A periodontist is a dentist who has had two to three years of advanced formal training in treating diseases that destroy the bone support around teeth. A periodontist is also an expert in soft tissue ulcerations of the mouth and treatments to manage mouth problems that are part of larger systemic diseases, such as diabetes.

When bone loss or tooth loss occurs, periodontists can provide reconstructive procedures to replace lost bone with grafts and lost teeth with dental implants.

To become “board certified” as a periodontist one must demonstrate expertise by successfully passing both written and oral examinations conducted by a board of nationally recognized experts in periodontics. Once a periodontist has been certified by the American Board of Periodontology, he or she earns the title of diplomate of the organization.