What does a periodontist do? Your guide to specialist gum care

This guide explains what a periodontist does, when to book an assessment, what to expect at your visit and how specialist treatment can help stabilise gum disease and protect your teeth and dental implants. You will also find an outline of UK costs and finance options, plus how coordinated care at Pallant Advanced Dentistry brings periodontal, implant, orthodontic and restorative expertise together under one roof.

What a periodontist does

A periodontist is a dentist with additional Specialist training in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and the supporting structures around teeth and dental implants. This includes:

• Gingivitis and periodontitis, the inflammatory conditions that damage gums and bone
• Gum recession and aesthetic soft-tissue concerns
• Problems around dental implants, such as peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis
• Bite or hygiene challenges that contribute to gum problems

At Pallant Advanced Dentistry in Chichester, periodontal specialists work alongside restorative dentists, implant surgeons and orthodontists so your plan is comprehensive and coordinated.

When to see a periodontist

Early diagnosis makes a significant difference. Book a Specialist assessment if you notice any of the following:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or clean between teeth, especially if this continues for more than two weeks
• Redness, swelling, tenderness or persistent bad taste or bad breath
• Gum recession, new spaces between teeth or teeth that feel loose
• Pus at the gumline, changes in your bite or dentures that no longer fit as before
• A history of gum disease, smoking or conditions such as diabetes that increase risk

If you have a dental implant with soreness, bleeding or deep pockets around it, seek assessment promptly. Early care around implants is particularly important.

Dentist vs periodontist: what is the difference?

A general dentist manages routine oral health, hygiene advice, fillings and many common conditions. A periodontist focuses specifically on the gums and supporting bone and is trained to manage complex or advanced cases, regenerative procedures and implant-related complications.

In practice, both often work together. Your dentist may refer you for Specialist input, or you can contact a periodontist directly if you are concerned about gum health.

What happens at a periodontal assessment

Your first appointment is a detailed review of your gum health and risk factors. At Pallant, assessments typically include:

• Medical and lifestyle review: A discussion of symptoms, medical history and lifestyle factors such as smoking.
• Periodontal charting: Gentle measurements around each tooth to assess pocket depths and bleeding.
• Digital imaging: Relevant X-rays and imaging to evaluate bone levels and disease progression.
• iTero 3D scan: A detailed digital view of your mouth, bite and areas of recession.
• Personalised home-care guidance: Recommendations on interdental cleaning techniques and products suited to your mouth.
• Tailored treatment plan: A clear plan with staged goals, timelines and a maintenance schedule.

Many patients also benefit from hygiene support such as AirFlow stain-removal cleaning to improve daily plaque control and comfort. If you would like to learn more about professional hygiene care, our dedicated dental hygienist services can help support long-term gum health.

How periodontists treat gum disease

Treatment is tailored to your diagnosis and the severity of the condition.

Non-surgical periodontal therapy

Deep cleaning below the gumline, known as root surface debridement, removes plaque and calculus from tooth roots. This reduces inflammation so gums can reattach more snugly to the tooth. Your clinician will also refine home-care techniques to help prevent future plaque accumulation.

Adjunctive therapies

Antimicrobial gels or rinses may be recommended when appropriate. Smoking cessation and diabetes management are emphasised because they strongly influence treatment outcomes.

Surgical therapy

When deep pockets persist or bone loss is advanced, targeted surgery can reshape tissues or provide access for more thorough cleaning. In selected cases, regenerative procedures aim to rebuild support around teeth using materials that encourage bone and ligament regrowth.

Gum grafting

For gum recession causing sensitivity or aesthetic concerns, soft-tissue grafts can cover exposed roots and improve resilience.

Implant-related care

Peri-implant disease is managed with careful decontamination, soft-tissue optimisation and, where appropriate, regenerative techniques around implants.

At Pallant, ongoing periodontal maintenance is planned from day one. Regular reviews, hygiene visits and, where useful, remote monitoring help identify small changes early and maintain long-term stability.

Can periodontal treatment save loose teeth?

Often, yes. Tooth mobility is commonly linked to inflammation and bone loss. Reducing infection and improving daily plaque control can help many teeth become more stable as the tissues heal.

Where bone support is severely reduced, your Specialist will discuss realistic options. Even when a tooth cannot be saved, stabilising gum health protects neighbouring teeth and improves readiness for solutions such as dental implants.

Comfort, timelines and aftercare

Periodontal therapy is designed to be as comfortable as possible. Local anaesthetic is used when needed, and most patients experience only mild tenderness for a day or two after deeper cleaning. Most people return to normal activities quickly.

Timelines vary depending on severity. Early gingivitis can settle within weeks once plaque control improves. Periodontitis requires a longer-term management approach, with healing reviews commonly scheduled 6 to 12 weeks after initial treatment before maintenance appointments are arranged. Regenerative and grafting procedures have their own healing periods, and your periodontist will explain exactly what to expect.

UK costs and finance options

Fees depend on complexity, the number of areas requiring treatment and the techniques involved. As a guide:

• An initial Specialist assessment is followed by a personalised treatment plan and itemised quote
• Non-surgical therapy is often charged per session or per quadrant
• Surgical procedures, regenerative treatment and grafting are individually quoted
• Implant-related periodontal treatment is tailored on a case-by-case basis

At Pallant, flexible monthly payments are available, including 0% finance options, subject to status and terms. Our Treatment Coordinators can discuss timelines, costs and payment options to help you plan with confidence.

Why choose Pallant for specialist gum care

Pallant Advanced Dentistry brings periodontics, restorative dentistry, dental implants and orthodontics together within one Chichester clinic. Your diagnosis, treatment and maintenance are coordinated by specialists who collaborate using shared digital records and integrated treatment planning. This joined-up approach supports comfortable care today and healthier, longer-lasting results in the future.

FAQs

What does a periodontist do?

A periodontist prevents, diagnoses and treats diseases affecting the gums and supporting bone around teeth and implants. They provide non-surgical therapy, surgical treatment, regenerative procedures, grafting and implant-related care.

When should I see a periodontist?

If you have bleeding gums, swelling, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, pus around the gums, changes in your bite or symptoms around a dental implant, seek assessment as soon as possible.

How do periodontists treat gum disease?

Treatment may include tailored home-care advice, deep cleaning below the gumline, antimicrobial therapies and, where necessary, surgical or regenerative procedures.

Can periodontal treatment save loose teeth?

In many cases, yes. By reducing inflammation and controlling infection, treatment can help stabilise teeth and improve long-term prognosis.

How much does periodontal treatment cost in the UK?

Costs vary depending on complexity and the procedures required. Following assessment, you will receive a bespoke quote. Pallant also offers monthly payments and 0% finance options, subject to status.

Summary and next steps

Specialist periodontal care aims to reduce infection, protect supporting bone and help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible. Early assessment, tailored treatment and ongoing maintenance provide the best chance of stable, comfortable and long-lasting results.

If you have concerns about your gums or a dental implant site,book a free consultation at Pallant Advanced Dentistry in Chichester. Our periodontal, implant and orthodontic specialists will work together to create a treatment plan that fits your needs, timeline and budget.