If you need a professional who can look after your gums for you, then what you need is a periodontist. This type of professional is a dentist that specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal (gum) disease and oral inflammation. A periodontist can even perform cosmetic periodontal procedures. Gum disease, gum recession, and other issues affecting the gums can be treated by a periodontist. Sometimes issues like these need the expertise of a periodontist, as a standard dentist may not be as capable of performing the procedure a patient with some gum issues needs.