What is a Periodontist?

The word “periodontal” means “around the tooth.” Periodontists are dentists trained in the “specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues.” [The American Dental Association and The American Academy of Periodontology]

What does a Periodontist do?

Periodontists are dental specialists who spend 3 years in postgraduate training after graduating from dental school. With this specialized training, periodontists are trained to:

• Diagnose and treat infections of the gum tissue and bone (periodontitis, or periodontal disease) using non-surgical and surgical techniques.
• Perform bone regenerative procedures to restore lost bone and gum support around previously affected tooth.
• Perform periodontal plastic (cosmetic) surgery procedures to treat gum recession and to improve the appearance of the gum tissue around the teeth.
• Perform Esthetic Tissue Recontouring for improved restorative outcome.
• Surgically placing dental implants and performing bone augmentation procedures to allow for implant placement.
• Place Multiple Implants when missing more than one tooth.
• Manage oral medicine and pathology issues such as diabetes, drug induced overgrowth.
• Co-manage complex cases with your restorative dentist by helping to restore lost tissues for better esthetics.
• Providing supportive periodontal treatment for patients after active treatment.

Modern dental technologies allow practitioners to fix almost any dental problem. The single most significant factor in one’s oral health though, is the integrity of the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth. There is an ever increasing linkage between periodontal diseases and systemic diseases with relation to heart ailments, diabetes, and others.

The Imagix periodontal team has extensive experience in dealing with all forms of periodontal diseases.
At Imagix and it’s affiliates, we work with every patient on an individual basis to meet their specific implant needs. Dr. Lee Silverstein is an Assistant Clinical Professors of Periodontics at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He lectures and publishes extensively on these subjects and maintain a private practice in Marietta that is also utilized as a teaching center.