Q: What is a periodontist?

A: A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. The word itself comes from the Greek roots, "peri," meaning around, and "odont," the word for tooth. Periodontistry is one of several areas of dental specialty that require two to three years of training beyond the education required for a dental degree. Since some 75 percent of tooth loss is due to gum disease and the deterioration of the tooth's support system, the periodontist is a critical part of the oral health structure.

If periodontal disease is caught early, there are many non-surgical ways to treat it. The periodontist may be able to scrape plaque from tooth roots to stop the growth of bacteria. If the disease is more advanced, the periodontist may use surgical techniques, including bone grafting, to replace lost bone. A periodontist is also a critical figure in deciding whether a person is a candidate for dental implants.

In the best of worlds, though, you'd like to not need the services of a periodontist. The best way to avoid that is to visit your dentist regularly and to observe a sound regimen of oral health at home, brushing and flossing regularly.

May 17, 2010