Explore Our Comprehensive Range of Periodontal Care Services
Periodontal Treatments
Dr. Andrew R. Samuel is an experienced periodontist, and he offers a full range of treatments including LASER ASSISTED TREATMENTS to address gum disease at each of its stages. Rather than treating current issues and then waiting several months until new ones arise, Dr. Samuel will instead take your full periodontal concerns into consideration and create a multi-step treatment plan to address the root of the problem. We will always attempt to save your own teeth with non-invasive treatments before ever recommending dental implants or other more extensive procedures.
About Periodontal Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common oral health concerns in the world. Symptoms of gum disease include tissue inflammation, sensitivity, bad breath, and loosening teeth. As oral bacteria grows and advances, it can cause gum tissue to pull away from teeth and create pockets that can easily become infected. Soft tissues will recede as the pockets grow, exposing the dental roots below. When left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other oral and overall health problems.
Periodontal Regeneration
When gum disease develops into more advanced stages, gum tissue can begin to recede and supporting bone may deteriorate. In these cases, Dr. Samuel can perform periodontal regeneration to restore lost gum or bone tissue. Depending on your needs, we may place a tissue membrane or specially developed protein in areas with recessed gum tissue to encourage new growth. We can also perform a bone grafting procedure, which involves taking healthy bone and transferring it to weakened areas to promote new bone growth. (Images are of actual patient).
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a trusted non-surgical treatment for patients with mild to moderate cases of gum disease. During this procedure, Dr Samuel and/or his hygienist will remove bacteria, plaque, and calculus (tartar) from above and below the gumline to help reduce inflammation, control disease, and prevent tooth loss. The roots are then smoothed to allow the gum to reseal against the tooth and to shrink the pockets. Sometimes, antibiotics are placed in the cleaned pockets to further reduce inflammation.
Periodontal Maintenance
Once your periodontal health is restored, it is important that you remain committed to maintaining your overall oral health. To achieve this, you should schedule routine examinations, scaling and polishings, and — when necessary — root planing procedures. Our hygienists are specially trained in periodontal maintenance procedures and early detection of recurrent periodontal problems. We are committed to a team approach for your dental care. We normally request that you alternate maintenance visits with our office and that of your general dentist. We will determine the proper interval for your individual needs. Regular preventive care is the best insurance for your future oral health.
Diagnostic Services
Dr. Samuel and our team are committed to improving both your oral and overall health. We recognize the important connection between gum disease and other conditions, which is why we offer several diagnostic services. In some cases, Dr. Samuel can diagnose diabetes based off of the state of your gums. Additionally, we perform an oral cancer screening as a part of each office examination. By diagnosing this potentially deadly condition at its earliest stages, patients can begin seeking treatment before it advances.
