What is a Periodontist?

Everyone knows what a general dentist is. People even know what some specialists, like an orthodontist, are. But not many people know what a periodontist is, or what they do.

Definition:

First and foremost, a periodontist is still a dentist. However, a periodontist specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing periodontal disease (also known as gum disease, periodontitis, or gingivitis). Periodontal disease is a health issue that affects your gums, bone structure, and the ligaments around your teeth. Periodontal disease can lead to many other adverse health conditions.  

Training & Education:

As we stated above, a periodontist is still a dentist. However, periodontists focus on your gums, your jawbone, ligaments, and tissues in and around your mouth. As a result of caring for more than just your teeth, periodontists must understand how your oral health impacts your overall health. Due to the need for knowing about more than your oral health, a candidate goes through dental school and then spend anywhere from 3-7 years in an accredited residency program by the American Dental Association (ADA).  

After a candidate successfully completes their residency program, they must take a written and oral examination to earn a certification from the American Board of Periodontology. These two types of examinations will review all the different aspects of what makes up periodontal disease, treatments for periodontal disease, and ensure that the candidate’s skills and techniques match what is needed to be a periodontist. 

Professional Work:

A periodontist is licensed both as a dentist and as a periodontist. Once a periodontist receives both of their licenses, they can work in a private office, hospitals, dental schools, and more! Many periodontists also engage in research to test and develop new therapies, and study the link between our periodontal health and other diseases like diabetes. 

Do you need a periodontist in the Jackson, MS area?

Drs. Parkes and Stewart are located in Jackson, MS and are always welcoming new patients who want to improve the health of their gums, mouth, and overall health! We welcome you to contact us today to schedule an appointment!