Periodontists

Usually, most patients visit their local family dentist for routine check-ups and the occasional filling or two. With regular visits to the dentist and a good oral hygiene routine, most of us can happily avoid any more serious dental issues.

Sometimes, however, patients do develop a more serious dental problem. This is usually because they have neglected to look after their teeth properly and not visited their dentist regularly enough, so plaque has built up and decay has set in. On these occasions, it could be that the patient’s teeth and gums need more specialist care, time and expertise than your local dentist can provide. Therefore, the patient may be referred to a specialist.

What does the job involve?

Gum disease affects us all. Our gums are continually under attack from the bacteria in our mouths and the aim of our dentist is to help us minimise the effects of gum disease. However, if a patient has not visited their dentist regularly, gum disease may have set in and reached a more serious level. Chronic gum disease of this type is known as periodontis.

Under these circumstances, the patient will be referred to a periodontist, who is a specialist in gums and in treating chronic forms of gum disease. A periodontist normally has three options when treating a patient. If the gum disease has not affected the underlying bone structure, a thorough clean under the gums may be sufficient – known as scaling and planing. If the bone structure has been affected, periodontic surgery may be required, which is a more complex treatment. Periodontists may also offer some cosmetic treatments, such as gum recontouring, to improve the appearance of badly diseased gums.

What qualifications do you need?

A periodontist is a registered dentist who must have completed a full degree in Dentistry. They will also have completed an extra three years of post-graduate study specialising in gum disease and its treatment.

What are the career prospects?

A good periodontist can enjoy a lucrative private career running their own practice or working as a Partner or an Associate Dentist, as their skills complement those of local dentists. Research suggests that most adults suffer from some form of gum disease (even if it is only mild) during their lifetime, so this is certainly a field with potential to grow!

Other Periodontists are employed in hospitals and in academia. There are also opportunities to continue building your skills and expertise in a research role.