After the completion of high school, dentists enter college to receive their undergraduate degree, perhaps in biology, which typically requires four years to achieve. Once this is completed, they enter a university that has a dental school and continue studies in the field of dentistry. This requires another four years for most.

After receiving their Doctorate in Dental Science (or Doctorate in Dental Medicine), those dentists wishing to specialize in a particular area of dentistry continue their education and training. For periodontists, this requires another two to three years of specialized training to focus on all issues pertaining to the health tissues in the mouth, dental implant placement, and esthetic treatment involving gum tissue.

Once specialty training is completed, some periodontists take the board-certification examination. This is offered by the American Board of Periodontology on an annual basis. Board certification in periodontology indicates the specialist has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty and demonstrated a comprehensive mastery of all phases of treating periodontal disease and in implant placement. Once Board Certified, he or she must go through a re-certification process every six years.

Although Board Certification is not required for a Periodontal Specialist to treat patients, it is added assurance that the specialist has perfected their skill level to the highest standards.

If you have questions regarding the specialty of Periodontics or Board Certification, feel free to contact us at (828) 274-9440. Or, you may wish to visit the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology at www.perio.org.

If you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone. It is estimated that over 30% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of some level of anxiety or fear. Even worse, about 10% of those are classified as “dental phobics,” or persons with such a high fear level that they avoid the dentist until an emergency need arises.

With these statistics, it comes as no surprise that the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss is periodontal disease. Without 6-month check-ups and cleanings, your risk of developing gum disease, among other problems, is high.

If the fear of discomfort has prevented you from regular dental care, you are encouraged to share those feelings with a dentist who is sensitive to your concerns. This discussion will allow us to understand your level of fear and explain the methods of comfort available.
In our office, we offer both Oral Sedation, which is in pill form so there are no needles used to administer the medication. You are totally relaxed throughout treatment and have little or no memory of the procedure afterward. The medication is safe and recovery time is quick. For added safety and comfort, you are monitored by a trained staff member and sophisticated equipment throughout your procedure.

I believe the confidence of a beautiful, healthy smile enhances one’s quality of life and every person should feel achieving this is within reach. Hopefully, the advancements in dental techniques and technology will result in a new generation who live their lifetime with all their natural teeth.

If you have dental fear or know someone who does, suggest they begin with a consultation by calling (828) 274-9440. This conversation could be the first step to a terrific smile!

During initial conversations with new patients, some share concerns of feeling vulnerable in the dental chair.

It’s natural to have a sense of vulnerability when someone with sharp instruments is doing things in your mouth (a highly sensitive area) that you can’t see, and as you’re on your back in a narrow treatment chair. While my patients praise me for a gentle hand and creating a comfortable experience at all times, we feel they have an added reason to relax.

When treatment is recommended, I make sure patients understand their options. As a dental specialist, part of my role (and commitment) is to diagnose and explain the various procedures needed to restore oral health. An important part of this is in the explanation of the treatment, helping each to understand why they need the treatment and what is entailed BEFORE we begin.

Over the years, I’ve invested in intra-oral cameras, digital imaging (replacing grainy x-ray film) and large screen, color monitors. While these aid in precision diagnosis and optimal treatment planning, the ability to visually show patients their problem helps them to understand the “why.” The “how” is up to me to relay before and even during the procedure.

An informed patient is more involved in their oral health and more relaxed in the treatment chair. Plus, we feel our patients deserve the respect of information that makes them fully confident in their decisions for treatment.

To begin with a Consultation, call (828) 274-9440 to schedule.