What is a Periodontist?
What is a Periodontist?
When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, most people are familiar with the role of a general dentist. However, for more complex gum and bone issues, a periodontist plays a vital role in protecting your oral health.
A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, as well as the care of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and jawbone. Periodontists are also highly trained in the placement and long-term maintenance of dental implants.
Specialized Training and Expertise
To become a periodontist, a dentist must complete dental school followed by three to four additional years of specialized postgraduate training in periodontology. This advanced education focuses on the biology of the gums and bone, microsurgical techniques, regenerative therapies, and implant dentistry.
As a result, periodontists are uniquely equipped to treat complex gum problems, perform procedures such as gum grafting and bone grafting around teeth and implants, and help patients maintain healthy smiles for the long term.
What Does a Periodontist Treat?
Periodontists manage conditions that go beyond routine dental care, including:
- Gum diseases (severe gingivitis and periodontitis)
- Gum recession and exposed tooth roots
- Bone loss around teeth
- Loose teeth caused by periodontal disease
- Bone and gum regeneration procedures
- Dental implant placement and care
These conditions often require advanced techniques and, in many cases, surgical treatment to restore oral health and prevent tooth loss.
When Should You See a Periodontist?
You may be referred to a periodontist if you experience:
- Persistent bleeding, swollen, or painful gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or longer-looking teeth
- Loose teeth or changes in your bite
- Tooth loss requiring dental implants
Early intervention by a periodontist can often prevent more serious complications and preserve your natural teeth.
Periodontal Care at Maison Dental Specialists TTDI
At Maison Dental Specialists TTDI, our focus is on preserving natural teeth and restoring long-term gum and bone health through specialist periodontal care.
The practice was founded by Dr Tan Hong Jin, a Board-Certified Specialist Periodontist in both the United Kingdom and Malaysia, and is based in TTDI, Kuala Lumpur. Dr Tan completed his Master of Clinical Dentistry in Periodontology with distinction at the Eastman Dental Institute, University College London (UCL), and is accredited by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP). He also holds specialist memberships in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
Dr Tan has worked and taught at leading institutions including UCL and Eastman Dental Hospital in London, and was awarded the prestigious ITI Scholarship, further strengthening his expertise in advanced periodontal and implant treatments in Europe. He remains actively involved in education and research as an honorary lecturer and examiner.
With extensive training in the management of gum disease, periodontitis, gum recession, soft tissue and bone grafting, and dental implants, Dr Tan established Maison Dental Specialists TTDI to deliver specialist-level, evidence-based periodontal and implant care in a calm, patient-focused environment.
If you have concerns about your gum health or require advanced periodontal treatment, consulting a periodontist can help protect your smile for the long term.