Periodontology
by Gerald Drury, MS, DDS, FACD, FICD
Specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the periodontium, periodontists are also experts in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Becoming a periodontist requires three years of additional training beyond dental school. Periodontists can then apply for board certification in periodontology and dental implant surgery.
Periodontists are specially trained in a wide range of treatments. These include, but are not limited to the following:
* Scaling and root planing, maintenance, and adjunctive non-surgical therapies
* Understanding and treatment of oral and periodontal inflammation and pathology
* Soft and hard tissue pocket reduction and regenerative surgeries
* Clinical and cosmetic crown exposure surgery
* Root resection and ondontoplasty
* Occlusal therapy and reduction of trauma from occlusion
* Minor tooth movement
* Cosmetic and augmentative soft and hard tissue surgery including microsurgery
* Oral medicine, pharmacology, immunology, and the use of biologics
* Conscious sedation and anesthesiology
* Atraumatic exodontia and ridge preservation
* Sinus and ridge augmentation
* Endo, ortho, restorative, and radiographic relations to periodontology
* Surgical placement and maintenance of dental implants
* Treatment of peri-implantitis
Board certification in periodontology and dental implant surgery denotes someone who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty. The examination process requires two days of written and oral exams. The written exam tests all aspects of periodontology and implant dentistry, including a familiarity with the basic sciences and scientific literature. The oral exam looks at the ability of the candidate to apply his/her knowledge to clinical scenarios. They are tested on diagnosis, etiology, prognosis, treatment planning, therapy, evaluation of results of therapy, and maintenance. Recertification is required every six years.
The primary purpose of periodontal therapy is to reduce periodontal inflammation and create an environment which is conducive to maintaining the natural dentition in health. Since periodontal and peri-implant inflammation has been linked to over 60 chronic inflammatory diseases, periodontists play a foundational role in the quest to achieve both oral and systemic health. Periodontal therapy is most successful if there is a strong working relationship between the periodontist, restorative dentist, hygienist, other specialists and, of course, the compliant patient.
Bio: Dr. Drury is a Clinical Professor and course director of Advanced Periodontology at USC, a past Chairman of The American Board of Periodontology, a past Trustee of the American Academy of Periodontology, a Certified Dental Editor, and Ethics Chair of WLADS. He practices in Hermosa Beach.
