Reviewed by Dr. Doug Heller
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A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the health of the gums, bone, and supporting structures around the teeth and dental implants. While general dentists provide routine oral care, periodontists are trained to diagnose and treat more advanced conditions that develop below the gumline.
With two convenient locations in Aurora and Centennial, Periodontal Associates provides comprehensive periodontal and implant care to patients throughout the Denver metro area.
Table of Contents
What Does a Periodontist Do?
A periodontist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and related conditions affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth. This includes managing inflammation, infection, and bone changes that cannot be addressed through routine dental care alone.
Periodontists complete several additional years of advanced training beyond dental school, with focused education in gum disease treatment, bone and gum regeneration, and dental implant therapy. Their role is to stabilize oral structures and manage conditions that place teeth and implants at risk.
Conditions a Periodontist Treats
Periodontal care is typically recommended when gum disease progresses beyond mild irritation or when structural changes occur beneath the gumline.
Common conditions treated by a periodontist include:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Moderate to advanced periodontal disease
- Gum recession and exposed tooth roots
- Bone loss around teeth or dental implants
- Teeth that feel loose or shifting
- Chronic bad breath linked to bacterial infection
- Inflammation around dental implants, known as peri-implantitis
These conditions often require specialized evaluation and treatment planning.
Periodontal Treatments and Procedures
Periodontists perform a range of treatments designed to control infection, reduce inflammation, and stabilize the gums and supporting bone.
Common treatments and procedures performed by a periodontist include:
- Deep cleaning procedures, such as scaling and root planing, that remove bacteria and buildup below the gumline
- Surgical treatment to reduce deep periodontal pockets
- Laser-assisted periodontal therapy for bacterial reduction and supporting bone regeneration
- Gum grafting to treat gum recession and protect exposed roots
- Bone grafting to restore lost bone around teeth or implants
- Treatment for inflammation or bone loss around dental implants
These procedures are focused on slowing disease progression and supporting long-term gum and bone health.
Periodontal Care at Periodontal Associates
At Periodontal Associates, periodontal care is centered on identifying and treating conditions that affect gum and bone health before they compromise long-term stability. Periodontal exams focus on detecting inflammation, infection, and bone changes beneath the gumline that may not be visible during routine dental visits.
Care is provided by Dr. Douglas A Heller, Dr. Eric M. Beckman, and Dr. Dan Thousand. They focus on diagnosing and managing periodontal conditions using individualized treatment planning.
Schedule a Periodontal Evaluation
If your dentist has referred you or you are experiencing signs of gum disease, a periodontal evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and determine appropriate next steps.
To book an appointment at our Aurora location, call (303) 755-4500. To book an appointment at our Centennial location, call (303) 795-5700.
FAQs
What is the difference between a periodontist and a dentist?
A general dentist provides routine dental care, while a periodontist specializes in treating gum disease and conditions affecting the bone that supports the teeth and dental implants.
Do I need a referral to see a periodontist?
Some patients are referred by their dentist, but many periodontal offices accept patients directly for evaluation.
What are three conditions that a periodontist may treat?
A periodontist commonly treats periodontal disease, gum recession, and bone loss around teeth or dental implants. These conditions affect the supporting tissues of the teeth and require specialized evaluation and care.
Is there a periodontist near me?
If you are searching for a periodontist in the Denver Metropolitan area in Colorado, Periodontal Associates has two convenient locations. To book an appointment at our Aurora location, call (303) 755-4500. To book an appointment at our Centennial location, call (303) 795-5700.
