PREVENTIVE AND NON-SURGICAL
TREATMENTS FOR A HEALTHY MOUTH

Many patients come to us with chronic gum disease that doesn't respond adequately to simple treatment. We can save teeth and preserve bone by eliminating gum disease in cases that a general dentist might not be equipped to handle.
With our training, experience and use of state-of-the-art technology, including the Perioscope, we can treat cases of moderate to severe gum disease without surgery over 90% of the time.

Gum Disease Specialist

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE?

COMPREHENSIVE PERIODONTAL EXAM
We begin your treatment by thoroughly reviewing your medical and dental history. Medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune disorders can influence the manner in which we approach your treatment, as can certain medications.
Your periodontal examination will include screening for oral cancer, evaluating your bite and smile, and checking for the presence of gum disease.
To determine the level of gum disease present, we use a small instrument called a "periodontal probe" that is placed gently between your teeth and gums to check the depth of the "pockets" (spaces) between your teeth and gums.
In addition to taking pocket depth measurements, X-rays may be taken to check the jawbone supporting the teeth, as more severe cases of periodontal disease may lead to bone loss.

PATIENT COACHING AND EDUCATION
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." —Benjamin Franklin
Our goal goes beyond simply fixing your teeth and/or gums; we want to help you achieve optimum overall health. We coach each patient individually, offering friendly advice and demonstrating methods to achieve oral health.

BACTERIAL DNA TESTING

PERIOSCOPE: NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR MODERATE TO SEVERE Periodontitis
Using the Perioscope, we can treat 90% of our patients who have moderate to severe gum disease without surgery. The Periscope transmits highly magnified images to a monitor, allowing us to see precisely where hardened tartar is present. These images guide us in the process of removing bacterial contaminations that were previously only visible with oral surgery.

SURGERY FOR VERY SEVERE PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Although we can treat the vast majority of cases of gum disease effectively with the non-surgical Perioscope, there are cases when traditional surgery is required.
When a patient has lost bone from periodontitis or missing teeth, we may need a "flap" surgery to access the area requiring treatment. A small portion of the gum is lifted back to provide access to the underlying tissue and bone.