What is the Difference Between Periodontics and General Dentistry?

In the simplest terms, a dentist treats the teeth, gums, and other areas of the mouth, while a periodontist only treats the gums and bone that supports the teeth.

A periodontist is a dentist with specialized training and education in periodontics

, and they are experts in the bone and tissue that surround teeth. They offer the highest level of services to treat diseases, such as gum disease. If you want a short answer, then a periodontist is just a specialization of dentistry.

It requires additional training, and a periodontist focuses on diagnosing and treating gum disease. The difference between a dentist and a periodontist is that general dentists care for patients with all types of oral health needs, while periodontists have additional training and may only see patients who need their dental specialty. Some periodontists focus only on gum-related treatments and refer all other cases to general dentists or other dental specialists. Others also offer general dentistry services.

While dentists can treat gum disease, it's best for patients with moderate to severe gum disease to also see a periodontist for treatment and care along with their dentist. Periodontics is formally recognized as one of the 10 specialized areas of dentistry that opens a new tab on the ADA website. Periodontists practice a specialty of general dentistry that requires two to three additional years of training. Therefore, it's not always clear what the differences are between a general dentist and a dental specialist, such as a periodontist.

Overall, both dentists and periodontists play an important role in providing excellent oral health care to their patients, focusing on different aspects of dental health together. To become a periodontal specialist, one must complete additional training beyond the traditional dental school curriculum. While a dentist is dedicated to the general care of the patient's oral health, a periodontist focuses primarily on caring for patients who suffer from problems stemming from soft tissue and bone diseases. Depending on your gum disease, your periodontist will likely want to visit you regularly until the problems are under control.

The fact that they have this specialization means that periodontists are focused on treating these specific conditions. Periodontal disease begins when bacteria, also known as plaque or tartar, build up around your teeth, causing your gums to loosen and become sick. By contacting your periodontists in Lincoln Square, your general dentists can ensure they are aware of your progress. Learn more about periodontics or schedule an appointment with North Shore Smile Surgery to address your dental concerns.

It is common for patients to alternate visits to the periodontist and general dentist as part of their treatment or maintenance plan. In short, a periodontist is an expert in diagnosing and treating periodontal diseases, as well as in providing restorative treatments to prevent tooth loss. The main difference between a dentist and a periodontist is that dentists are primarily trained in general dental care, while periodontists specialize in treating gum disease, such as periodontal disease. In addition to some of the services provided by a general dentist, a periodontist treats moderate to severe cases of gum disease.