A periodontist is a dentist who has completed additional training in order to specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Because they are so familiar with the supporting structures of the mouth, periodontists are also uniquely qualified to plan and perform dental implant placement.
General dentists typically refer patients to periodontists when periodontal disease is advanced or when patients require dental implants. However, at Dr. Schlaikjer’s periodontal practice serving St. Louis, MO, we are happy to receive patients with or without a dentist’s referral.