When it comes to your oral health, particularly issues involving your gums and the supporting structuresof your teeth, the expertise of your dental care provider can make all the difference. While many generaldentists offer periodontal services, there’s a significant distinction between basic gum treatment and thespecialized care provided by a board-certified periodontist.
Understanding the Difference: General Dentist vs. Periodontist Specialist
Periodontists are general dentists who have completed an additional 3 years of formal school-based residency training beyond dental school.
Periodontics is one of several accredited specialtiesrecognized by the American Dental Association. This specialized training focuses exclusively on:
- Advanced periodontal surgical techniques
- Complex gum and bone grafting procedures
- Dental implant placement and restoration
- Management of severe periodontal disease
- Latest research in periodontal therapy
What to Look for in a Qualified Periodontist
Not all periodontists are created equal. When choosing a specialist for your periodontal care, several keyqualifications directly impact your treatment outcomes:
Board Certification – The Gold Standard
The most distinguished periodontists achieve certification by the American Board of Periodontology.This represents the highest standard of periodontal expertise and ensures:
- Rigorous testing of clinical knowledge and surgical skills
- Demonstrated excellence in case management
- Ongoing education requirements to maintain certification
- Only a percentage of practicing periodontists achieve this distinction
Why this matters to you:
Board-certified periodontists have proven their expertise through rigorousexamination and maintain higher standards of care.
Advanced Fellowship Training in Implant Dentistry
Look for periodontists who have achieved Fellow Status with the International Team for Implantology(ITI) – the world’s premier implant organization. This represents:
- The highest level of training in dental implant procedures
- Access to cutting-edge implant techniques and materials
- Demonstrated excellence in implant success rates
- Commitment to evidence-based implant protocols
Why this matters to you:
Fellow-level training means superior implant placement skills and better long-term success rates for your implants.
Expertise in Advanced Surgical Techniques
The best periodontists stay current with revolutionary techniques like:
- VISTA Grafting Technique – Minimally invasive gum grafting with faster healing
- SMART Minimally Invasive Graft Certification – Latest innovations reducing patient discomfort
- Advanced Bone Grafting training for complex cases
- Aesthetic periodontal procedures for optimal cosmetic results
Why this matters to you:
These advanced techniques mean less pain, faster healing, and better aestheticoutcomes.
Specialized Focus on Complex Cases
Elite periodontists often belong to organizations like the International Society of Periodontal PlasticSurgery, demonstrating expertise in:
- Complex aesthetic gum procedures
- Advanced soft tissue management
- Challenging reconstruction cases
- Cosmetic crown lengthening
Why this matters to you:
Specialized training in aesthetic procedures ensures both functional andbeautiful results.
Why This Expertise Matters for Your Treatment
When you choose a highly qualified periodontist over a general dentist for periodontal work, you benefitfrom:
Superior Surgical Skills
- Three additional years of focused training in periodontal surgery
- Expertise in complex bone and tissue grafting
- Advanced implant placement techniques
- Ability to handle complications effectively
Better Treatment Outcomes
- Higher success rates for complex procedures
- Reduced complications and treatment failures
- More predictable long-term results
- Access to the latest techniques and materials
Advanced Techniques for Patient Comfort
- Minimally invasive approaches when possible
- Latest pain management protocols
- Faster healing techniques
- Better aesthetic results
Comprehensive Implant Expertise
- Advanced training in implant placement and restoration
- Knowledge of latest implant systems and materials
- Expertise in complex implant cases
- Better long-term implant success rates
The Rarity of Finding All These Qualifications Locally
While there are many periodontists in practice, finding one who combines board certification,fellowship status in implant dentistry, and training in the latest surgical techniques is remarkablyrare in most local areas. Most patients assume they need to travel to major metropolitan areas oruniversity centers to access this level of expertise.
The reality is that having a periodontist with this combination of advanced certifications and cutting-edgetraining in your local area is exceptionally uncommon. This level of specialized expertise is typically onlyavailable at the most prestigious dental centers.
Making the Right Choice for Your Periodontal Health
Your gums and the supporting structures of your teeth are too important to entrust to anything less thanthe highest level of specialized expertise. When periodontal treatment is needed, the choice between ageneral dentist and a highly qualified periodontist can mean the difference between adequate care andexceptional outcomes.
Here in the local area, Dr. Fred Bonacci represents this rare combination of qualifications thatdirectly impact your treatment success. He holds board certification from the American Board ofPeriodontology, has achieved Fellow Status with the International Team for Implantology, and hascompleted the latest certifications in VISTA and SMART minimally invasive grafting techniques. He alsomaintains membership in the International Society of Periodontal Plastic Surgery, demonstratingexpertise in complex aesthetic procedures.
This combination of board certification, fellowship-level implant training, and expertise in the latestsurgical techniques means you receive the highest standard of periodontal care—care that typicallyrequires traveling to major dental centers—right here in your own backyard.
When it comes to your periodontal health, don’t settle for anything less than proven expertise andadvanced training that ensures the best possible outcomes for your treatment.
