What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses exclusively on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and the placement of dental implants. After completing dental school, periodontists undergo an additional three years of specialized training in periodontics, making them experts in treating conditions affecting the gums, bone, and other supporting structures of the teeth.

Periodontists are often referred to as "the architects of the smile" because they work to create a healthy foundation for your teeth and, when necessary, replace missing teeth with dental implants. Their advanced training encompasses both surgical and non-surgical treatments, making them uniquely qualified to address complex periodontal conditions and perform sophisticated dental implant procedures.

Conditions Treated by Periodontists

Periodontists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the supporting structures of teeth:
Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by inflammation, redness, and bleeding of the gums due to plaque buildup.

Periodontitis: Advanced gum disease where infection spreads below the gum line, affecting the tissues and bone that support teeth.

Aggressive Periodontitis: A rapidly progressing form of periodontal disease that can occur in otherwise healthy individuals.

Chronic Periodontitis: The most common form of periodontal disease, typically developing slowly over time.

Necrotizing Periodontal Disease: A severe infection that causes tissue death in the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone.

Peri-Implantitis: Inflammation and infection around dental implants, similar to periodontal disease around natural teeth.

Gum Recession: When gums pull away from teeth, exposing tooth roots and potentially causing sensitivity and aesthetic concerns.

Periodontal Abscesses: Localized infections in the gum tissues that require immediate treatment.

Bone Loss: Deterioration of the jawbone that supports teeth, often resulting from untreated periodontal disease.

Tooth Mobility: Loose teeth caused by loss of supporting bone and tissue.

Comprehensive Treatment Options

Periodontists offer both non-surgical and surgical treatments tailored to each patient's specific needs:

Non-Surgical Treatments

Scaling and Root Planing: Deep cleaning procedures that remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from tooth surfaces and root surfaces below the gum line.
Antibiotic Therapy: Localized or systemic antibiotics to eliminate bacterial infections and reduce inflammation.
Laser Therapy: Advanced laser treatments that target bacteria while promoting tissue healing and regeneration.

Advanced Laser Procedures

LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure): FDA-cleared laser treatment that selectively removes diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue and promoting regeneration.

LAPIP (Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure): Specialized laser therapy designed to treat infections around dental implants.

Surgical Treatments

Pocket Reduction Surgery: Procedures to reduce the depth of periodontal pockets and eliminate bacteria that cannot be reached through non-surgical methods.

Regenerative Procedures: Treatments designed to rebuild lost bone and tissue, including:

• Bone grafting to restore lost bone structure
• Guided tissue regeneration using specialized membranes
• Growth factor applications to enhance healing

Gum Grafting Procedures: Treatments to cover exposed roots and restore receded gums, including:

• Connective tissue grafts
• Free gingival grafts
• Pinhole Surgical Technique: A minimally invasive method for treating gum recession without traditional grafting

Crown Lengthening: Surgical reshaping of gum and bone tissue to expose more of the tooth structure for restorative purposes or aesthetic improvement.

Dental Implant Services

Dental Implant Placement: Surgical insertion of titanium implants to replace missing tooth roots and support crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Bone Augmentation: Procedures to build up insufficient bone structure to support dental implants, including:

• Ridge augmentation
• Sinus lift procedures
• Socket preservation after extractions

Implant Maintenance: Ongoing care to ensure the long-term success of dental implants.

Cosmetic Periodontal Procedures

Aesthetic Gum Contouring: Reshaping irregular gum lines to create a more balanced, attractive smile.

Soft Tissue Grafts: Procedures to improve the appearance of receded gums and enhance smile aesthetics.

The Collaborative Approach

Periodontists work closely with general dentists and other dental specialists to provide comprehensive care. Many patients are referred to periodontists by their general dentist when specialized treatment is needed, though patients can also seek periodontal care directly. After treatment, periodontists often coordinate with the referring dentist to ensure continuity of care and optimal long-term outcomes.

At Delray Beach Laser Periodontics & Dental Implants, Dr. Matthews combines this specialized expertise with state-of-the-art technology and a patient-centered approach to deliver the highest quality periodontal care. Whether you need treatment for gum disease, dental implants, or cosmetic periodontal procedures, our goal is to restore and maintain your oral health while enhancing your confidence in your smile.