While there is often some overlap between the work of dentists and periodontists, it’s important to recognize that these two types of doctors have different training and specializations. Keep reading to learn what makes periodontists unique!

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontology is the specialty of dentistry that focuses on the gums and other tissue holding your teeth in place. As doctors who practice periodontology, periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases and oral inflammation.

Just like dentists, periodontists spend four years in dentistry school after they’ve completed their undergraduate degrees. However, upon completion of a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, periodontal students continue on to complete three additional years of school to specialize in periodontics. After graduation, they must pass a board examination to receive a license to practice.

General dentists can diagnose and sometimes treat minor periodontal ailments, but they frequently refer their patients to a periodontist for specialized treatment. Unlike most dentists, periodontists treat advanced cases of gum disease, provide soft tissue grafting procedures, place dental implants, and perform other restorative procedures.