You’ve know what a general or family dentist does. You probably know what an orthodontist does. But a periodontist? That word can sound a little intimidating. But a periodontist is simply a dentist who specializes in your gums and the bone underneath. And if you want to keep your teeth for life, those two things matter more than you might think.
At Congressional Dental Care in Rockville, we’re lucky to have Dr. Sina Farzin on our team. He’s a board-certified periodontist who works alongside Dr. Ali Sarkarzadeh to give patients a level of care most dental offices can’t offer. So what does a periodontist actually do? Let’s break it down.
Beyond the General Dentist
Your general dentist handles cleanings, fillings, crowns, and routine checkups. They’re your first line of defense for oral health.
But when gum disease gets serious, or when you need procedures involving the bone and gums, a periodontist brings extra training. After dental school, periodontists complete three additional years of specialized education focused entirely on the supporting structures of your teeth.
Think of it this way: your general dentist is like your primary care doctor. Your periodontist is the specialist they send you to when things get more complex.
The Main Job: Treating Gum Disease
Gum disease is incredibly common. Nearly half of adults over 30 have some form of it. In the early stage, called gingivitis, your gums might bleed when you brush or look red and swollen. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with better cleaning habits and professional care.
But if gum disease progresses to periodontitis, the damage becomes permanent. The infection spreads below the gumline and starts eating away at the bone that holds your teeth in place. Your gums may pull back. Your teeth might feel loose.
This is where a periodontist becomes essential. Dr. Farzin offers treatments like osseous surgery, a procedure that cleans deep below the gumline and reshapes damaged bone. He also performs soft tissue grafting to cover exposed tooth roots and protect them from further damage and sensitivity.
Dental Implants: A Periodontist’s Specialty
Periodontists are the original implant specialists. Placing a dental implant isn’t just about putting a metal post in your jaw. It requires understanding exactly where your nerves and sinuses are, how much bone you have, and how to make sure the implant fuses correctly with that bone.
Dr. Farzin has extensive surgical experience placing implants and performing bone grafting, a procedure that rebuilds jawbone when there isn’t enough to support an implant. Without enough bone, an implant won’t hold. With a skilled periodontist, even patients who’ve been told they’re not candidates can often receive implants successfully.
When Might You Need to See a Periodontist?
You don’t need to figure this out on your own. Dr. Sarkarzadeh will refer you to Dr. Farzin during a regular exam if he sees signs of trouble.
But common reasons include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath that won’t go away
- Gums pulling away from your teeth (recession)
- Loose teeth or changes in your bite
- Bone loss visible on X-rays
- Interest in dental implants
Working Together for Better Care
One of the best things about Congressional Dental Care is that everything happens under one roof. Dr. Sarkarzadeh handles your general and cosmetic care. Dr. Farzin steps in when gum or bone issues require a specialist’s touch. They communicate directly about your treatment, so nothing falls through the cracks.
You don’t have to travel to a separate office or wait weeks for a referral. It’s all right here in Rockville.
Don’t Ignore Your Gums
Gum disease doesn’t hurt in the early stages. That’s what makes it dangerous. By the time you feel pain, bone loss has often already occurred. But gum disease is treatable. And with a periodontist on your side, you have the best possible chance of keeping your natural teeth for life.
Concerned about your gum health? Call (301) 276-4694 or request an appointment online. Dr. Farzin and our team at Congressional Dental Care are here to help.