Periodontics in Stockbridge

What Is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who diagnoses and treats periodontal (gum) disease. After dental school, a periodontist receives three additional years of training as a gum disease specialist. He or she will also train in cosmetic periodontal procedures. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, which makes seeing a gum disease expert essential if your dentist tells you that you have periodontal disease. Gum disease isn’t curable, but it is treatable. Periodontists also place implants and perform various cosmetic procedures. Call us to schedule an appointment with our periodontist in Stockbridge.

What Are Some Typical Periodontal Services?

Periodontal Disease Treatment

Gum disease is caused by bacteria from the plaque that accumulates on our teeth. Plaque is difficult to remove, which is why dentists recommend a professional cleaning twice a year to remove tartar or hardened plaque. Even if you take good care of your teeth, you can still get gum disease if you have certain risk factors, such as being a smoker, taking medications that cause dry mouth, and being genetically susceptible. We always try the least invasive option for periodontal disease treatment first, such as scaling and root planing. Surgery is usually the last resort at our periodontics office.

Dental Implant Placement

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that fuse to the jawbone, providing a stable base for a crown, bridge, or denture that will replace missing teeth. Your jawbone grows around the implant, which gives the implant the same strength as a natural tooth root. In addition to placing dental implants, periodontists can maintain or replace implants if necessary; although, implants can last a lifetime.

Crown Lengthening

Generally, your teeth are the right length but they may appear short because you have excess gum tissue hiding your natural smile. When you call our office for periodontics in Stockbridge, you’ll have a consultation with one of our periodontists who is artistic and can offer you an attractive, natural-looking gum line. The procedure is also recommended if you need a dental crown and there is not enough tooth structure available.

Gummy Smile Surgery

A gum lift can correct a smile that looks gummy. Our doctor can contour your gum to give you an attractive smile that shows less gum. The ideal smile shows very little gum and what shows is even. The surgery can take several hours so, in addition to local anesthesia, you may have some form of sedation as well.

Soft Tissue Graft / Gum Graft

If you have receding gums, gum grafting surgery can cover the roots of your teeth, improving the aesthetics of your smile. Periodontists take tissue from the roof of your mouth and graft it to existing gum tissue, where it integrates and helps regenerate your gum tissue. A gum graft offers several oral health benefits as well, including decreased tooth sensitivity. The added gum also protects the roots from decay and the procedure prevents further gum recession.

Oral Pathology and Oral Cancer Diagnosis

Every year, over 50,000 people receive oral cancer diagnoses in the U.S. If you have any signs of oral cancer, we will send tissue samples that appear suspicious off to a lab for a biopsy. If oral cancer is found, you’ll learn about the treatment options open to you. If you are newly diagnosed, we can provide a second opinion for you.

No matter what type of treatment you need, our doctor will ensure your comfort. Periodontists can offer various types of sedation, including nitrous oxide, which you will learn about during your consultation.

How Do I Schedule a Consultation with a Periodontist in Stockbridge?

Call Dental One Associates at Eagles Landing at (770) 872-0728 to arrange a consultation with our gum disease expert. If you need a gum disease specialist or you wish your gums looked better, we can help. Our goal is for you to have a healthy, attractive smile. We welcome new patients.