This blog post differentiates between general dentists and periodontists in the context of gum disease treatment, detailing their respective expertise, tools, and treatment approaches. It guides on when a general dentist's care is sufficient for early-stage gum issues and when the specialized skills of a periodontist are necessary. It is worth noting that the periodontists invest several more years in focused training after becoming general dentists, which thoroughly equips them for complex treatments.
General dentists are trained to diagnose and manage mild to moderate gum disease, especially in its early stages. They provide preventive care and can perform basic gum therapy in-house.
Standard dental tools for scaling and deep cleaning.
Basic periodontal probes to measure gum pocket depth.
2D dental X-rays to assess bone loss.
May use antibacterial rinses or localized antibiotic gels.
Usually no surgical treatment or regenerative procedures.
Works well for early-stage gum disease, gingivitis, or mild periodontitis.
Less equipped for advanced or aggressive gum disease.
Limited experience with surgical procedures or bone regeneration.
May refer if there's severe bone loss, gum recession, or non-healing pockets.
A periodontist has 3+ years of specialized training beyond dental school, focused exclusively on the gums, bone, and supporting structures of the teeth.
Advanced periodontal probes and digital imaging to map gum disease severity.
3D Cone Beam CT scans for bone evaluation.
Microsurgical tools and laser-assisted treatments -e.g., LANAP.
Gum grafting and bone grafting materials.
Use of biologics like Emdogain or PRF to promote regeneration.
Best for advanced periodontitis, deep pocketing, or significant bone loss.
Offers predictable, evidence-based surgical solutions.
Can stop disease progression and even reverse damage in some cases.
More expensive, but often the best route for long-term tooth retention.
Think of your general dentist as your primary care provider and the periodontist as your gum and bone specialist. If your gums bleed occasionally or you're just overdue for a cleaning, a general dentist may be all you need.
But if you're noticing signs like:
Persistent bad breath
Receding gums
Loose teeth
Deep pockets or visible bone loss
Or you've been told you need gum surgery
…then it’s time to see a periodontist.
Here’s the wise approach:
Start with your general dentist for evaluation and basic treatment.
Ask how advanced your gum disease is and if it’s beyond what they usually treat.
Don’t wait — gum disease is silent but progressive. Catching it early can save your teeth.