Comprehensive Periodontal Care With A Gentle Touch

Our team is committed to providing compassionate care.


Is This Your First Visit To A Periodontist?

Dr. Tanner and his team understand that patients may be nervous about receiving the periodontal care and treatment that they need and deserve. Many patients have questions about their conditions and procedures, and we have gathered the most common questions here. If you have questions that are not answered below, call Dr. Tanner at 336.790.5700 for a personalized consultation.


What is Periodontics?

Periodontics is the specialty of dentistry focusing on the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, jaw bone, tooth roots, and the thin ligaments surrounding the teeth. Periodontal disease takes on many forms, but is usually a result of a bacterial infection in the gums. Untreated, it often leads to bone loss, tooth loss, and may contribute to the progression of the systemic diseases listed above. Periodontists treat diseases of the gums and can replace lost teeth with dental implants.

 



Don't Postpone Getting The Periodontal Care You Need

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Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Care


Dr. Tanner uses advanced technology that is minimally invasive and, many times, does not require any cutting or suturing. Patients often feel very little pain, discomfort, or down time, and are able to return quickly to their regular activities. Dr. Tanner and his team also offer specific post-operative instructions for optimal healing.

Absolutely. Most procedures will not interfere with normal work, especially if cold drinks can be consumed to minimize swelling. The exception would be a job that entails strenuous physical activity. Talking is generally not a problem once the numbness wears off.

Normal eating can be resumed with some procedures with the exception of popcorn and peanuts, which need to be avoided. Other procedures will require a softer diet during the initial healing stages. This will be reviewed extensively at the treatment appointment.

Most procedures can be completed in 40 minutes to an hour. You will be informed if more time is needed, although this is rare.

When the gum tissue recedes, the bone level recedes with it, which can result in loose or missing teeth. The resulting exposed root surface is much softer than the enamel of the crown and can be worn away with normal brushing and is much more susceptible to decay. Exposed root surfaces can cause extreme sensitivity and can lead to problems requiring treatment such as root canals and crowns. In extreme cases, recession can result in tooth loss.

A periodontal or gum pocket is the space that develops between the gums and teeth as periodontal disease develops. At each appointment, Dr. Tanner and his team measure the size of any periodontal pockets, which, if left untreated, can eventually lead to tooth loss. It has also been shown that infection from gum pockets can affect general systemic health. Dr. Tanner works with each individual patient to treat periodontal pockets.

Most Americans only need to have their teeth cleaned every 6-12 months. However, when someone has periodontal disease, teeth cleanings and oral exams need to occur more frequently for good dental health. Numerous studies have shown that the germs and bacteria that cause periodontal disease can cause destruction of bone (resulting in deeper pockets) in as little as three months. By disrupting the germs and bacteria by thorough periodontal maintenance every three months, the bone destruction can be stopped and the bone support can be preserved. Periodontal treatment without routine follow-up can fail. 

Implants give us the possibility of restoring function without cutting down adjacent teeth. They feel and function normally, although they need good home care just like teeth. The success rate of titanium implants is over 95% and there is no chance of future tooth decay.

Most periodontal procedures require sutures. These are dissolvable and will usually come out by themselves in 5-10 days. It is important not to disturb them with your tongue or toothbrush so that they can some out naturally after they have served their function.

There are almost as many different insurance policies as there are patients and they all have different levels of coverage. Our experience is that they cover similar for periodontics what they do for other dental procedures. Our talented staff works hard to maximize your insurance benefits and to send any requested information the day the request is received. If you have questions about your particular insurance policy, often times your human resource personnel can tell you what is covered and at what levels.

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