Trusted Periodontist in Clayton, NC

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the health of your gums and the bone supporting your teeth. They are specialists in diagnosing and treating gum disease, and perform procedures like deep cleanings, gentle gum surgery, and gum recession & tissue grafting in Clayton.

They help save your teeth, prevent tooth loss, and support your long-term oral health. When you visit our periodontist in Clayton, NC, you can expect expert treatment in a comfortable environment where we help you maintain a strong, healthy, and confident smile.

Nearly half (47%) of adults have some form of periodontitis. It’s often painless and goes unnoticed; therefore, be on the lookout for these signs:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Pain when chewing
• Gum swelling or deep pockets

• Gingivitis: The earliest stage. You might notice gums that are red, swollen, or bleed easily when you brush or floss. The good news is that it is reversible!
• Early Periodontitis: At this point, pockets (4–6mm) start to form around your teeth, and this is when bone loss begins.
• Moderate Periodontitis: The pockets deepen (6–7mm), and you lose about 30–50% of the bone supporting your teeth.
• Advanced Periodontitis: This is the most serious stage, with very deep pockets (8mm+) and over 50% bone loss, which usually leads to tooth loss.

When it comes to treating gum disease, we offer different periodontal treatments in Clayton for every stage:

• Scaling and root planing: Perfect for gingivitis and early periodontitis. This is a thorough, non-surgical cleaning that goes beneath the gum line to remove plaque and tartar and smooth the tooth roots, allowing your gums to reattach and heal.
• Targeted antibiotics: Often used alongside deep cleaning to help fight any remaining infection in those stubborn gum pockets.
• Laser therapy (LANAP): A minimally invasive option for early to moderate periodontitis. We use gentle dental lasers to precisely remove diseased tissue and bacteria, boosting regeneration and making your recovery faster and more comfortable.
• Gum grafts: This is a treatment designed for receding gums. We carefully cover the exposed roots with new tissue to protect them from sensitivity and further loss, helping to restore a beautiful, healthy gum line.
• Pinhole surgical technique: A less invasive alternative for gum recession, for quicker recovery and minimal discomfort.
• Bone grafting: This is used in moderate to advanced periodontitis with significant bone loss. This procedure regenerates the bone supporting your teeth, strengthening your foundation and preventing tooth loss.
• Crown lengthening: This is a gentle procedure that adjusts the gum and bone level to expose more tooth structure. We sometimes use it before placing a crown or for fixing a "gummy" looking smile.
• Dental implants: If a tooth cannot be saved, implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement. They provide a stable, long-term solution that functions and looks just like your natural teeth.

To prevent gum disease, we recommend you take the following steps:

• Power brushing 2x daily
• Flossing, preferably using a water floss
• Antimicrobial rinses
• 6-month periodontal maintenance
• Quit smoking, which significantly reduces the risk
• Diabetes control (if applicable)
• Keep a balanced diet with low sugar intake
• Use a nightguard to prevent grinding damage
• Take early action to prevent $20K in surgical costs