Dr. Richard Waghalter, DDS

Periodontics is the dental specialty that studies supporting structures of teeth–gums, bone and ligaments–and the diseases and conditions that affect them. Periodontal diseases include gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), periodontitis, and gingival recession (gum recession). Untreated, these diseases lead to bone loss and tooth loss. In fact, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and surgical and non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease. A periodontist also performs and maintains dental implants to replace teeth lost due to periodontal disease.

Periodontics is a recognized American Dental Association specialty of dentistry. Periodontists complete three years of additional formal training in an accredited residency training program after the required four years of dental school. Periodontists may also earn board certification by the American Board of Periodontology.