Dentists and periodontists both offer oral care services and treatments. While they both specialize in oral health, the two professions vary quite a bit in terms of job description, education requirements, and even salary. Understanding the key differences between the two is vital when deciding who to consult for your oral care. Who Is a Dentist?
A dentist is a healthcare professional trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral diseases. The scope of a dentist in practice is broad and may include dental procedures such as root canals, deep cleaning, and dental implantation. Dentists typically treat patients of all ages, although some offer their services exclusively to children or adults.
To become a dentist, they must complete a four-year undergraduate degree in a related field and then four more years in dental school to obtain a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. In addition to performing general preventative procedures like teeth cleaning, dentists also conduct cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and orthodontic treatments like teeth realignment.
Who Is a Periodontist?
Periodontists are dental professionals who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing gum disease. Some conditions that periodontists typically handle include receding gums, loose teeth, gingivitis, and periodontitis. In addition to diagnosing and treating these dental issues, periodontists perform regenerative procedures to improve jawbone and gum support for teeth in affected areas.
Like general dentists, periodontists must complete a four-year dental school training to practice. However, once they earn their DDS or DDM degree, they undergo a further 2-3 years of specialized training in surgical and non-surgical treatments for gum disease. Some treatments and procedures they perform include scaling and root planing, gum grafts, dental crown lengthening, and pocket surgery.
Restore Your Smile with Our Professional Dental Care Services
Knowing the difference between a general dentist and a periodontist can help you determine the best professional to visit based on your oral care needs. Whether you are looking for a dentist or a periodontist, our practice can help. We offer comprehensive oral health services and treatments that suit the unique needs of every patient. Contact us today to book an appointment with our dental specialist.
