800 Mulberry Street Loudon, TN 37774

800 Mulberry Street Loudon, TN 37774 Telephone: 865-458-4352 Fax: 865-458-2845

Telephone: 865-458-4352 Fax: 865-458-2845

Periodontics is the study of gums and other areas

around the teeth. Periodontists diagnose and treat

gum disease. Dentists will send patients to a

periodontist for the treatment of advanced gum

disease, or for complications of gum disease, such as

lost bone and gum tissue.

Periodontal disease strikes an area just below the

gum line called the sulcus. Without proper cleaning

and dental visits, plaque and tartar build up in the

mouth and collect at the sulcus. Eventually, this

buildup, called calculus, will cause the gums to move

away from the teeth, forming pockets in the mouth.

These pockets fill with even more plaque. This shift

can loosen teeth and damage bone.

In advanced stages of gum disease, the periodontist

intervenes and clears out the pockets, shrinks them,

smoothens the root surfaces and rearranges the gum

tissue into a more maintainable form. He or she will

then review proper oral care techniques with the

patient.

Periodontists require an extra two to three years of

specialization after dental school.

Mon-Wed 8-5, Thurs 8-4, Fri 8-noon