Dentist Vs. Periodontist: What’s the Difference?

Dentist Vs. Periodontist: What's the Difference?
It’s important to make an appointment with a trusted periodontist

A general dentist provides essential services like cleanings, fillings, and regular check-ups, while a periodontist specializes in treating gum disease and the structures that support the teeth. Understanding the distinct roles of these dental professionals helps you choose the right specialist for maintaining a healthy smile.

Dr. Paul Gallardo is a Miami dental expert with knowledge in general dentistry and gum care. He helps patients make informed decisions about their oral health.

What is the Difference Between a General Dentist and a Periodontist?

General dentists handle a wide range of oral health needs, including recognizing cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and infections. They provide restorative and preventive care such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and X-rays to detect problems early.

Periodontists have advanced training focused on gum health and the structures that support teeth. They treat gum tissues, bone loss, and other issues related to gum disease with procedures like root planing, scaling, bone grafts, and tissue regeneration. Some periodontists also perform cosmetic procedures and place implants to restore missing teeth.

The table below highlights the key differences between a Dentist and a Periodontist to help you understand when to see each professional:

Key DifferenceDentistPeriodontist
When to VisitRoutine cleanings, fillings, crowns, and minor gum concernsPersistent gum disease, receding gums, loose teeth, or advanced oral surgery
Common Treatments ProvidedFillings, cleanings, root canals, crowns, bridges, extractions, implants, sealants, and X-raysScaling and root planing, bone grafts, tissue regeneration, dental implants, cosmetic gum procedures, laser therapy, pocket reduction surgery, gum grafts, and periodontal surgeries
Symptoms AddressedTooth decay, cavities, mild gum irritationGum bleeding, gum recession, loose teeth, severe gum infections
Ideal forGeneral dental checkups and resolving minor dental issuesRestoring oral health from complex gum problems or preparing for dental implants

Similarities Between General Dentists and Periodontists

Both dentists and periodontists have important roles in providing excellent oral health care to their patients by focusing on different aspects of dental health alongside one another. While they do have individual specialties they also share similarities in how they approach treatment for better oral hygiene with similar techniques such as deep cleanings or nonsurgical treatments if needed.

When Should Someone Transition from a Dentist to a Periodontist?

If you notice persistent gum bleeding, or receding gums, or have been diagnosed with advanced gum disease, it’s time to see a periodontist. They’re also the go-to experts for replacing missing teeth with dental implants or managing severe oral health issues.

Education & Training Requirements

Dentist examining a patient's teeth during a routine check-up with dental tools in a clinical setting.
General dentists undergo 8 years of education and training.

General Dentist Education and Training

General dentists complete a 4-year undergraduate degree followed by 4 years of dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. This training equips them with the skills needed to provide a wide range of dental care, including routine check-ups, cavity fillings, and preventive treatments to maintain overall oral health.

Dentist and assistant performing a professional dental cleaning, both wearing blue masks and gloves for optimal hygiene and safety.
Periodontists complete 10-11 years of training.

Periodontist Education and Training

Periodontists first complete the same 8 years of education as general dentists, earning a DMD or DDS degree. They then pursue an additional 2-3 years of specialized residency training focused on gum disease treatment, surgical procedures, and dental implant placement. After their residency, periodontists must pass rigorous exams to become board certified, ensuring they have the advanced expertise required to manage complex periodontal conditions and provide specialized gum care.

When it Becomes Necessary to Consult a Periodontist

Be cautious! Visiting frequently a periodontist could be more relevant than you think.

1. Excessive Bleeding Gums

While bleeding gums can be normal, excessive bleeding and tenderness are signs of trouble. It’s possible to cause your gums to bleed if you use too much pressure while brushing or you don’t floss regularly. However, a buildup of tartar and plaque can cause irritation and bleeding (gingivitis), ultimately leading to gum disease.

2. Gum Recession

As you age, your gums can recede, exposing the nerves of the teeth. When the nerves are exposed, it can cause you extreme pain while brushing or eating hot or cold foods. A periodontist can perform a gum graft procedure to cover the nerves and alleviate the pain you are experiencing.

3. Loose Teeth

If you lose one or more teeth, you need to replace them with a bridge, dentures, or implants with crowns. Leaving the space open from a missing tooth ultimately leads to major problems like bone loss and gum recession.

When your gums are excessively irritated and inflamed, it can cause them to pull away from your teeth, allowing them to become loose. Adult teeth only become loose if there are major dental concerns. See your dentist right away if you notice a tooth is moving.

Close-up of a woman pointing to a loose tooth with gums visible, indicating dental health concerns.
Loose adult teeth often signal serious dental issues like gum recession or bone loss.

4. Bad Breath

Of course, everyone deals with bad breath when they first get up or after eating something potent. Chronic bad breath is much worse. No matter how much you brush, floss, or swish, the odor is pungent. Bacteria can collect on your gums and cause the foul smell to linger no matter what you do.

Healthy gums will not retain foul odors. If you have halitosis (bad breath) you are likely dealing with gum disease that must be treated ASAP.

Patient discussing oral cancer screening with a dentist, dental X-rays displayed on monitor in background.
Dentists refer patients to periodontists for specialized gum care.

5. Referred By a Dentist

If your dentist refers you to a periodontist, then you should go as soon as possible. You have reached a point in your dental care that requires the attention of a specialist. Your dentist will work closely with the periodontist to provide you optimal care. Once the treatment is completed, you’ll return to your general dentist for hygiene and regular check-ups as usual.

Common Questions About Dentists vs Periodontists