What type of surgery may necessitate a referral to a periodontist?

Osseous surgery, which entails procedures that affect the bone supporting the teeth, often requires a referral to a periodontist due to the specialized nature of these techniques. Periodontists have advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, including surgical interventions to reshape or regenerate lost bone. Such procedures might involve the removal of infected bone, grafting bone, or other techniques aimed at restoring the health of the periodontium, making the involvement of a periodontist essential for optimal outcomes.

In contrast, while cosmetic surgery focuses on aesthetic improvements and may impact gum contouring, it typically does not delve as deeply into the periodontal health aspects that are critical in osseous surgery. Orthodontic surgery, primarily concerned with aligning teeth and jaws, does not inherently require periodontal expertise, although orthodontists may work alongside periodontists if periodontal considerations arise. Endodontic surgery, which deals with issues directly related to the pulp of the tooth, also does not necessitate referral to a periodontist, as endodontists are specifically trained for such treatments. Therefore, osseous surgery stands out as the type of surgery most likely to require a periodontist's involvement.