Medically Reviewed by Dr. Shaila Kabani on September 24, 2026
Not many people may be aware of this, but they may also rely on a periodontist to manage their oral health besides the usual dentist. Yes, the former may be in charge of your teeth overall, but for the areas surrounding it, the latter would be your most viable professional.
The thing is, they aren’t so different from your usual dentist; they just have a particular specialization when it comes to tending to your oral needs. To be exact, they are more focused on your gums than anything else. This may be because the gums usually influence the other parts of your mouth.
What is a Periodontist?
As mentioned, they are different from your usual dentist, but they don’t specialize in all areas. To be more specific, they focus on a person’s mouth’s periodontal or gum health.
They do this by tackling the problems that can affect the health of the gums, such as infections and gum disease. They may also do this by performing corrective surgeries, and it is their job to prevent any further complications.
On top of that, a periodontist is also responsible for performing dental crowns and root canals.
They also have to undergo further training to become a periodontist. Their study mainly revolves around the procedures they will have to carry out when they become one.
Educational History
If they want to take on the role of a periodontist, the first thing they need to do is get a degree in dentistry. After that, they need to take on some hands-on experience in a periodontist’s office.
They can only move on to the next level of training if they have already practiced as a regular dentist. If they are already at this point, they still need to go through years of training and education to finally be recognized as one.
When choosing to become a periodontist, it is important to be aware that this field has a high demand for it. So if you are planning to become one of them, you can expect to have your pick of the litter when it comes to jobs.
Salary and Job Description
Periodontists make sure that their patients’ mouths are in good shape at all times. They usually carry out root canals, tooth extractions, gum surgeries, and dental crowns.
After several training and education, they can finally become one and bring home a good salary. The average periodontist already makes more than $150,000 a year, while the top ones can make as much as $300,000 or more.
They may also get a good amount of experience once they become one. There are currently about 2,000 periodontists in the country, and there is still a high demand for their services.
The Future of a Gum Specialist
If you want to become a periodontist, you need to study the procedures that they usually perform on patients. After that, you should try to visit a periodontist’s office and get your hands-on experience there.
After you have already done all of that, you may already be ready to take the next step and become a periodontist. But before you do that, you may still need to go through training.
What is the difference between a dentist and a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional two to three years of specialized training focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and conditions affecting the structures that support the teeth. While a general dentist provides broad dental care, a periodontist is specifically trained to handle complex gum and bone issues.
A periodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional two to three years of specialized training focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and conditions affecting the structures that support the teeth. While a general dentist provides broad dental care, a periodontist is specifically trained to handle complex gum and bone issues.
What conditions does a periodontist treat?
Periodontists treat conditions including gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), gum recession, bone loss around the teeth, and infections affecting the periodontal tissue. They also perform procedures such as scaling and root planing, gum grafts, bone regeneration, and dental implant placement.
Periodontists treat conditions including gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), gum recession, bone loss around the teeth, and infections affecting the periodontal tissue. They also perform procedures such as scaling and root planing, gum grafts, bone regeneration, and dental implant placement.
How do I know if I need to see a periodontist?
Signs that may indicate a need for periodontal evaluation include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, swollen or receding gums, loose teeth, or pain when chewing. Your general dentist may also refer you to a periodontist if they detect signs of advanced gum disease during a routine exam.
Signs that may indicate a need for periodontal evaluation include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, swollen or receding gums, loose teeth, or pain when chewing. Your general dentist may also refer you to a periodontist if they detect signs of advanced gum disease during a routine exam.
Is periodontal treatment covered by dental insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of periodontal treatment costs, particularly for procedures that are medically necessary such as scaling and root planing. Coverage varies by plan, so reviewing your benefits or speaking with your insurance provider before treatment is recommended.
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of periodontal treatment costs, particularly for procedures that are medically necessary such as scaling and root planing. Coverage varies by plan, so reviewing your benefits or speaking with your insurance provider before treatment is recommended.
Conclusion
Overall, there might still be a high demand for a periodontist, but their field may also see a decrease in the number of practitioners in the future. It is because not everyone can be a periodontist, and a regular dentist may perform the things they can do.
This further places their job status at the elite level, given that they are specialists and not just mere dentists that you may find everywhere. If you happen to have a gum problem, be sure to approach one. Or, if you want to be a periodontist yourself, be sure to take note of the facts above for your reference.
If you are looking for exemplary dentists in Marietta, GA, look no further than our experts here at Kabani Dental. We specialize in cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, endodontics, amongst other things. Contact us today and let us tend to your gum problems in no time.
About the Author
Dr. Shaila Kabani
Kabani Dental, Marietta, GA
Dr. Shaila Kabani has been practicing dentistry since 2000 and has accumulated more than 300 hours of advanced clinical education. She and her team serve patients throughout Marietta, East Cobb, Vinings, and Smyrna, providing comprehensive general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care with a personalized approach at every appointment.