The role of a specialist in periodontology.

Periodontal disease is prevalent in many patients who attend general dental practice. However, the population is generally unaware of the disease until there is either the prospect of losing their teeth, not being able to have orthodontic treatment or advanced restorative treatment. Most patients should, however, have their condition managed within primary dental care, and clinical studies have shown that non-surgical treatment is a highly effective method of periodontal therapy. Treatment of periodontal diseases involves monitoring the response to initiated treatment and reacting accordingly. A general practitioner's, or hygienist's, decision to treat or refer would largely depend on the clinician's ability (determined by their training and experience) and financial implications within the constraints of the NHS or other care plans. This referral may be to a more experienced practitioner, a specialist or to a teaching institution.