Let's say you wanted your teeth cleaned, would you go to your general dentist or would you go to a periodontist? If your answer was a general dentist, then you are correct but for some, they may not know the difference between a dentist and a periodontist. If you're unfamiliar with these two dental professions, take some time to learn about them and what makes them unique with the information provided below.

What makes them different

A major difference between these two oral professional roles is the amount of schooling one receives over the other. Unlike a general dentist, periodontist goes through an extra mount of continuing education making them specialists when it comes to your soft gum tissue and bone structure. Although a general dentist can prevent gum disease with routine check-ups and treatments like scaling and root planing. Periodontitis is the dental specialist you'll see if the methods used by the general dentist fail in preventing the oral infection.

Procedures performed by the two dental professionals

Dentist procedures:

·         Checkups to Ensure Proper Oral Health

·         Bi-Monthly Cleanings

·         Standard X-Rays

·         Filling Cavities

·         Root Canals

·         Standard Tooth Extractions

·         Crowns or Bridges

·         Some Cosmetic Procedures (Veneers, Bonding, Whitening, Etc.)

·         Pediatric Care

·         Non-Surgical Periodontal Care

 

Periodontist procedures:

·         Deep Pocket Cleanings

·         Bone Grafting

·         Soft Tissue Removal

·         Root Planing

·         Implant Replacement

·         Crown Lengthening

·         Hard Tissue Recontouring

Take always

In the end, the overall difference between the two professions is the amount of schooling each specialist receives. The best way to minimize your chances of seeing either one of these specialists is to formulate good oral hygiene habits. This means brushing twice a day, flossing between your meals, and scheduling regular check-ups with Dr. Akin. Doing these can minimize your risk of developing gum disease and having to go through any type of surgical procedure to eliminate it. Contact one of our two locations in either Brentwood or Nashville, Tennessee to learn more and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Akin.