Dental Implants. ... Regeneration. ... Soft Tissue Grafting. ... Gingivectomy.
What periodontics means?
Periodontics is the dental specialty focusing exclusively in the inflammatory disease that destroys the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal, or disease, and in the placement of dental implants.
What periodontal means?
Definition of periodontal 1 : investing or surrounding a tooth. 2 : of or affecting periodontal tissues or regions periodontal diseases.
What is a periodontal maintenance?
When you go for periodontal maintenance, the hygienist will remove tartar just like with a regular cleaning. They'll get in between your teeth and down to your gums. This is known as scaling and root planing. In addition, they'll examine the pockets of your gums.
How is periodontitis diagnosed?
Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination. This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up. A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums.
What is the main cause of periodontal disease?
It's usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and getting regular dental checkups can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment for periodontitis and can also reduce your chance of developing it.
Why is periodontist important?
The role of a periodontist is to help treat, diagnose, and prevent periodontal diseases. Upon further examination of the tissue surrounding the teeth, periodontists are better prepared to restore the health of your smile.
When do you need a periodontist?
If you notice that your teeth seem to appear elongated or that your gums are receding at all, then you should schedule an appointment with a periodontist. Longer-looking and loose-feeling teeth can indicate recession of the gums and/or bone loss as a result of periodontal disease.
What is the Difference between a Dentist and a Periodontist?
Periodontitis is a pretty insidious disease. And while most Howell NJ dentists are trained to treat gum disease non-surgically, advanced cases are usually recommended to some who specializes in it.
Find a Periodontist Near You: Your Local Gum Specialist
Dr. Joseph Nemeth explains what a #periodontist is and what a periodontal practice entails. Joseph R. Nemeth DDS & Associates is focused on treating gum disease #periodontitis , placing dental implants, performing cosmetic #periodontal procedures, laser gum treatment, gum recession treatment, and more.
Periodontitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth.
Why do you need to see a periodontist?
Your general dentist may be able to treat some gum problems. But if you have gum disease that’s getting worse, a complex case, or the risk of tooth loss, your dentist will refer you to a periodontist.
What is periodontist 2021?
Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on June 23, 2021. A periodontist is a specialist who treats issues that affect your gums and the bones in your mouth.
What causes gums to pull back?
Gingivitis and periodontitis can cause your gums to recede, or pull back, exposing a tooth’s root. A periodontist can do a gum graft, where they take tissue, usually from the roof of your mouth, and use it to cover the receded gum line. A healthy gum line can help stop tooth decay, reduce sensitivity and pain, and improve your smile.
How to treat gum disease?
You may need to: Brush and floss teeth twice a day or after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush lightly.
What is the procedure called to hold a tooth?
Dental implants to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Periodontal pocket reduction procedures -- also called osseous surgery -- to help limit the space around your tooth’s root where bacteria can form. While some techniques are specific to treating gum disease, others are available for cosmetic purposes as well.
What to expect when visiting a periodontist?
What to Expect at the Periodontist. When you visit a periodontist, you should tell them about any symptoms you’re having. They may ask for personal information like health conditions and medications you take.
Do you need a periodontist for gum disease?
However, more advanced gum disease -- or periodontitis -- may require more extensive treatment. That’s when you need to see a periodontist. They’ll review your dental and medical histories. Then they’ll do a dental exam to come up with the best treatment option. This could include both surgical and nonsurgical methods:
What is the job of a periodontist?
That’s a job for a periodontist. Periodontists are the dental professionals who focus on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the gums, as well as other structures that support the teeth.
How long does it take to become a periodontist?
In order to qualify as a periodontist, a candidate must have successfully completed four years at an accredited dental school.
What can be done to help restore tooth roots?
To help reverse the damage, your periodontist may recommend various regenerative procedures. Bone grafts, gum grafts and tissue-stimulating growth factors can be used to repair damage to these tooth-supporting structures, and help you preserve your natural teeth.
What is the best treatment for gum disease?
Periodontists have a wide array of tools available to fight gum disease. Treatment generally starts with the least invasive and costly measures, which are non-surgical procedures. These include scaling and root planing, where special hand-held instruments are used to clean the root surfaces of the teeth.
What is the term for the removal of plaque and calculus from the gums?
The removal of dental plaque and hardened calculus (tartar) from tooth surfaces that lie under the gums is sometimes enough to resolve a patient’s gum disease—especially when followed up with a conscientious maintenance program.
Does flossing help with gum disease?
Research has shown that effective brushing and flossing, along with regular professional teeth cleaning, helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. But sometimes, even people who are very attentive to their oral hygiene can’t keep gum disease from getting started. When that occurs, it’s time to see a periodontist.
Is periodontal disease a part of good oral health?
But periodontists aren’t just concerned with outward appearances; maintaining healthy, disease-free gums is a key part of good oral health. And when you consider that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, you can see how important healthy gums really are.
What is the goal of periodontitis treatment?
The goal of periodontitis treatment is to thoroughly clean the pockets around teeth and prevent damage to surrounding bone. You have the best chance for successful treatment when you also adopt a daily routine of good oral care, manage health conditions that may impact dental health and stop tobacco use.
Why do periodontists make incisions in gums?
Your periodontist makes tiny incisions in your gum so that a section of gum tissue can be lifted back, exposing the roots for more effective scaling and root planing. Because periodontitis often causes bone loss, the underlying bone may be recontoured before the gum tissue is sutured back in place.
How to tell if you have periodontitis?
To determine whether you have periodontitis and how severe it is, your dentist may: Review your medical history to identify any factors that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as smoking or taking certain medications that cause dry mouth. Examine your mouth to look for plaque and tartar buildup and check for easy bleeding.
What is the procedure to cover exposed roots?
This can help reduce further gum recession, cover exposed roots and give your teeth a more pleasing appearance. Bone grafting. This procedure is performed when periodontitis has destroyed the bone surrounding your tooth root.
How to get ready for an appointment?
To get ready for your appointment, make a list of: Any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment. Key personal information, such as any medical conditions you may have.
Can you use antibiotics on your gums?
Topical antibiotics can include antibiotic mouth rinses or insertion of gels containing antibiotics in the space between your teeth and gums or into pockets after deep cleaning. However, oral antibiotics may be necessary to completely eliminate infection-causing bacteria.
What to do if you need a periodontist?
If you find yourself in need of a periodontist, you can call and ask your local dentist's office for a referral to a local gum specialist. You can also check with your local health departments about affordable or and discounted dental services near you.
How do you know if you have a periodontal infection?
You may need to find a periodontist near you if your dentist refers you to one or if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: Bleeding while brushing your teeth or eating – Unexplained bleeding while eating and brushing point to a deeper problem. This is one of the most common symptoms of a periodontal infection.
What are the treatments for tooth decay?
These treatments can include root canal, gum grafting, teeth scaling, jawbone grafting, and dental implants.
Why do dentists do scaling?
Teeth scaling. Teeth scaling is a common cleaning procedure. Most dentists use this treatment in routine visits in order to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Teeth scaling removes tartar buildup and helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
What is a dental probe?
Dental probes can measure pocket depth and help diagnose gum disease. A thorough review of your dental and medical history that may be contributing to your symptoms. An examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth to find signs of plaque and inflammation, indicating infection.
What is gum grafting?
Gum grafting. Gum grafting is a surgical option that can prevent bone loss and gum recession from progressing. It can also help to protect roots that have been exposed to infection from decay. There are three types of gum graft surgery: connective tissue graft, free gingival graft, and pedicle (lateral) grafts.
Why do you need a root removal?
A root removal procedure is usually necessary if you have untreated tooth decay, faulty crowns or fillings, a broken tooth, have had repeated dental work on the tooth, or there is physical trauma. Once the root system has been treated, the tooth will be filled in to preserve the rest of the tooth.
Periodontist Specialists Trusted Across Melbourne
The specialist team here at Kew Periodontics and Dental Implants are proud to provide our patients a welcoming and comfortable environment within our practice. We strive to help patients feel relaxed during their experience with us, as well as confident with the outcomes they achieve.
Looking for a Specialist Periodontist in Melbourne?
If you are suffering from a form of gum disease or condition, or believe that you might be, please don’t hesitate to call and speak with one of our team today.
Why do you need to see a periodontist?
Your general dentist may be able to treat some gum problems. But if you have gum disease that’s getting worse, a complex case, or the risk of tooth loss, your dentist will refer you to a periodontist.
What is periodontist 2021?
Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on June 23, 2021. A periodontist is a specialist who treats issues that affect your gums and the bones in your mouth.
What causes gums to pull back?
Gingivitis and periodontitis can cause your gums to recede, or pull back, exposing a tooth’s root. A periodontist can do a gum graft, where they take tissue, usually from the roof of your mouth, and use it to cover the receded gum line. A healthy gum line can help stop tooth decay, reduce sensitivity and pain, and improve your smile.
How to treat gum disease?
You may need to: Brush and floss teeth twice a day or after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush lightly.
What is the procedure called to hold a tooth?
Dental implants to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Periodontal pocket reduction procedures -- also called osseous surgery -- to help limit the space around your tooth’s root where bacteria can form. While some techniques are specific to treating gum disease, others are available for cosmetic purposes as well.
What to expect when visiting a periodontist?
What to Expect at the Periodontist. When you visit a periodontist, you should tell them about any symptoms you’re having. They may ask for personal information like health conditions and medications you take.
Do you need a periodontist for gum disease?
However, more advanced gum disease -- or periodontitis -- may require more extensive treatment. That’s when you need to see a periodontist. They’ll review your dental and medical histories. Then they’ll do a dental exam to come up with the best treatment option. This could include both surgical and nonsurgical methods:
