What Is the Difference Between a Periodontist and a Dentist?

Periodontists and dentists are two different types of doctors. You’ve certainly heard of the latter, but some people go a long time without hearing of the former. That’s because you may not need to see a periodontist until your dental issues have progressed. 

Fortunately, we can give you a clear definition of the difference between them and when to visit each.

At Ueno Center Dental Specialists, we offer both dental and periodontal treatment so you can have the healthiest smile possible. Our founder, Jeremy K. Ueno, DMD, and the others on our team value the work of both types of dental professionals. 

Dentists 101: Who they are and what they do

Dentists are doctors who treat oral health. They usually work with you when you need a checkup or generalized care of your teeth, gums, or both. You should see your dentist at least once every year, although biannually is ideal. 

Going to the dentist regularly is part of keeping your mouth healthy. Although you take care of your teeth at home, seeing a dentist ensures you’re able to receive certain treatments that you can’t do yourself, like an annual cleaning, which gets to the hard-to-reach places and removes plaque. 

The main part of a dentist’s job is maintenance. When you see your dentist, you know you’re going to get your teeth cleaned and find out what, if anything, may be threatening your oral health as well as how to manage it. 

But dentists can also recommend that you seek additional treatment from them or from another doctor. 

Periodontists 101: Who they are and what they do

Dentists and dental hygienists may recommend that patients see a periodontist. You can also choose to see a periodontist without a referral. Although you could choose to see a dentist for any oral health issues, periodontists are specialists within the field of oral health. 

They deal with gum health and jawbone issues. If your gums are healthy, you don’t usually need to visit a periodontist, but any gum-related issues that a cleaning can’t resolve may require the skills of a periodontist.

Periodontists perform certain cosmetic procedures as well. 

Why you might visit a periodontist instead of a dentist

You probably know why you might see a regular dentist. So why would you go to a periodontist? One of the biggest reasons is for gum disease treatment. 

A dentist can treat you to an extent, especially if your gum disease is in the first stage of gingivitis. But advanced stage gum disease (also known as periodontitis) usually requires a visit to a periodonist. 

A periodontist determines the best way to treat your gum disease. They often perform tooth extractions, bone grafting, and sculpting of the tissues to remove any infected gum tissue and/or teeth. 

You may also notice certain symptoms at home, such as bad breath, bleeding gums, or loose teeth, that could bring you into a periodontist’s office. Sometimes, dentists recommend you go straight to a periodontist. Luckily, we have both right here in our office. 

Finally, you may want to visit a periodontist if you have certain complaints about your smile that, while aesthetically unpleasant, aren’t making you ill. A periodontist could help with gummy smiles or teeth that look too short and stubby. 

You can see both periodontists and dentists here 

While dentists operate as general oral health providers, periodontists are more specialized and nuanced. But you might need to see both types of providers at some point in your life.

We offer all types of treatment here at our Campbell, California, office under the care of licensed dentists and periodontists. Just call or visit online to make an appointment.