Periodontist: questions answered

What do periodontists specialize in?

Cleveland Clinic says periodontists treat the tissues that support your teeth, including gums and jawbone, including bone loss, gum recession and periodontal disease. The American Academy of Periodontology adds scaling and root planing, root surface debridement, treatment of oral inflammation, cosmetic periodontal procedures and implant placement, including sinus augmentation for implants in the upper back jaw. Our guide on what a periodontist is explains the role in more depth.

When to see a periodontist

Cleveland Clinic says to see a periodontist for a temporary need such as a gum graft, bone graft or frenectomy, or for long-term care if you are prone to gum disease, usually continuing to see your general dentist too. A referral usually comes from your general dentist. The academy lists moderate or severe gum disease with bleeding, swollen or receding gums, loose teeth, a bite change or pain, a family or personal history of heart disease, stroke or diabetes, smoking, and needs such as multiple implants, limited jawbone or an implant near the sinus.

What is a periodontal cleaning?

Cleveland Clinic describes periodontal maintenance as a cleaning that also checks gum health and measures pocket depth, often needed every three to four months, and scaling and root planing as a deep cleaning under local anesthesia, often recommended for early-stage gum disease. Our guide on gum disease explains the stages, and tartar can only be removed by a professional cleaning, according to NIDCR.

How much does a periodontal cleaning cost, and does insurance cover a periodontist?

The sources we read give no prices or insurance rules, and costs vary by practice, region and plan. We do not give figures on this page. Ask the office for a written estimate that lists each procedure, ask your insurer whether periodontal treatment and specialist visits are covered and whether pre-authorization is needed, and compare the estimate with the plan's allowances before agreeing to treatment.

Periodontal surgery

Cleveland Clinic lists pocket reduction (gingival flap surgery) for moderate to severe gum disease, gum grafts for recession, tooth extractions, bone grafts, crown lengthening, smile lifts and frenectomies, and says most periodontists offer sedation options. Our guide on gum grafts and receding gums covers recession treatment.

Periodontist, dentist or orthodontist?

Cleveland Clinic lists periodontists for gum disease and supporting tissues, endodontists for root canals, orthodontists for braces and aligners, oral surgeons for extractions and complex surgery, pediatric dentists for children and prosthodontists for crowns, bridges and dentures. See our guide to seeing the dentist.

After treatment

Cleveland Clinic says a periodontist can send you back to your general dentist once you have recovered, and that people prone to gum disease often continue regular visits with both. Keep up daily brushing and cleaning between teeth, as the ADA advises.

What a first appointment involves

Expect a review of your health history and medicines, an examination of the gums, and measurement of the pockets around the teeth, which Cleveland Clinic says is part of periodontal maintenance. If gum disease is advanced, X-rays help show bone loss. Bring a list of your conditions and medicines, because the academy says a personal or family history of heart disease, stroke or diabetes is one reason a dentist refers you. Ask what the plan is and what each step involves before you agree.

Gum disease basics

NIDCR describes gum disease as infection and inflammation of the gums that, in advanced stages, affects the bone supporting the teeth, and Cleveland Clinic says gingivitis is reversible while periodontitis involves permanent bone loss. Early treatment is simpler, so see your dentist about bleeding or swollen gums rather than waiting for a routine visit.

Questions to ask your dentist

Ask for a clear reason for any referral.

• Why am I being referred, and what will the periodontist treat?
• Is there a nonsurgical option first?
• How many visits and how long will it take?
• How often will I need maintenance cleanings?
• Can you share my records and X-rays with the specialist?

Guides in this topic

Frequently asked questions