What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and a Periodontist?

Periodontists are dentists who specialize in gum disease and dental implants. So while not all dentists are periodontists, all periodontists are dentists.

However, unlike a general dentist, a periodontist typically offers a more limited range of procedures that require additional expertise. For example, you likely wouldn’t visit a periodontist for a routine cleaning or a root canal.

The Differences of Periodontists vs. General Dentists

The key differences between periodontists and general dentists include:

1. Daily Job Responsibilities

Periodontists are specialists who focus on periodontal services and implant procedures. They also perform these procedures more frequently than general dentists.

On the other hand, general dentists offer a wide range of services, such as routine check-ups, tooth cleanings, fillings, root canals, and minor surgical procedures. Your general dentist may be able to provide some services related to gum disease or place dental implants, but they can’t do complex periodontal procedures.

Similarly, some periodontists provide routine or general services such as checkups and fillings. However, their focus is on issues related to gum disease and implants.

2. Education Level/Credentials

While dentists can offer some gum services, they’d need further training and dental education to become a periodontist. A general dentist must earn an undergraduate degree and a dental degree. 

A periodontist does the same but needs two to three years of additional training. Like oral surgeons, they have to be familiar with surgical techniques such as implant placement.

3. Salary

Since periodontists are more specialized, they often have higher salaries than general dentists. Treatments are also more expensive in most cases. General dentists make an average of $174,000 a year, while periodontists make an average of $244,000 yearly.

Periodontists vs. Other Specialists

Here are some of the ways periodontists differ from other dental specialists:

Periodontists vs. Endodontists

Endodontists are dental professionals who specialize in issues related to tooth pulp and tooth roots. They’re experts in root canal treatment.

Like periodontists, endodontists undergo an additional 2 to 3 years of training after dental school. But unlike periodontists, they don’t generally manage issues involving the gums or dental implants.

Periodontists vs. Oral Surgeons

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have a lot in common with periodontists. They can place dental implants and perform regenerative procedures such as bone and gum grafts. They can also perform cosmetic procedures such as gum lifts.

However, oral surgeons don’t focus on gum disease like periodontists. They also perform procedures that periodontists generally don’t, such as surgical tooth extractions and corrective jaw surgery.

What Procedures Does a Periodontist Perform?

Common procedures offered by periodontists include:

• Scaling and root planing 
• Gum flap surgery
• Gum grafting
• Gum lift
• Dental implant placement
• Sinus augmentation
• Bone grafting

Periodontists can also extract teeth if needed for gum disease treatment. Some periodontists even offer services that general dentists provide, such as fillings or root canals. Like other doctors and dentists, periodontists can prescribe medication and make referrals to other specialists.

When Should I See a Periodontist?

Often times people visit a periodontist after getting a referral. This happens when your dentist notices any sign of gum disease that requires specialized treatment.

Alternatively, you may need a dental implant placed, and your general dentist doesn’t have the necessary training, equipment, or time. So they might refer you to a periodontist or oral surgeon.

Some reasons you may need to see a periodontist include:

• You have signs of moderate to severe periodontal disease, including swollen or bleeding gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite.
• You have receding gums and chronic bad breath
• You have a family history of gum disease, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or other conditions.
• You have more complex implant dentistry needs, such as a sinus lift or multiple implants.