What is a Periodontist? Complete Guide to Gum Disease Specialists & Treatments
Learn what a periodontist is, how they differ from dentists, their specialized training, and advanced treatments for gum disease at Gardens Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry Palm Beach Gardens.
Feb 1, 2026
A periodontist is a dental specialist with 3 years of advanced training beyond dental school who focuses exclusively on gum disease, bone loss, and dental implants.
If your dentist referred you to a periodontist, you may wonder what exactly they do. Nearly half of American adults aged 30+ show signs of gum disease, making periodontists increasingly essential to oral healthcare. At Gardens Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry in Palm Beach Gardens, Dr. Hans Almanzar specializes in advanced gum disease treatment, bone regeneration, and complex implant cases.
TLDR - Key Takeaways:
What is a Periodontist:
A periodontist is a dentist who is a specialist with 3 years of advanced training who diagnoses and treats gum disease, bone loss, and performs dental implant surgery.
Board Certification:
Periodontists earn credentials through the American Board of Periodontology after passing education, licensing, and board examinations.
Key Difference:
While general dentists handle broad dental care, periodontists specialize in advanced gum disease, surgical procedures, and implant placement.
When to See a Periodontist:
When you have bleeding gums, bone loss, need implants, or when your general dentist refers you for specialized care.
Perio Treatments:
Scaling and root planing, LANAP laser therapy, bone grafting, gum grafting, and dental implant placement.
Bottom Line: Periodontists are gum specialists with advanced expertise general dentists lack.
What is a Periodontist: Definition and Specialty
Periodontist Definition: Gum Disease Specialist
A periodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the gums, bone, and tissues supporting your teeth. Periodontics is one of nine recognized dental specialties by the American Dental Association. Unlike general dentists who handle broad dental care (fillings, cleanings, crowns), periodontists concentrate exclusively on periodontal health. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontists are experts in saving teeth threatened by gum disease and placing dental implants. At Gardens Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Hans Almanzar specializes in these complex cases for patients in Palm Beach Gardens, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, and Jupiter.
Periodontist Training and Board Certification
Periodontists complete 4 years of dental school (earning DDS or DMD) plus a 3-year advanced residency program with intensive coursework, clinical training, and research. Board certification through the American Board of Periodontology requires passing written and oral examinations testing knowledge of gum disease diagnosis, implant surgery, and bone regeneration. Board certification requires ongoing continuing education. When you see "Board Certified Periodontist," it confirms the highest level of specialty expertise.
Periodontist vs Dentist: Key Differences
Periodontist vs General Dentist: Scope of Practice
General dentists provide preventive care (cleanings, fluoride) and basic restorative care (fillings, simple extractions, crowns). They identify early gum disease but typically handle only mild cases. Periodontists specialize in advanced gum disease treatment, complex surgical procedures (bone grafting, gum grafting, implant surgery), and bone regeneration. When gum disease is advanced or requires surgical intervention, general dentists refer patients to periodontists. Dr. Hans Almanzar handles complex cases general dentists cannot treat.
Periodontal Treatments: What Periodontists Offer
Gum Disease Treatment: Scaling, Root Planing, and LANAP
Periodontists treat gum disease with scaling and root planing (deep cleaning removing plaque and tartar below the gum line). For advanced bone loss, periodontists perform bone grafting or use LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure), a minimally invasive laser treatment that removes diseased tissue while promoting gum reattachment and bone regeneration. Scaling and root planing is often covered by insurance as medically necessary treatment.
Dental Implant Surgery and Bone Grafting
Periodontists specialize in dental implant placement and receive advanced training in bone management. When patients have insufficient bone (often due to gum disease), periodontists perform bone grafting to ensure a strong foundation for implants. Periodontists also maintain implants throughout their lifespan, monitoring implant health and preventing implant disease. For complex cases—multiple missing teeth, severe bone loss, failed implants—periodontists provide expertise general dentists lack.
When to See a Periodontist
Signs You Need a Periodontist
See a periodontist if you experience bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, gums that appear red or swollen, gum recession, loose or shifting teeth, or discomfort when chewing. If your dentist identifies moderate to severe gum disease or bone loss on X-rays, they will refer you. If considering dental implants, especially with gum disease history or bone loss, consult a periodontist who will assess bone volume, determine if bone grafting is necessary, and execute implant surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Jesse Lemoine at Gardens Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry
Board Certified Periodontist with Advanced Technology
Dr. Jesse Lemoine is a board-certified periodontist with expertise in complex gum disease cases, bone grafting, and advanced implant placement. At Gardens Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, we combine Dr. Jesse's expertise with state-of-the-art technology—digital X-rays, 3D cone-beam CT imaging, laser therapy, and advanced surgical instruments. Whether you need gum disease treatment, bone grafting, or complex implant restoration, Dr. Lemoine and Dr. Hans Almanzar provides specialist care for patients in Palm Beach Gardens, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, and Jupiter.
So to recap…
A periodontist is a gum disease specialist with advanced training in periodontal treatment and dental implants. When you have gum disease, bone loss, need implants, or have been referred by your general dentist, a periodontist provides expertise general dentists don't possess. Dr. Jesse Lemoine at Gardens Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry specializes in complex gum disease cases and advanced implant placement.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jesse Lemoine today at (561) 691-1629. We'll assess your situation and create a personalized plan to restore your oral health.
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