How to choose a periodontist Question
Choose a periodontist on five things: board certification by the American Board of Periodontology, the range of treatments offered (deep cleaning, LANAP, grafting, implants), results shown and measured, reviews from patients, and how the office works with your general dentist on maintenance.
What are the benefits of a good periodontist?
- An exact diagnosis by stage and grade, so treatment fits the disease.
- More teeth kept: regeneration and laser options before extraction.
- Implants placed with bone and gum planned in advance.
- Fewer complications such as peri-implantitis.
- A maintenance plan that keeps results stable.
Questions to ask
- Are you board certified?
- What are my pocket depths and my stage and grade?
- Which options do you offer, and why this one for me?
- How will we measure the result?
- How do you share care with my dentist?
Florida periodontists, ranked.
Questions
Are reviews enough to choose?
Reviews show the patient experience. Credentials, treatment range and measured results show clinical quality. Use both.
Sources
Periodontists and training Read next
How periodontists work with general dentistsPeriodontists and general dentists share care.What does a periodontist do?A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing and treating gum disease, and in placing dental implants.What is the difference between a dentist and a periodontist?A general dentist provides routine cleanings, fillings, crowns and bridges.
How long does it take to become a periodontist?A periodontist completes four years of dental school and then three more years of specialty training in periodontics.Is a periodontist the same as an oral surgeon?No. A periodontist specializes in the gums and the jawbone that supports the teeth.
Do I need a periodontist?You may need a periodontist if you have moderate or severe gum disease, with bleeding, swollen or receding gums, loose teeth, bite changes or pain.