Many people assume that all dental problems can be treated by a general dentist — but when it comes to gum disease, gum recession, and bone loss, specialist care can make a crucial difference.

A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Knowing when to see a gum specialist can help you protect your teeth, avoid unnecessary tooth loss, and improve your long-term oral health.

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our periodontist provides expert-led periodontal care for patients at all stages of gum disease.

 

What Is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on:

• Gum health
• Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
• Bone loss around teeth
• Gum recession
• Dental implant health

After qualifying as a dentist, a periodontist completes several additional years of postgraduate training, gaining expertise in advanced diagnostics, non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatments, and long-term maintenance of gum health.

 

What Does a Periodontist Do?

A periodontist provides specialist care beyond routine dental cleaning.

1. Diagnose Gum Disease Accurately

Periodontists use detailed assessments to detect gum disease early, including:

• Measuring gum pocket depths
• Assessing bone levels
• Identifying inflammation and infection
• Evaluating risk factors such as smoking or diabetes

2. Treat Moderate to Advanced Gum Disease

For patients with periodontitis, a periodontist can provide:

• Deep cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
• Targeted antimicrobial therapy
• Specialist periodontal treatment plans
• Supportive periodontal maintenance

These treatments aim to stop disease progression and stabilise the gums.

3. Treat Gum Recession

Gum recession can cause sensitivity, aesthetic concerns, and root exposure.
A periodontist can offer:

• Non-surgical management
• Gum grafting procedures
• Treatment to prevent further recession

4. Manage Dental Implants & Peri-Implantitis

Periodontists are experts in the health of tissues around dental implants, including:

• Prevention of implant complications
• Treatment of peri-implantitis
• Long-term implant maintenance

5. Perform Advanced Periodontal Surgery

In more advanced cases, treatment may include:

• Regenerative procedures
• Surgical periodontal therapy
• Bone and tissue preservation techniques

 

When Should You See a Gum Specialist?

You should consider seeing a periodontist if you notice:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Swollen or red gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum recession or teeth looking longer
• Loose or shifting teeth
• A history of gum disease
• Dental implants that feel uncomfortable
• You smoke or have diabetes

Early referral to a gum specialist can prevent permanent damage.

 

Why Specialist Periodontal Care Matters

Gum disease is often painless — but its effects can be serious.

Without specialist treatment, periodontal disease can lead to:

• Bone loss
• Tooth movement
• Tooth loss
• Implant failure
• Complex and costly treatment

Seeing a periodontist early often means simpler, more comfortable treatment and better long-term results.

 

Periodontal Care at Hammersmith Dental Care

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our periodontist offers:

✔ Comprehensive gum assessments
✔ Evidence-based periodontal treatment
✔ Personalised maintenance programmes
✔ Long-term gum stability and prevention

We work closely with your general dentist to ensure seamless care.