A periodontist has specialized training, experience, and skills required to perform procedures that dentists may not be able to execute. Situations in which you should consider seeing a periodontist instead of your dentist include:
Getting a Tooth Removed – Although dentists are able to extract teeth, a periodontist can do so with more precision and will result in less likelihood of causing trauma to surrounding bone and tissues.
Treating Bone Loss – A periodontist can perform specific procedures to repair and replace bone loss around your teeth. If dealt with quickly and properly it can prevent further bone loss.
Procedures with Tissue Sculpting/Grafting – A periodontist is trained to reposition gum tissue over exposed tooth roots via sculpting or grafting – a procedure that a general dentist is not trained to do.
A general dentist might be able to help treat some problems related to your gums, but a periodontist can perform procedures that are specific to gum disease and preventing tooth loss.