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A Board certified periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. They are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.
The title “Board-Certified Periodontist” or “Diplomate” means that your periodontist has taken his or her education another big step forward. These professionals have gone beyond mandatory education requirements of the specialty and have passed additional rigorous written and oral examinations to further prove their expertise. Your board-certified periodontist keeps up to date with the latest periodontal procedures and equipment related to implant technology and gum disease. This doctor has experience in handling both routine and difficult cases and is recertified every six years by the American Academy of Periodontology, a standard setting organization. There is no requirement for a periodontist to obtain board certification. It’s an accomplishment the professional chooses to seek to signify his or her dedication to the highest possible level of care. Periodontists who achieve this special certification are titled “Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology” to show that they’ve passed this very demanding peer review process. Drs. Rubin, Mintz and Pernikoff are all board certified periodontists.
Periodontists often treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as those with severe gum disease or a complex medical history. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (in which the infected surface of the root is cleaned) or root surface debridement (in which damaged tissue is removed). They can also treat patients with severe gum problems using a range of surgical procedures. In addition, periodontists are specially trained in the placement, maintenance, and repair of dental implants.
During the first visit, the periodontist usually reviews the patient’s complete medical and dental histories. It is extremely important for the periodontist to know if any medications are being taken or if the patient is being treated for any condition that can affect periodontal care, such as heart disease, diabetes, or pregnancy. The periodontist examines the gums, checks to see if there is any gum line recession, assesses how the teeth fit together when biting, and checks the teeth to see if any are loose. The periodontist will also take a small measuring instrument called a probe and place it between the teeth and gums to determine the depth of those spaces, known as periodontal pockets; this helps the periodontist assess the health of the gums. X-rays may also be taken to observe the health of the bone below the gum line.
Some patients’ periodontal needs can be managed by the general dentist. However, as more and more patients are exhibiting signs of periodontal disease, coupled with research that suggests a relationship between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases of aging, periodontal treatment may necessitate a greater understanding and increased level of expertise by a trained specialist. Patients who present with moderate or severe levels of periodontal disease, or patients with more complex cases, will be best managed by a partnership between the dentist and periodontist.
