What does periodontist mean?
A periodontist is a dental specialist focused on the health of the gums and the tissues that support the teeth. This includes the periodontal ligament, the cementum covering the roots of the teeth, and the alveolar bone in which the tooth sockets are formed. Periodontists diagnose and treat conditions such as gingivitis, periodontitis, gum recession, and the loss or loosening of teeth caused by advanced periodontal disease. They also perform procedures such as scaling and root planing, sometimes provide periodontal surgery, and emphasize prevention and long-term oral hygiene. The word distinguishes this specialist from a general dentist, although periodontists are themselves trained as dentists. In practice, a person may be referred to a periodontist by a general dentist when periodontal disease is severe, recurring, or requires specialist treatment. Understanding the role of a periodontist is useful because problems affecting the supporting structures of the teeth can cause serious damage even when the teeth themselves appear healthy.
nounA dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting the gums and the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
- A dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of periodontal diseases, especially those affecting the gums and the structures that support the teeth.
"Her dentist referred her to a periodontist to treat advanced gum disease."
"A periodontist examined the patient to determine the cause of the receding gums."
"After several years of specialist care, she was referred back to her regular dentist."
The plural is used when referring to more than one dental specialist in this field.
"The clinic employs three periodontists who treat advanced cases of periodontal disease."
A periodontist looks beyond the visible tooth, focusing on the gum, bone, and connective tissues that keep each tooth securely anchored.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does periodontist come from?
The word combines “periodontal,” relating to the tissues around the teeth, with the suffix “-ist,” denoting a specialist. Its underlying elements come through Latin from Greek roots: “peri,” meaning around or surrounding, and “odous” or “odontos,” meaning tooth. The same Greek foundation appears in “periodontium,” the collective term for the supporting tissues around a tooth, and in “periodontology,” the medical study of those tissues and their diseases.
Related word forms
How periodontist is actually used
This is a formal professional designation. Periodontists are qualified dentists with additional training in periodontal medicine, and patients may see one directly or through a referral from another dentist.