Dental Specialties >Periodontics
Periodontics
Periodontics, one of nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, is the branch of dentistry that encompasses diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases that affect the areas surrounding the teeth.
Your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist for treatment of periodontal disease (gum disease), or for placement of dental implants. For more information on dental implants, click here.
Certification as a periodontal specialist requires three additional years of training beyond dental school. As a result, a periodontist is extensively trained in the treatment and prevention of gum disease as well as the placement of dental implants. Your periodontist can also perform cosmetic dental procedures to enhance your appearance.
For more information, visit the American Academy of Periodontology.