Many patients assume all dental professionals treat gum disease the same way. After all, both dentists and periodontists care for oral health. But when gum disease becomes more advanced—or when it begins threatening the bone that supports your teeth—the type of provider you see matters. At Precision Periodontal and Implant Center, we often meet patients who didn’t realize that choosing a specialist can significantly change the outcome of their treatment.
Training: Where the Difference Begins
A general dentist receives extensive training in diagnosing and treating early gum disease, along with providing cleanings, fillings, crowns, and other restorative services. However, a periodontist follows a different path. After dental school, a periodontist completes an additional three years of residency focused solely on the gums and supporting bone.
This advanced specialty training includes:
- Surgical techniques for gum and bone restoration
- Dental implant placement and complication management
- Treatment of advanced periodontitis
- Regeneration of lost bone and soft tissue
- Laser-assisted periodontal therapies
This deeper understanding allows periodontists to treat complex cases that exceed the scope of routine dental care.
Why Advanced Gum Disease Requires a Specialist
Early gum disease, or gingivitis, often responds well to improved home care and a professional cleaning. But once infection reaches below the gumline and begins affecting bone—known as periodontitis—the condition becomes more difficult to treat.
A periodontist offers treatment options that general dentistry offices typically do not, such as:
- Scaling and root planing for deep pockets
- Laser treatments like LANAP
- Regenerative procedures to rebuild lost bone
- Gum grafting to cover exposed roots
- Osseous surgery for severe pocketing
- Maintenance programs for ongoing disease control
These techniques aim not only to stop disease progression but also to restore the stability that teeth need long-term.
Signs It’s Time to See a Periodontist
Many patients begin with their general dentist—as they should. But certain symptoms suggest it’s time to add a specialist to your care team. Contact Precision Periodontal and Implant Center if you’ve noticed:
- Gums that bleed daily despite good brushing habits
- Pockets deeper than 4mm measured during dental exams
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Loose teeth or shifting bite
- Gum recession exposing sensitive roots
- Bone loss visible on X-rays
- Gum disease that keeps returning after multiple treatments
These signs indicate that the disease has progressed beyond what traditional cleanings alone can resolve.
How Dentists and Periodontists Work Together
Seeing a periodontist doesn’t replace your general dentist—in fact, both play essential roles. Your dentist manages routine oral health, restorations, and preventive care. The periodontist focuses on stopping infection, repairing gum and bone damage, and protecting the long-term stability of your teeth and implants.
Most patients return to their dentist after periodontal treatment with healthier gums and a reduced risk of future complications.
Choosing Specialized Care Protects Your Future Smile
Gum disease is a chronic condition that requires expertise to manage effectively. When treatment is handled by a specialist trained specifically in gum and bone health, your chances of keeping your natural teeth long-term increase significantly.
If you’ve been diagnosed with moderate or advanced gum disease—or if you’re unsure whether you’re receiving the level of care your condition requires—Precision Periodontal and Implant Center is here to help. Call 310-708-3938 today to schedule your appointment and learn whether specialized periodontal care is the right next step for your smile.