When you need an expert to deal with periodontal disease or dental implants, you should call a periodontist. A periodontist is a type of dentist who is an expert in the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of gum disease. They also specialize in treating oral inflammation.

If you live in Los Angeles, you can find a multitude of periodontists. The big questions typically are what is a periodontist and why do people need to see one.

These questions are especially true when you want or need a dental implant Los Angeles, CA. With these questions in mind, you need to also know the following five things about periodontists.

1. Periodontists are required to have an excessive amount of education and training.
   To become a practicing dentist, many years of studying and training are required. After graduating from college, a dentist must typically attend another four years of dental school.
   Both the college and dental school must be accredited. A dentist can either earn a D.M.D which is a Doctor of Dental Medicine or a D.D.S. which is a Doctor of Dental Surgery.
   Both of these degrees are considered equivalent degrees. A periodontist has all of the above education plus an additional three years of schooling after dental school.
   This extensive training ensures they are specialists in periodontal disease and dental implants. It also guarantees that periodontists are up-to-date on techniques for treating and diagnosing periodontal illness and performing cosmetic periodontal processes.
2. Periodontists can offer a variety of treatments and services.
   Typically, most dentists are general practitioners which mean about 80% have general practices. The other 20% specialize in nine areas. The American Dental Association recognizes these nine specialty areas:
   • Endodontics
   • Dental Public Health
   • Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
   • Pediatric Dentistry
   • Prosthodontics
   • Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
   • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
   • Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
   • Periodontics

   A periodontist handles the most problematic periodontal issues. These issues include severe gum disease, complex medical problems, etc. Periodontists also offer a variety of treatments which include scaling, root surface debridement, root planning, and surgical procedures. Periodontists also specialize in dental implants Los Angeles, CA. This specialization includes placement, repair, and maintenance.During the first visit, periodontists ask a lot of questions to provide excellent treatment.

3. Over a one week period, most dentists will see around 65 patients. This number would include people with tartar build-up and gingivitis. If these issues become severe, a dentist will recommend a periodontist.When you go to the periodontist for the first time, he or she will review your medical and dental histories. He or she will also ask a variety of personal questions.

   Any medical conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy, and heart disease will affect the type of periodontal treatment the periodontist recommends. Medications can also alter the periodontist’s recommendations.

   Your dental history is also essential for the periodontist. It can help him or her to determine what has worked in the past and what has not worked. The history will also tell the periodontist the next best steps for your treatment and care.

4. Periodontists have to be through when examining patients.Dentistry careers are popular right now. The field of dentistry is expected to grow about 16% between 2012 and 2022. This growth is due mostly to the increase in the need for dentists.

   However, this increase may not be seen in the periodontist field. This lack of growth may be due to the amount of requirements in a simple office visit and the extra education that is required.

   A periodontist has to examine the gums for gum line recession, the fit of the natural bit, and check for loose teeth. A periodontist also measures the periodontal pockets. These pockets are the space between the teeth and the gums and are measured with a probe.

   A periodontist may also take X-rays to examine the bone below the gum line. These things may prevent an increase in the periodontist field, but they may not.

5. While dentists and periodontists are similar, a periodontist is consulted for more severe periodontal issues.Most of your periodontal needs will be handled by a dentist who practices general dentistry. However, as you age or your periodontal disease increases, you may need a dentist who has a greater understanding and more expertise.

   Sometimes, it may be necessary for your dentist and periodontist to work together for more serious, complex cases.

   If you need more information, contact Southland Dental Care at 818-788-8787 today for a dental consultation. Financing and low monthly payments are available.