What Is the Difference Between a Periodontist and a DDS?

When it comes to dental health, understanding the different specialists within the field can help you choose the right professional for your needs. Today, we'll explore the differences between a Periodontist and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), using the example of Dr. Brian Gurinsky, a seasoned practitioner based in Denver and Centennial, Colorado.

What Is a DDS?

A DDS, or Doctor of Dental Surgery, is a general dentist who provides a wide range of services aimed at maintaining oral health. This includes diagnosing oral diseases, performing dental examinations, and carrying out procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, and root canals. Every DDS has completed at least eight years of education: four years of undergraduate study followed by four years in dental school.

What Is a Periodontist?

A Periodontist, on the other hand, is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists have several years of extra training beyond dental school, typically three years, where they learn about the complex structures supporting the teeth, including diseases and conditions that affect them.

Comparing the Two

The main difference between a DDS and a periodontist lies in the specialization. While a DDS is well-equipped to handle a broad range of dental issues, a periodontist is the specialist you'd want to see for anything related to gum disease and implants. Periodontists focus on the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth, providing treatments such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), root surface debridement, and surgical procedures for severe periodontitis.

Dr. Brian Gurinsky: A Case Study

Dr. Brian Gurinsky is an excellent example of a dental professional who bridges both worlds. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Dr. Gurinsky attended the University of Texas at Austin and earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. Following his graduation, Dr. Gurinsky specialized further, entering a three-year residency focusing on Periodontics and Dental Implants at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Today, Dr. Gurinsky holds both a DDS and a Master's in Periodontics, making him uniquely qualified to address a wide range of dental concerns with particular expertise in periodontal and implant issues. His practice, located at 20250 E Smoky Hill Road #4, Centennial, CO 80015 and 1141 18th St, Denver, CO 80202, offers a comprehensive approach to dental health, specializing in treatments that go beyond general dentistry.

Why Choose a Specialist?

Choosing between a DDS and a periodontist may depend on your specific dental needs. For general dental care, a DDS is your go-to professional. However, for specialized care, particularly concerning gum disease and implants, visiting a periodontist like Dr. Gurinsky may be essential.

Dr. Gurinsky’s commitment to excellence in both general dentistry and periodontics allows patients at his Denver and Centennial locations to receive specialized care without needing to go elsewhere. His practice’s focus on advanced periodontal techniques ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care for their gums and supporting structures.

To learn more about Dr. Gurinsky and his services, visit his website, or call (303) 296-8527 to schedule an appointment. Whether you need general dental care or specialized periodontal treatment, Dr. Gurinsky and his team are there to help you maintain your smile.

For more insights into dental health and procedures, visit Dr. Gurinsky’s blog.