Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and long term maintenance of periodontal disease and dental implants. Periodontists in the USA must complete a four-year undergraduate college degree, then graduate from an accredited dental school, and then complete an additional three years of formal training in an accredited periodontology residency program.

The focus of periodontal residency training is on learning skills for the surgical and non-surgical management of periodontal diseases, the surgical treatment of correcting gingival abnormalities (gum recession, gummy smile, etc.), all phases of dental implant treatment planning and surgery, and management of dental implant complications.

Periodontists may also earn board certification by the American Board of Periodontology after completion of an American Dental Association accredited residency training program in Periodontics and passing a comprehensive written and oral exam. Board Certified periodontists are awarded the title "Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology". Periodontics is one of the nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

Periodontal disease (gum disease) take on many different forms but are usually a result of a coalescence of bacterial plaque biofilm accumulation of the gingiva (gum) and teeth, combined with host immuno-inflammatory mechanisms and other risk factors which lead to destruction of the supporting bone around natural teeth. It is important to note that periodontal disease is usually painless and can go undetected until it's too late. If left untreated, periodontal disease can destroy the bone and soft tissue surrounding the teeth. This can cause teeth to become loose and eventually be lost. Periodontal disease may even harm your general health. In most cases, periodontal disease can be treated. Regular dental check-ups, eating a proper diet, and good oral hygiene are essential to prevent periodontal disease.

The American Academia of Periodontology has a risk assessment tool that can be found at www.perio.org/consumer/4a.html

Tooth loss is not the only problem pose by periodontal disease. Research suggests there may be a link between periodontal disease and other health concerns such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, and increase risk during pregnancy.

Modern treatment techniques have made periodontal treatment more comfortable now than ever before. Pain medications, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics may be prescribed for you after treatment to minimize post treatment discomfort. Your comfort during and after treatment is important to us. For patient who may feel anxious about dental treatment, we offer a variety of sedation options.

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat well and can smile and speak with confidence. The implants themselves are titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.

Implants can be utilized to:

• Replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth.
• Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
• Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable
• Used for anchorage during orthodontic treatment

A dental implant provides several advantages over other tooth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces teeth without sacrificing the structure of neighboring teeth.

Because a dental implant replaces your tooth root, the bone is better preserved. Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact.

Dental implants will allow you to speak and eat with comfort and confidence. They are secure and offer freedom from the irksome clicks and wobbles of dentures. You won't have to worry about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues.

The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in the jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.

Whether patients are  young, middle-aged or older adults; whether they need to replace one tooth, several teeth, or all of their teeth, there is a dental implant solution. With the exception of growing children, dental implants are the solution of choice for people of all ages, even those with the following health concerns:

• Existing Medical Conditions. If you can have routine dental treatment, you can generally have an implant placed. While precautions are advisable for certain conditions, patients with such chronic diseases as high blood pressure and diabetes are usually successful candidates for dental implant treatment if they work with their doctors and have their systemic conditions under control.

• Currently Wearing Partials or Dentures. Implants can replace removable bridges or dentures, or they can be used to stabilize and secure the denture, making it much more comfortable.

• Smokers. Although smoking lowers the success rate of implants, it doesn't eliminate the possibility of getting them.

• Bone Loss. Bone loss is not uncommon for people who have lost teeth or had periodontal disease. Bone grafting can be utilized to safely and permanently secure the implant.

• Implant tooth replacement in children is usually deferred until their jaw growth is complete. There are, however, some instances when a dental implant may be appropriate, such as when it is part of the child's orthodontic treatment plan.