The main difference between a dentist and a periodontist is that a dentist provides general oral care, while a periodontist specialises in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. Both professionals play a crucial role in maintaining oral health, but their focus areas, training and treatments differ significantly.
What Does A General Dentist Do?
A general dentist is the primary healthcare provider for routine dental care. Their role includes diagnosing and treating common oral health issues and providing treatments such as fillings, crowns and root canals.
Dentists focus on the overall health of the teeth and gums, ensuring that patients maintain good oral hygiene and preventing future dental problems. One of the most common issues dentists treat is tooth decay, which affects nearly 31% of adults in the UK.
What Does A Periodontist Specialise In?
A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the structures that support the teeth, including the gums, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament and cementum. They receive additional years of training beyond dental school to become experts in treating gum disease, performing gum surgery and placing dental implants.
One of the key areas a periodontist manages is periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. With almost 50% of adults over 30 in the UK suffering from some degree of periodontal disease, there is certainly a need for specialist care. Periodontists use advanced techniques, such as scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and tartar from deep below the gum line and prevent further damage.
Periodontists use advanced techniques to remove plaque and tartar from deep below the gum line and prevent damage.
How Do Their Qualifications Differ?
Both dentists and periodontists complete a degree in dentistry, but a periodontist undergoes further specialist training.
- Dentists complete a five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree, followed by a year of supervised practice.
- Periodontists undertake an additional three years of specialist training in periodontology after obtaining their dental degree. This advanced education focuses on diagnosing and treating gum diseases, as well as performing complex procedures like gum grafting and bone regeneration.
This extra training allows periodontists to handle severe periodontal cases and provide treatments beyond what a general dentist typically offers.
When Should You See A Dentist vs A Periodontist?
Most people visit a general dentist for routine check-ups, dental cleanings, fillings and other basic dental treatments. If you experience tooth pain, decay or mild gum issues, your dentist is usually the first point of contact.
However, if you have persistent gum problems, such as bleeding gums, gum recession, deep pockets around the teeth or loose teeth, you may need to see a periodontist. Patients with advanced periodontitis, severe bone loss or those needing dental implants are usually referred to a periodontist for specialised care.
What Treatments Do Dentists And Periodontists Provide?
While both dentists and periodontists focus on oral health, the treatments they offer differ.
Common Dental Treatments by A General Dentist |
Specialist Treatments Provided by a Periodontist |
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Is It Necessary To Have A Referral To See A Periodontist?
In most cases, patients are referred to a periodontist by their general dentist when advanced gum disease or other complex issues arise. However, The Perio Centre accepts self-referred patients, meaning you can book an appointment without needing a referral.
If you suspect you have serious gum problems, gum recession or need dental implants, seeing a periodontist directly can help prevent long term oral health issues.
Can A General Dentist Treat Gum Disease?
Yes, general dentists can manage early-stage gingivitis with routine cleanings and improved oral hygiene advice. However, if gum disease progresses to periodontitis, a periodontist is often required to perform specialised treatments to prevent further damage.
Dentists can provide scaling and polishing for mild cases, but if you have deep gum pockets, persistent inflammation or bone loss, a periodontist is the best specialist to handle the condition.
Dentists can manage early-stage gingivitis. However, if gum disease progresses to periodontitis, a periodontist is often required.
Which One Is Right for You?
The choice between seeing a dentist or a periodontist depends on your oral health needs. If you require routine dental care, fillings or check-ups, a general dentist is usually sufficient. However, if you are experiencing chronic gum disease, gum recession or need advanced periodontal treatment, seeing a periodontist is certainly the best option.
Summary
While both dentists and periodontists play vital roles in maintaining oral health, their areas of expertise differ. Dentists focus on overall dental care, including fillings, performing root canals and conducting regular check-ups. Periodontists, on the other hand, specialise in gum disease treatment, gum surgery and dental implants.
With nearly half of UK adults experiencing some form of periodontal disease, understanding the difference between these two professionals is essential for seeking the right care. Whether you need a general check-up or specialised gum treatment, choosing the right professional can make a significant difference in your long term oral health.
Dr Simon Stern is a registered Specialist Periodontist at The Perio Centre. His qualifications include BDS MJDF RCS (Eng) MClinDent MPerio RCS (Ed). He lectures at both national and international conferences, and has published papers in several well-respected journals.
