Periodontist vs Dentist: What’s the Difference?

• 24 June 2026
• Professor Alessandro Quaranta

Last updated on June 24, 2026

Wondering why your dentist has referred you to a periodontist? Many patients hear the term for the first time during a dental appointment and are unsure what it means or why specialist care is needed. Understanding the difference between a dentist and a periodontist can help you feel more confident about your treatment and oral health decisions.

What Does a Dentist Do?

A dentist is your primary oral health provider and usually the first person you see for routine dental care. General dentists diagnose and treat common dental concerns, including cavities, broken teeth, routine cleans, crowns, fillings and extractions. They also monitor your gum health and overall oral condition during regular check-ups. When treatment becomes more complex or requires specialist care, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist or another dental specialist for further management.

What Does a Periodontist Do?

A periodontist is a dental specialist focused on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and conditions affecting the bone and tissue supporting the teeth and dental implants. After completing a dental degree, periodontists undertake a minimum of three additional years of full-time specialist training and must be registered with AHPRA as specialists.

Periodontists manage conditions ranging from early gum inflammation through to advanced periodontitis, bone loss and peri-implant disease. Their treatment scope also includes dental implants, gum grafting, crown lengthening, bone grafting and cosmetic gum procedures. With only a relatively small number of registered periodontists across Australasia, they represent one of the most highly trained groups within dentistry.

If you are unsure what a periodontist is, specialist consultations are designed to assess complex gum and implant concerns in greater detail.

When Will My Dentist Refer Me to a Periodontist?

Dentists commonly refer patients when gum disease becomes more advanced or difficult to manage with routine care alone. Referral reasons may include deep gum pockets, bone loss visible on X-rays, ongoing bleeding gums, complex dental implant placement, peri-implantitis or cosmetic gum concerns such as gummy smiles and gum recession. Referral does not mean your dentist has done something wrong — it simply means specialist-level treatment is required for the best long-term outcome.

Patients experiencing advanced gum disease or complications involving dental implant diseases are often referred for more specialised periodontal care.

Meet the Periodontists at Smile Specialists Suite

Smile Specialists Suite is led by Professor Alessandro Quaranta and Dr Lizzy Hui, providing specialist periodontal and implant care across Neutral Bay and Newcastle. Professor Quaranta holds a PhD in Dental Implantology and serves as a Clinical Professor at the University of Sydney, while Dr Lizzy Hui combines specialist periodontal training with a Master’s in Pain Management.

You can learn more about our specialist periodontists in Sydney and their approach to patient care.

Book a Specialist Consultation

Patients can book directly with Smile Specialists Suite without needing a GP referral. Whether you have been referred by your dentist or are seeking answers about ongoing gum or implant concerns, a specialist assessment can help identify the most appropriate treatment options.

Appointments are available in Neutral Bay, Sydney and Newcastle. Contact our Sydney clinic to arrange a consultation with the specialist team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a periodontist without a referral?

Yes. Patients can book directly with Smile Specialists Suite without a referral. However, referrals from your dentist can be helpful because existing X-rays, treatment history and clinical notes may assist with treatment planning and diagnosis.

Is a periodontist more expensive than a dentist?

Specialist periodontal treatment generally costs more than routine dental care because of the additional training, experience and complexity involved. Smile Specialists Suite currently offers an initial one-hour consultation for $398, and some private health funds may contribute towards treatment costs.

What is the difference between a periodontist and an oral surgeon?

Both are dental specialists, although they focus on different areas of treatment. Oral surgeons commonly perform complex extractions, jaw surgery and facial trauma procedures, while periodontists focus on gum disease, supporting bone and dental implants.

How many years does it take to become a periodontist in Australia?

A periodontist completes a dental degree followed by at least three additional years of specialist periodontal training. They must also be registered with AHPRA as recognised dental specialists in Australia.

My gums bleed when I brush. Do I need a dentist or a periodontist?

Bleeding gums are often an early sign of gum inflammation. Most patients should begin by seeing their dentist for an examination and a professional cleaning. If deeper gum pockets, bone loss or signs of periodontitis are detected, referral to a periodontist may be recommended.

Can a periodontist place dental implants?

Yes. Periodontists are trained in implant placement and managing complex implant cases involving bone grafting and gum grafting. Professor Alessandro Quaranta is internationally recognised for his work in implant dentistry and peri-implant disease management.

Where is the Smile Specialists Suite located?

Smile Specialists Suite has clinics in Neutral Bay, Sydney and Newcastle, NSW. Patients seeking specialist gum and implant care can also visit the periodontist in Neutral Bay clinic for consultations and treatment.