Periodontics: Top Procedures, Stats, and How to Find the Right Specialist (2026 Guide)
November 10, 2025 · by the Help Me Find A Doctor editorial team
Stats refreshed August 2026
A patient-friendly guide to periodontics — what specialists do, the most common procedures (scaling and root planing, gum graft, crown lengthening), and what to look for when choosing one.
Gum disease, soft-tissue grafting, and implant site preparation. Below: the procedures patients ask about most, the numbers that put the field in context, and the questions worth raising at a first consultation with a periodontics specialist.
Top procedures & treatments
Scaling and root planing
Deep cleaning for moderate periodontitis; combined with adjunctive antimicrobials.
Gum graft (connective tissue or AlloDerm)
Covers recession and reinforces thin gum tissue.
Crown lengthening
Functional and esthetic reshaping to expose more tooth structure.
LANAP laser periodontal therapy
FDA-cleared minimally-invasive alternative to flap surgery.
Implant placement and peri-implantitis treatment
Periodontists place ~50% of U.S. dental implants and manage failing implants.
By the numbers
Updated August 2026- Approximately 47.2% of U.S. adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease, increasing to 70.1% for those over 65 (CDC).
- Over 3 million Americans have dental implants, a number growing by 500,000 annually as a primary solution for tooth loss from gum disease (AAID).
- Laser-assisted procedures like LANAP have seen a 20% year-over-year increase in adoption due to reduced recovery times compared to traditional flap surgery (AAP).
- Non-surgical scaling and root planing remains the most frequent initial treatment for the nearly 65 million Americans with active periodontitis (AAP).
Trending this month: Patients in 2026 are increasingly opting for LANAP and laser-based therapies over traditional surgery to minimize discomfort. There is also a significant rise in crown lengthening and gum grafts driven by the 'pink esthetics' movement in cosmetic dentistry.
How to choose the right specialist
Verify board certification, ask how many of your specific procedure the clinician performs each year, and review patient outcomes — not just star ratings. A periodontics provider who clearly explains your options, the evidence, and the realistic recovery timeline is worth more than the most heavily advertised name.
Use our directory to filter periodontics specialists by city, then bring this article (and the FAQ below) to your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Will my gums grow back?
Gum tissue does not regenerate spontaneously, but gum grafts can durably cover exposed roots.
Do I need surgery for gum disease?
Mild cases respond to deep cleanings; moderate-to-severe disease often benefits from regenerative or LANAP procedures.
Topics covered