Periodontists are dental practitioners who specialize in the prevention and treatment of diseases of the tooth-supporting tissues – the periodontium. Although all dentists receive training in the diagnosis and treatment of mild to moderate periodontal disease, it is usual practice to refer severe or complex cases to a periodontist, who will have undertaken additional training and acquired special expertise in the area.
Within the field of periodontology, there is also a range of different specialities which focus on particular types of treatment; for example, some dentists may focus their practice on providing implant therapy to replace missing teeth.
