Find a periodontist near you

Periodontists by county

Orange County87

Largest cities for periodontists

What a periodontist does

A periodontist treats the gums and the bone that hold teeth in place. They manage gum disease and place dental implants.

Treatments

  • Deep cleaning below the gum line (scaling and root planing)
  • Surgery to reduce gum pockets
  • Gum grafts for receding gums
  • Crown lengthening
  • Dental implant placement and bone grafting

Training and credentials

After dental school, a periodontist completes an accredited residency in periodontics, usually three years. Periodontists listed here declared the specialty in the federal provider registry and hold a current California dental license.

A general dentist or hygienist treats early gum disease. See a periodontist when gum disease keeps progressing, gums are receding, teeth feel loose, or you are planning an implant.

Questions about periodontists

How many periodontists are listed in California?

87 periodontists are listed so far, all in Orange County. More counties are being added, and each listing is matched to a current California license.

Do I need a referral to see a periodontist?

No. You can book directly, although many patients are referred by a general dentist who has measured their gum pockets.

Do periodontists place dental implants?

Yes. Placing implants and rebuilding the bone and gum around them is part of periodontal training.