Patient Information

A periodontist is a dental specialist who treats gum disease, gum recession, bone loss, and places dental implants. Periodontists also perform procedures such as tooth extractions, bone grafting, gum grafting, crown lengthening, and implant-related surgery.

Not always. Many patients are referred by their general dentist, but you can also contact our office directly to schedule an evaluation. If you are experiencing gum problems, loose teeth, recession, or need an implant consultation, we can help determine the right next step.

Common signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, swollen or tender gums, loose teeth, and discomfort when brushing or flossing. Some patients have very few symptoms, which is why regular periodontal evaluations are important.

Yes. Gum disease can often be treated and managed, especially when diagnosed early. Treatment may include deep cleaning, periodontal maintenance, surgical therapy, grafting, or regenerative procedures depending on the severity of the condition.

Bleeding gums are often a sign of inflammation caused by plaque, tartar, or periodontal disease. Healthy gums generally do not bleed with normal brushing or flossing, so this is something that should be evaluated.

Gum recession happens when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing more of the root surface. This can lead to sensitivity, a longer tooth appearance, increased risk of root wear, and in some cases future bone loss or tooth instability.

No, gum tissue generally does not grow back on its own. In some cases, gum grafting may be recommended to cover exposed roots, improve comfort, and protect the tooth long term.

That depends on the amount of bone support, presence of infection, fracture, decay, mobility, and long-term prognosis. Our goal is always to make an honest recommendation based on what is most predictable and best for your long-term health.

A periodontal evaluation may include reviewing your medical and dental history, taking X-rays or CBCT imaging if needed, measuring the gums around the teeth, checking for recession, mobility, bone loss, bite-related issues, and discussing treatment options based on your findings.

Yes. We evaluate the area, review bone and gum support, and determine whether an implant is appropriate. In some cases, bone grafting or site development is recommended before implant placement to improve long-term success.

A bone graft is often placed after a tooth is removed to help preserve the shape and volume of the bone. This can be important if you are planning for a future dental implant or want to minimize collapse of the site after extraction.

Not always. Whether grafting is recommended depends on the tooth location, amount of existing bone, infection, future implant plans, and the condition of the surrounding tissues.

Initial healing usually happens over the first one to two weeks, but full healing of bone and soft tissue takes longer. If an implant is planned, healing time depends on the procedure and may range from a few weeks to several months.

Most procedures are performed with local anesthesia, and sedation may be available for selected treatments. Patients are usually more comfortable than they expect, and we provide detailed post-operative instructions to help make recovery manageable.

Sedation options are available depending on the procedure and your medical history. During your consultation, we can discuss whether sedation is appropriate and what option best fits your needs.

A CBCT scan is a three-dimensional dental scan that gives more detailed information than a standard X-ray. It may be recommended for implant planning, extractions, bone evaluation, infection assessment, or to better understand complex anatomy before treatment.

Dental implants can last many years with proper planning, good oral hygiene, and regular maintenance. Long-term success depends on bone support, gum health, bite forces, smoking status, and ongoing professional care.

Smoking does not automatically rule out treatment, but it can reduce healing and increase the risk of complications. We will discuss how smoking may affect your outcome and what steps can improve your chances of success.

Coverage varies by plan. Our office can help review your benefits and provide estimates, but exact coverage depends on your insurance carrier, plan details, deductibles, waiting periods, and annual maximums.

We work with many dental insurance plans and will help patients understand their benefits whenever possible. Even when insurance is involved, treatment recommendations are based on clinical needs rather than insurance limitations.