Periodontist Scope of Practice

A periodontist is a dentist with a specialty. The specialty is the area supporting the teeth and its structures. This means that the gums, the bones and the roots are included in the area of concentration for this dentist. The diseases and the conditions that these may have are also included in the responsibilities of this particular oral health care provider. Basically, he tries to diagnose and treat any diseases or ailments that may occur to the gums, roots and bone in the oral cavity. In spite of this specialty, this dental practitioner goes through the same education and training as all other dentists. The difference comes when they specialize individually and study the sub specialties that dental schools offer their students.

Diagnosis and Treatment
The periodontist diagnoses and treats diseases by checking on the state of the patient’s mouth, gums and teeth. He can assess basic problems like cavities and decay but he will not treat these, leaving it up to another dentist to do so since he basically concentrates on the state of the gums, roots and bone. Tartar that has accumulated can be removed by him, especially those that have gone deeper unto the gum line and making it recede.

The bite of the patient can also be included in the items that this dental professional may diagnose and treat. He can analyze and adjust this accordingly by splinting the teeth in order to prevent and avoid any damage to it. Infections of the gums and roots can also be treated by the periodontist. He is fully certified and qualified to prescribe antimicrobial medication and drugs to treat an infection or anything else that may need a prescription. In some cases, the dental professional may opt to directly deliver the medication or drug into the affected are for a faster delivery and faster positive result.

Surgery is also another treatment option that this dental practitioner may recommend. Surgical treatment enters the picture when there is a need for regeneration for the gums or the bone. Reconstructive surgery may also be another option for the periodontist but he may need extra training and studies for this. Dental implants are also part of the surgical options that this oral health care provider may offer.

Implants are used to anchor prosthetic teeth into the place of the missing ones. The surgery for this involves cutting open a flap and anchoring a titanium rod into the bone. This rod will serve as the root of the man made tooth which will be permanently placed unto it. Implants are options for those who may not like to have dentures or bridges.

There are some individuals who may not adapt well to dentures and bridges which is why the periodontist may recommend the dental implants. Through it all, this dental practitioner should be assured that the foundation of the implants is stable and strong. Dental restorations involving the gums, bone and root are all part of this specialists scope of work. These are not the limit, though and he or she may also offer other services that involve his field of expertise.