What Exactly Does a Periodontist Do?

What Exactly Does a Periodontist Do?
  1. Detection and Management of Gum Diseases
  2. Periodontal Maintenance
  3. Scaling and Root Planing
  4. Surgical Treatments
  5. Educating and Training

A periodontist is an expert dentist specializing in the detection and treatment of various periodontal diseases. They treat any issue that affects the gums and bones in the oral cavity. Some of the things a periodontist does include:

Detection and Management of Gum Diseases


Gum disease occurs when the tissue surrounding your teeth swells and gets infected due to the accumulation of bacteria. Plaque and tartar can accumulate on your teeth due to poor dental hygiene. The build-up encourages the growth of bacteria which affects your gums and causes gingivitis. After a while, the disease advances to periodontitis. The experts help review your dental history and develop the right treatment option.

Periodontal Maintenance


Periodontal maintenance is a type of deep teeth cleaning. It is a more comprehensive cleaning process and checks the health of your teeth and gums. Periodontists also measure the pockets near your teeth to rule out any chances of gum disease.

Scaling and Root Planing


Tartar and plaque under your gum line will lead to the deterioration of your oral health. A periodontist will use scaling and root planing methods to eliminate the build-up. The treatment procedure takes 1-2 hours, leaving your teeth sparkling clean and ensuring you are not susceptible to gum disease. These procedures allow you to enjoy brighter teeth, good gum health, and fresh breath. The treatment option is adequate for people with mild gum diseases.

Surgical Treatments


Gingivitis and severe gum disease may cause your gums to pull back and recede. Receding gums can lead to tooth loss and bone resorption. A periodontist will recommend bone grafting to encourage the regeneration of the bone tissues. Other dental procedures the experts perform include laser treatments, dental crowns, bridges, and ridge augmentation.

Educating and Training


A periodontist is a specialist in their field and continually educates patients and other dental experts. They must also indulge in training endeavors to sharpen their skills and ensure they are relevant in dental dentistry.

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Melody Schiffer

Dr. Melody Schiffer was born and raised in Westchester, NY, and graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor before continuing her education at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She completed her periodontics and implant dentistry residency at New York University College of Dentistry and is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Schiffer is an active member of several dental associations and frequently lectures nationwide. She lives in Suwanee with her husband and two daughters and enjoys community services, traveling, exercising, following Michigan football, and spending time with her family.

Dr. Melody Schiffer

Read More
Dr. Nisha Kancherla

Dr. Nisha Kancherla was born and raised in Glen Dale, WV. She earned her dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed her residency in periodontics at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry. Dr. Kancherla also earned a master’s degree in oral science for her research in genetics and stem cell research, which she published in Molecular Cancer Research. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and has been in practice for eight years.

Dr. Nisha Kancherla

Read More

Judgment-Free, High-Quality Dentistry is Possible

Experience it for yourself!

Schedule Consultation
Contact Us