The gums and bone surrounding the teeth are the foundation of the dentition. Like the foundation of anything else, this foundation is the most important part of dental health. In our office we take periodontal health very seriously. We start with a complete periodontal examination at the very first visit and every year thereafter. We probe the pockets around every tooth, chart gum recession, and update the digital x-rays to detect any signs of periodontal disease. There are five stages of periodontal disease ranging from healthy gums to inflamed gums (gingivitis) to advanced bone destruction (periodontitis). We make an initial diagnosis for each patient and make the appropriate treatment recommendations.

Periodontal disease is primarily a condition created by bacteria that is in our mouths and the individual’s immune response to that bacterial presence. The goal of periodontal therapy then is to eliminate the bacteria and control the body’s response.

At Southern Smiles, we use technology driven treatment to combat periodontal disease. Ultrasonic instruments and soft tissue lasers are used to provide painless effective nonsurgical therapy. This treatment is done sequentially or one quadrant at a time. Each session we go back to the section treated before so that at the end of the treatment, the area that had the most damage was treated repeatedly a total of four times. This technique is very effective and results in much healthier gums and can even result in stimulation of new bone growth!

Office Hours

M-Th 9:00-5:00

Fr 9:00-2:00

Office Phone:

843-686-5526