You may have noticed bleeding gums when you brush, or maybe your dentist mentioned some early signs of gum disease at your last checkup. For many patients, the first instinct is to assume their general dentist can handle the problem on their own. While it’s true that in some cases, a general dentist can manage mild gingivitis effectively, when gum disease advances beyond the earliest stages, the level of care required changes significantly. At that point, the provider managing your treatment matters more than you may realize.
At Rockland Dental Specialists, our periodontists and implant specialists focus entirely on the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. Periodontal care is not a small part of what we do. It is the foundation of everything at our practice. Dr. Shalom Mintz, board-certified in periodontics and implantology, leads a team that includes Dr. David Peto and is built around diagnosing and treating gum disease at every stage, from early inflammation to advanced bone loss.
What a General Dentist Sees Versus What a Periodontist Sees
Your general dentist plays an important role in identifying the early warning signs of gum disease. Routine cleanings, X-rays, and visual exams help flag problems before they escalate. However, general dentists are trained across a broad range of dental disciplines, from fillings and crowns to cosmetic work and preventive care. Gum disease treatment is one piece of a much larger scope.
A periodontist, on the other hand, has completed additional years of residency training focused specifically on the gums, bone, and connective tissue. Where a general dentist may note that there’s some inflammation, a periodontist is measuring pocket depths at six points per tooth, reviewing bone levels on 3D imaging, and identifying patterns of tissue breakdown that signal a more aggressive disease process.
Treatment Options Beyond a Standard Cleaning
When gum disease progresses past the point of routine cleanings, a general dentist may refer you to a periodontist for the next level of care. The reason is that periodontists have access to a wider range of treatment options and the focused training needed to execute them.
Scaling and Root Planing
One of the most common non-surgical treatments a periodontist performs is scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning goes beneath the gumline to remove hardened plaque and bacteria that regular cleanings can’t reach. The root surfaces are then smoothed to help the gum tissue reattach to the tooth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more severe forms of gum disease may require management by a periodontist beyond what a general dental provider offers.
Surgical and Laser-Assisted Procedures
For patients whose gum disease has led to deep pockets or bone loss, our team at Rockland Dental Specialists may recommend more advanced intervention. A periodontist can perform procedures such as:
- Pocket reduction surgery to reduce the depth of gum pockets and remove bacteria trapped beneath the tissue
- LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure), which uses laser technology to treat diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum and bone
- Soft tissue grafting to restore gum coverage where recession has exposed the tooth root
These procedures require a level of precision and training outside the scope of general dentistry. Dr. Mintz and Dr. Peto bring years of residency-trained experience to each of these treatments, tailoring their approach based on how far the disease has progressed and what your tissue needs to heal properly.
Why the Distinction Matters for Long-Term Results
Gum disease does not go away on its own, and without the right level of care, it continues to progress. Bone loss around teeth is irreversible once it occurs, which is why early referral to a periodontist may be able to preserve tissue and bone that would otherwise be lost.
At Rockland Dental Specialists, we typically follow up with patients every three months for the first year after periodontal surgery. Your first appointment usually takes place within two weeks post-procedure, and the second around eight to ten weeks later. This level of follow-up is part of how a periodontist handles care differently. It is not a one-visit fix. It is a long-term commitment to stabilizing your gum health.
After the first year, patients may be able to alternate visits between our office and their general dentist every three months, creating a collaborative care model that keeps both teams informed and your gums consistently monitored.
Trust Your Gum Health to Rockland Dental Specialists
With over 24 years of combined experience in periodontics and implant care, our team provides the focused attention your gums need when standard cleanings are no longer enough. Dr. Mintz, Dr. Peto, and our full team offer 24/7 availability, complimentary insurance verifications, and custom payment plans designed to make advanced periodontal care accessible.
If you have been told you have gum disease, or if you are noticing bleeding, swelling, or gum recession, a periodontist can provide that deeper level of evaluation and treatment your situation may require. Reach out to our team today to schedule a consultation and let us help you get healthier gums.
