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Periodontal services

What is periodontal (gum) disease?

Over 80% of Americans have some level of periodontal (gum) disease. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

The early stage of periodontal disease, called gingivitis, is a build up of plaque that cases swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gums. As the disease progresses, your gums pull away from your teeth causing infection and bone loss.

What causes periodontal (gum) disease

Controllable factors

  • (Poor) oral hygiene
  • Smoking / tobacco use
  • Diet

Uncontrollable factors

  • Family history
  • Hormonal fluctuations (puberty, pregnancy)
  • Chronic illnesses (diabetes, cancer)
  • Medications
Scaling tartar from lower teeth

What to expect from periodontal therapy

At your routine hygiene appointments, our hygienist will check for periodontal pockets. Moderately deep pockets can be treated by simple procedures like scaling and root planing (removal of tartar below the gum line) and/or by placing antibiotics in the deeper pockets. However, some cases require more extensive treatment.

If necessary, our periodontist Dr. Crohin will do a thorough evaluation to customize your periodontal therapy. Some treatment options could include osseous surgery, connective tissue grafts (CTG), and bone grafts.

Dental implants

Dental implants are metal anchors, usually made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone to hold permanent replacement teeth, bridges, or dentures. At Flawless Dental, placement of implants is done by Dr. Crohin using local anesthesia. You will receive specific post-surgical instruction to ensure the best possible healing. After your implant is placed, you will receive a removable appliance. Three to six months after the placement of dental implants, your replacement tooth, bridge, or dentures will be placed.

Benefits of dental implants

Dental implants provide a highly stable support system for replacement teeth. Their placement and the subsequent teeth can provide some of the following benefits:

  • improved occlusion
  • secure placement and comfort
  • longevity and reliability
  • increased self-confidence
X- ray of dental implant before
placing implant crown
X- ray of dental implants after
 placing implant crowns

Things to consider in a dental implant candidate

Dental implants can be placed on young or elderly people, based on each individual situation. During your consultation with Dr. Crohin, she will determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. She will look for the following characteristics, among others:

  • general good health
  • healthy gums
  • sufficient bone to support the implants
  • a good attitude to make sure you will follow through with vital oral hygiene habits


Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about periodontal disease and its treatment or to schedule an implant consultation with our periodontist.