What Is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who completed an additional 3+ years of specialized training in the bone and gum tissue that support your teeth. While general dentists are trained to provide a wide range of dental care, periodontists focus specifically on treating gum disease, performing gum and bone surgery, and placing dental implants. To become a periodontist, a dentist must complete dental school and then a full residency program in periodontics at an accredited institution.
This distinction matters for dental implants because the success of an implant depends entirely on the bone and gum tissue around it — exactly what periodontists spend years training to manage. At Texas Dental Implant Center in Houston, Dr. Michel Azer is a board-certified periodontist who completed his specialty training at Boston University. Board certification means he passed the rigorous exam administered by the American Board of Periodontology — a credential held by a fraction of periodontists in the country.
Who Places Dental Implants?
Dental implants are placed by three types of providers. All three are legally qualified, but their training differs significantly.
General Dentist
Training:
Completes 4 years of dental school
Scope:
Provides a broad range of dental services — cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals
Implants:
Some general dentists place implants after completing weekend or short-term continuing education courses
Note:
No specialized surgical residency
Oral Surgeon
Training:
Completes 4–6 years of surgical residency after dental school
Scope:
Trained in complex jaw and facial surgeries, wisdom teeth extraction, and trauma
Implants:
Often places implants but may refer the restorative work (the final teeth) to another provider
Periodontist
Training:
Completes 3+ years of residency after dental school focused on gum tissue, bone, and implants
Scope:
Trained in both the surgical placement of implants and management of the tissue surrounding them
Implants:
Treats gum disease, performs bone grafting, and manages implant complications
Note:
Training directly aligned with implant surgery
Why a Periodontist for Dental Implants?
Dental implant surgery is a bone and gum procedure. The implant goes into your jawbone. The gum tissue has to heal around it. If you don't have enough bone, grafting is needed. If you have gum disease, it must be treated before implants can succeed.
Periodontists spend their entire residency on this. They study bone biology, gum tissue management, and surgical techniques at a depth that general practice doesn't cover. This is why many general dentists refer their patients to a periodontist for implant placement — they trust the specialized training.
Dr. Azer manages the full process in one practice: evaluates your bone and gum health, treats gum disease if needed, performs bone grafting if needed, places the implants, and monitors your healing. No bouncing between providers.
What Does "Board-Certified" Mean?
After completing a periodontics residency, a periodontist can voluntarily pursue board certification through the American Board of Periodontology. This involves passing a rigorous written and oral exam that tests clinical knowledge, case management, and surgical expertise.
Not all periodontists are board-certified. Achieving this credential demonstrates a commitment to the highest standard of specialty practice. Dr. Michel Azer is board-certified — holding the Diplomate status from the American Board of Periodontology.
Dr. Azer's Credentials
Dr. Michel Azer earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and then completed his specialty training in periodontics at Boston University, where he earned both a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Periodontology and a Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD). He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.
Implants Placed
1,000+
Patients Treated
1,000+
He has placed over 1,000 dental implants and treated over 1,000 patients at Texas Dental Implant Center. Many of his patients are referred by general dentists and other specialists across the Houston area who trust his surgical expertise.
See Dr. Azer's Full Bio →When Should You See a Periodontist?
- •You're missing teeth and considering implants
- •You've been told you have gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
- •Your gums bleed regularly when brushing or flossing
- •You've been told you don't have enough bone for implants
- •You're experiencing loose teeth
- •You want a second opinion on an implant treatment plan
You don't need a referral to schedule with Dr. Azer, though many patients do come through referrals from their general dentist.
Schedule a Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Is a periodontist the same as a dentist?▼
A periodontist is a dentist with 3+ additional years of specialized training. All periodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are periodontists. It's the difference between a general practitioner and a specialist.
Do I need a referral to see a periodontist?▼
No. You can schedule directly with Texas Dental Implant Center. Many patients do come through referrals from their general dentist, but it's not required.
Is a periodontist or oral surgeon better for dental implants?▼
Both are qualified. Periodontists specialize in the bone and gum tissue surrounding implants. Oral surgeons specialize in complex jaw surgeries. For most implant cases, a periodontist's training is directly aligned with what the procedure requires.
What's the difference between a periodontist and an implantologist?▼
"Implantologist" is not a recognized dental specialty. It's a general term for any dentist who places implants. "Periodontist" is a recognized specialty requiring an accredited residency. Board-certified periodontists have the most rigorous verified training for implant surgery.
How many years of training does a periodontist have?▼
A periodontist completes 4 years of dental school plus 3+ years of specialty residency — a minimum of 7 years of post-college education.
Does insurance cover visits to a periodontist?▼
Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal treatment. Implant coverage varies by plan. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment.