Your general dentist is a vital partner in your oral health; they clean your teeth, fill cavities, and keep an eye on things from one checkup to the next. But there are moments when what’s happening in your mouth goes beyond the scope of routine dental care. That’s exactly where a periodontist steps in.
A periodontist is a dental specialist who has completed an additional three years of advanced training beyond dental school, focused specifically on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum (periodontal) disease, as well as the placement and maintenance of dental implants.
If you’ve been told you have gum disease, noticed your gums pulling away from your teeth, or are considering dental implants, you may need to see a periodontist.
Key Points
- Periodontists specialize in gum disease, bone loss, gum recession, and dental implants, conditions that go beyond what a general dentist typically treats.
- You don’t need a referral to see a periodontist; you can schedule directly.
- Early intervention with a specialist can prevent tooth loss, bone deterioration, and costly future procedures.
- Certain health conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, are directly linked to gum health, making specialist care even more important.
- Atlanta patients have access to board-certified periodontists who combine advanced technology with personalized care.
What does a periodontist actually do?
Before diving into when to see one, it helps to understand what sets a periodontist apart. While general dentists take care of the full picture, teeth, gums, bite, and more, periodontists are hyper-focused on the structures that support your teeth: the gums, the connective tissue, and the jawbone.
Periodontists are trained to treat:
- Gum disease in all its stages, from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis
- Gum recession, including surgical and non-surgical grafting procedures
- Bone loss caused by infection or missing teeth
- Dental implants, from placement to management of implant complications
- Crown lengthening, both functional and cosmetic
- Oral biopsies for suspicious gum tissue
- Cosmetic gum procedures, including gum contouring and reshaping
Board-certified periodontists have passed rigorous written and oral examinations above and beyond their specialty training. When choosing a specialist, look for that certification; it signals a higher standard of expertise.
Signs you should see a periodontist
Not every gum issue requires a specialist. But certain warning signs are a strong signal that it’s time to go beyond your general dentist.
Have you noticed any of these?
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing
- Gums that look red, swollen, or feel tender
- Teeth that feel sensitive near the gumline
More serious signs that warrant a specialist visit:
- Gums that are visibly pulling away from your teeth (recession)
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position
- A change in the way your bite fits together
- Pus around the gum tissue or teeth
- Your general dentist has diagnosed Stage 2 or higher periodontal disease
- You’ve had gum disease treatment that hasn’t resolved the problem
Bleeding gums are never “normal.” While occasional minor bleeding can happen, chronic bleeding is the number one early sign of gum disease, and early gum disease is far easier (and less expensive) to treat than advanced disease.
You need a periodontist when
1. You’ve been diagnosed with moderate to severe gum disease
If your dentist has told you that you have periodontal disease, particularly if you’ve been referred for deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) or surgical treatment, you’re in periodontist territory.
2. You need dental implants
Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, making them a procedure that demands precision, anatomical expertise, and experience with bone and tissue management.
Periodontists are among the most qualified providers for this procedure. They’re also best equipped to handle implant complications, bone grafting before implant placement, and long-term implant maintenance.
3. Your gums are receding
Gum recession exposes the roots of your teeth, leading to sensitivity, increased cavity risk, and an aged appearance to your smile. This isn’t something to wait on. Periodontists specialize in soft tissue grafting, procedures that restore lost gum tissue and protect your teeth from further damage. Techniques like connective tissue grafts and the Pinhole Surgical Technique can produce natural-looking, long-lasting results.
4. You have significant bone loss
Gum disease attacks the bone that holds your teeth in place. If x-rays reveal bone loss around your teeth, a periodontist can evaluate whether bone regeneration procedures (grafting, guided bone regeneration) could help rebuild what’s been lost and preserve your remaining teeth.
5. Your gum disease keeps coming back
Some patients receive treatment from their general dentist and find that the disease returns or never fully resolves. This is often a sign that the disease has progressed to a level that requires more advanced intervention. A periodontist has a deeper toolkit, including laser therapy (LANAP), osseous surgery, and targeted antibiotics, to address persistent or complex cases.
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive laser treatment for gum disease that doesn’t require cutting or sutures. It’s a great option for patients who are anxious about traditional surgery.
6. You have a health condition linked to gum disease
Research has firmly established connections between periodontal disease and systemic health conditions, including:
- Diabetes (gum disease and blood sugar control affect each other in both directions)
- Heart disease and stroke
- Respiratory illness
- Pregnancy complications
- Rheumatoid arthritis
If you have any of these conditions, seeing a periodontist is a smart investment in your whole-body health.
Specialized care in Atlanta: What to look for
Atlanta is home to a growing number of dental specialists, but not all periodontists are equal. When choosing a specialist, look for:
- Board certification in periodontology (and ideally in implant surgery)
- A practice that uses advanced technology, digital imaging, laser therapy, modern surgical techniques
- Transparent communication: Do they take time to explain your diagnosis, your options, and the risks?
- A team approach that coordinates with your general dentist for seamless, comprehensive care
- Patient reviews that speak to both clinical outcomes and comfort
At Atlanta Center for Advanced Periodontics, Dr. Brock Pumphrey and Dr. Rosemary Davis are among the few periodontists in the Atlanta area who are board-certified in periodontology. Dr. Pumphrey is also board-certified in implant surgery.
Your first visit to a periodontist should include a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, full-mouth digital imaging, and a personalized treatment plan.
Your smile deserves specialized attention
Whether you’ve been told you have gum disease, you’re experiencing symptoms you can’t explain, or you simply want the peace of mind that comes from a specialist’s evaluation, we’re here for you.
With two convenient locations in Midtown Atlanta and Sandy Springs, board-certified specialists, and a warm, modern practice environment, we make it easy to get the expert care you deserve.
No referral needed. New patients welcome! Schedule your periodontal evaluation today.
“Gum disease doesn’t get better on its own, and it’s often painless until it’s advanced. What’s a simple non-surgical treatment today can become complex surgery a year from now. My advice: if your dentist has mentioned your gum health, don’t wait. Come see us.”
—Dr. Rosemary Davis, DMD, Board-Certified Periodontist
You may also wonder…
Explore these related articles from our Blog:
What Is Gum Disease? Stages, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options: Which Is Right for You?
Understanding Gum Recession: Causes, Risks, and How It’s Treated