Dentist vs. Periodontist: Understanding The Difference

It’s safe to assume we all know what a dentist is, right?

So, let’s focus on the role of a dentist vs a periodontist and how they differ.

What do periodontists do?

Periodontists, according to the American Dental AssociationThis link leads to The American Dental Association Home page, specialize in treating issues involving the gums, bone, and surrounding tissues of the teeth.

Unlike general dentists, periodontists undergo advanced training and 2-3 years of additional education. Our periodontists in BellevueThis link leads to Bellevue location page are not an exception.

They work closely with dentists to maintain and restore a patient’s oral health.

They treat gum disease (periodontal disease), place dental implantsThis link leads to the Dental Implants page, perform bone grafting, and provide soft tissue grafting.

If you’re concerned about your gums or need an implant, a periodontist may be who you want to see.

How is a periodontist different from a dentist?

A general dentist takes care of your overall oral health.

They clean teeth, fill cavities, do root canals, and place crowns.

A periodontist, however, focuses only on gums and supporting tissues. They are specially trained in implant proceduresThis link leads to Dental Implants page.

While some dentists treat mild gum issues, they refer more serious cases to a periodontist.

Dentist vs. periodontist: Who should you see?

General dentist

• Focus: Overall oral health
• Treats: Cavities, cleanings, fillings, root canals
• Offers: Cosmetic procedures like whitening
• Best for: Routine dental care

Periodontist

• Focus: Gum health & supporting structures
• Treats: Gum disease, receding gums, bone loss
• Offers: Gum surgery, deep cleanings, dental implants
• Best for: Advanced gum and bone issues

Which one do you need?

Go to a dentist if you need a checkup, fillings, or a cleaning.

See a periodontist if your gums are swollen, bleeding, or receding.

Now, let’s get into why you might need to see a periodontist vs. a dentist.

You think you need to see a periodontist?

Gum disease can start small but get worse if left untreated.

You might need a periodontist if you have:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Gums that pull away from your teeth
• Loose teeth or shifting teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Pain when chewing

A periodontist can diagnose and treat gum diseaseThis link leads to Gum Disease page before it causes tooth loss.

If you think you have gum disease, seeing a periodontist for a full checkup is important.

Periodontists use advanced tools to find and treat gum problems. They will carefully examine your mouth and create a treatment plan just for you.

Catching gum disease early can help prevent bigger problems and keep your smile healthy.

Treatments a periodontist offers

The primary reason why dentists refer patients to a periodontist is for their expertise.

Some of the specialized treatmentsThis link leads to Services page offered include:

• Gum disease treatments: Deep cleaning, scaling, and root planing, or gum surgery
• Dental implants: Replace missing teeth with long-lasting solutions
• Bone grafting: Strengthen weak jawbones for implants
• Soft tissue grafts: Fix gum recession and protect teeth
• Laser therapy: Reduces gum inflammation, promotes healing, and improves overall gum health
• Oral cancer screening: Help detect early signs of oral cancer for timely treatment and better outcomes
• Wisdom teeth extractions: Remove impacted or problematic wisdom teeth, preventing pain, infection, and crowding

Even if your dentist treats some gum problems, a referral to a periodontist may be needed if the disease is too advanced, they don’t offer certain treatments, or if your condition isn’t improving.

Periodontists are the most qualified dentists to treat gum disease and provide services relating to the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth and jawThis link leads to Periodontal Surgery page, such as dental implantsThis link leads to Dental Implants page in Bellevue, WAThis link leads to Bellevue page.

They have significantly more experience and training in this specialized care, which can make your time in the dental chair more comfortable.

Benefits of seeing a periodontist

There are many benefits to having skilled periodontistsThis link leads to Difference page on our staffThis link leads to Staff page here at Dr. Perio.

We prioritize your complete dental health and oral wellness here. These are some of the many benefits of periodontal careThis link leads to Services page:

• Expert gum care: Specialists in treating gum disease and infections.
• Deep cleanings: Removes plaque and tartar below the gumline.
• Prevents tooth loss: Helps save teeth at risk due to gum disease.
• Treats receding gums: Offers grafting and other treatments to restore gums.
• Dental implants: Experts in placing implants to replace missing teeth.
• Personalized treatment plans: Care tailored to your specific needs.
• Pain relief: Treats gum pain, swelling, and bleeding.
• Better oral health: Improves overall dental health and prevents future problems.

Seeing a periodontist can help you keep your gums and teeth strong for life!

Find a periodontist in Bellevue or Issaquah, WA

At DoctorPerio, we are proud to have a team of skilled periodontists, including Dr. Neal RavalThis link leads to Doctor Raval’s page, Dr. Eddie LeeThis link leads to Dr. Lee’s page, Dr. Amit GharpureThis link leads to Dr. Gharpure’s page, and Dr. Malika JhawarThis link leads to Dr. Jhawar’s page, who specialize in advanced gum care and dental implantsThis link leads to Dental Implants page.

While our primary focus is on periodontics,This link leads to the Periodontists Services page we collaborate closely with general dentists to ensure comprehensive oral health care for our patients.

Focus of your general dentist

General dentists serve as the primary care providers for your oral health.

They are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing overall dental care needs.

They encompass a wide range of services aimed at maintaining and improving oral health.

Services provided by general dentists include:

• Preventive care: Regular dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and oral hygiene education to prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Restorative procedures: Filling cavities, performing root canals, and placing crowns or bridges to restore damaged teeth.
• Cosmetic dentistry: Teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding to enhance the appearance of your smile.
• Oral health assessments: Conduct thorough examinations to detect early signs of dental issues and provide appropriate interventions.

When it comes to periodontists vs. dentists, it’s not a showdown—it’s a partnership! Think of your dentist as the general dentist and your periodontist as the gum and implant specialist; together, they’re like the dynamic duo of oral health, working side by side to keep your smile in top shape.

No rivalry here—just teamwork for healthier teeth and gums!

At DoctorPerio in Bellevue and Issaquah, WA, our expert periodontists provide advanced, personalized care to restore and protect your gums, making us the trusted specialists you need for a healthier, more confident smile.

Bringing it all together

By collaborating with dentists, DoctorPerioThis link leads to Home page ensures that patients receive routine dental care and specialized periodontal treatments under one coordinated care plan.

This partnership allows seamless communication between providers, leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment strategies.

Patients benefit from a cohesive approach that addresses all aspects of oral health, from preventive care to root canals or gum disease, ensuring optimal outcomes and a healthier smile.

Book a consultation call today.

Or:

• Call us at: 425-453-1010This link opens an application to make a phonecall
• Email us at: info@doctorperio.comThis link opens an application to send an email

Our two offices proudly serve Bellevue, WAThis link opens a new tab to Google Maps, Issaquah, WAThis link opens a new tab to Google Maps, and the Greater Seattle area.