When most people think of dentistry, they picture cleanings, fillings, and basic oral care. But when it comes to the health of your gums, jawbone, and supporting structures of your teeth, periodontal specialties take center stage.

Periodontists are dental specialists who focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions that affect the soft and hard tissues supporting the teeth — and they offer advanced solutions that go far beyond routine dental care.

In this article, we’ll explore what periodontal specialties are, the types of treatments they offer, and why seeing a periodontist could be the best decision for your oral health.

What Are Periodontal Specialties?

Periodontal specialties encompass the advanced knowledge, training, and procedures focused on the health of the gums, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and cementum — the vital structures that support your teeth.

After dental school, periodontists complete several additional years of specialized education and clinical training, enabling them to treat complex issues that general dentists often refer out.

These specialties include:

1. Gum Disease Treatment

Periodontists are experts in treating periodontal disease — a chronic bacterial infection that can destroy the gums and bone if left untreated. They offer therapies ranging from deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) to regenerative procedures that rebuild lost tissue.

2. Dental Implant Placement

Periodontists specialize in dental implants as a permanent solution for missing teeth. They are trained in surgical implant placement and managing complex cases that require bone grafts or sinus lifts.

3. Cosmetic Periodontal Procedures

Beyond health, periodontists also enhance appearance through treatments like:

• Gum contouring to reshape uneven gumlines
• Crown lengthening to correct a “gummy smile”
• Soft tissue grafting to cover exposed roots and improve aesthetics

4. Regenerative Procedures

When gum disease or trauma causes bone or tissue loss, regenerative procedures such as bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration, and growth factor therapy help restore support to the teeth and prevent tooth loss.

5. Laser Gum Therapy

Some periodontists are trained in minimally invasive laser treatments to remove diseased tissue and stimulate healing — offering a faster, gentler alternative to traditional surgery.

6. Management of Systemic Links

Periodontal specialists understand the crucial link between oral health and systemic health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and pregnancy complications. They collaborate with medical professionals to manage the oral aspects of these systemic issues.

When Should You See a Periodontal Specialist?

You may benefit from seeing a periodontist if you experience:

• Persistent bleeding gums
• Gum recession or “long” teeth
• Loose adult teeth
• Chronic bad breath
• Pain or swelling around the gums
• Changes in the way your teeth fit together
• A desire for dental implants or cosmetic gum procedures

If caught early, many periodontal issues can be treated before causing irreversible damage.

Why Specialized Periodontal Care Matters

Your gums and supporting structures are just as important as your teeth when it comes to overall oral health. Periodontists bring specialized expertise, advanced technologies, and a deeper understanding of complex conditions — helping you achieve better, longer-lasting outcomes.

Whether you’re battling gum disease, exploring dental implants, or simply want a more beautiful smile, a periodontal specialist can offer tailored solutions that general dentistry often can’t provide.

Trust Your Smile to a Periodontal Specialist

At Dr. Nemeth & Associates, we are proud to offer specialized periodontal care with the latest techniques in both treatment and cosmetic enhancement. Our focus is not just on treating gum disease, but on restoring health, beauty, and confidence to every patient’s smile.

If you have concerns about your gums or are exploring advanced dental solutions, schedule a consultation with our team today — your smile deserves the best care available.