A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the treatment of periodontal (gum) disease and other oral conditions affecting the soft and hard tissues of the mouth that support the teeth. Periodontal disease affects the support around teeth including the jawbones and gum. After five years of dental school and a minimum of two years in general dental practice, a periodontist completes an additional 3 years of university-based training.

A periodontist provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic, non-surgical and surgical services aimed at improving the periodontal health. Pre-prosthetic surgery can be provided to improve aesthetics and function of restorations such as crowns and bridges. The placement of dental implants is frequently undertaken by periodontists especially when aesthetics is paramount. Periodontists also manage complications associated with dental implants including the treatment of peri-implantitis. Periodontists work closely with other members of the dental team, particularly dentists, hygienists, and other dental specialists.

For minor to moderate gum disease, a periodontist may start with less-invasive, non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing. These procedures involve the use of specialised hand-held tools (scalers) that are used to deep clean the teeth below the gum line

If periodontal disease has impacted the gum so that it no longer fits properly against the teeth, a periodontist may perform minor gum surgery to address the loose ‘pockets’ of the gum. This allows them to remove the infected gum tissue so that healthy tissue can reattach to the teeth naturally.

In the case of advanced gum disease, a periodontist may perform regenerative procedures including bone grafts, gum grafts, and treatments that help to stimulate the growth of new gum tissue.