A periodontist is a gum specialist. Their primary treating area is periodontal conditions that affect the gums and jawbone. A periodontist differs from a regular dentist based on their treatment areas. A periodontist only treats gums and bones supporting our teeth, while a dentist treats our teeth and other areas in our mouth.

A periodontist generally treats severe cases that a regular dentist cannot treat, as those conditions need a specialist’s attention. If you have been referred to a periodontist by your healthcare provider, contact the King of Prussia periodontics specialist today.

What operations do they perform?

A periodontist performs gum and bone operations. There are different types of these operations, such as:

• Gingival flap surgery: This surgery is also known as pocket reduction surgery. This surgery treats severe gum diseases. In this surgery, the professional proceeds to make incisions on your gums and move them from the teeth to be able to see the condition correctly. Then, they clean the roots and stitch the gum tissues back into their place.
• Gum grafts: Gum grafts treatment is for treating gum recession. Gum recession refers to not having adequate healthy gum tissue around the teeth. In this procedure, the periodontist adds tissue taken from either the roof of the patient’s mouth or purchased from an authorized tissue bank to the gum recessing area.
• Tooth extractions: Periodontists also perform tooth extractions on hard-to-remove teeth.
• Dental bone grafts: This procedure is for the bone supporting your teeth that gets worn away due to periodontal infection. A professional either uses the patient’s own bone from other areas of their mouth or purchases the material from an authorized bone bank. Then, they use that bone graft on the affected area to regenerate bone.
• Surgical crown lengthening: A tooth can break off near the gum line in severe dental cases. When this happens, it becomes difficult to place a dental crown due to insufficient space. In these cases, a periodontist removes some of the patient’s gum and bone tissue to fit the crown.
• Smile lift: This procedure is typically performed for cosmetic reasons. This procedure is for people who want to improve the appearance of their smile. When they smile, some people show gums that cover the top of their teeth. A smile lift helps to remove that. A professional usually removes the gum covering the patient’s teeth and some bone to lift their smile.

Contact a periodontist if you need to have any of these surgeries.