These are general questions for patients. Answers will vary by practice — call ahead to confirm details before your visit.
Periodontists specialise in the health of the structures supporting teeth: the gums, periodontal ligament, and jawbone. After dental school, they complete two to three years of specialty residency training in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease at all stages — from early, reversible gingivitis through severe bone-destroying periodontitis affecting nearly half of American adults over 30.
The most common procedure is scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) — removal of bacteria, plaque, and tartar from below the gum line under local anesthesia. When non-surgical treatment is insufficient, periodontists perform flap surgery to access deeper pockets, bone grafts to rebuild lost jawbone, gum grafts to correct recession, and guided tissue regeneration to encourage healing. They are also highly experienced in dental implant placement.
After active periodontal treatment, most patients continue with maintenance appointments every three months rather than the standard six-month schedule. Research shows that the bacteria associated with gum disease recolonise treated pockets within approximately 90 days. Consistent professional maintenance is the only proven way to keep the disease controlled long-term — gum disease cannot be cured, only managed.