What Distinguishes a Periodontist from a Regular Dentist?

It is likely your general dentist referred you to KRK Implant Center for treatment. As a San Antonio periodontist, Doctor Krueger provides specialized care and surgical experience that supplements your dentist’s work. But how is a periodontist different from your general dentist?

 

A periodontist focuses specifically on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases that affect tooth-supporting structures, including the gums and bone. He or she also receives training in cosmetic treatments such as dental implants. Learn how this training and years of experience have prepared Doctor Krueger to support your needs.

Advanced Education

Like your general dentist, a periodontist attends a dental school program, which typically requires four years of post-graduate classroom and laboratory studies.  During the final two years, most dental students treat patients in clinics.

 

Periodontists continue their studies, however. They must take a national examination and complete an application for admission for additional graduate training, which usually lasts three years. In graduate school:

 

  • Periodontal students learn about the development of gum disease and bone conditions.
  • Graduate students get a broad perspective on the effects oral disease can have on other systems in the body.
  • They become adept in placing dental implants and performing other procedures.

Training also allows your periodontist to interact with other medical disciplines and gain expertise in advanced surgical techniques, including regenerative surgery, periodontal plastic surgery, and dental implant placement. In addition, their training in sedation and anesthesia methods provides greater safety during the surgical procedures they perform.

Specialization in Procedures

The biggest difference between general dentists and a periodontist like Doctor Krueger is that he spends most of his time placing dental implants, conducting cosmetic oral surgeries, and treating periodontal disease.

 

Much like anything in life, the more you practice, the greater your expertise. Doctor Krueger places hundreds and hundreds of dental implants each year, and his more than three decades of experience allow him to recognize and treat periodontal concerns effectively and efficiently.

 

If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Krueger’s work as a San Antonio periodontist, contact our practice at 210.826.3946 or fill out the form on the right.