Gum Disease Treatment in Marietta & West Cobb

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Periodontal (gum) disease affects more than 50% of US adults over 30, and it’s the leading cause of tooth loss for patients in the same demographic. Additionally, advanced gum disease (periodontitis) has been linked to a number of chronic and systemic illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. While any patient may develop gum disease, risk factors include:

  • Pregnancy
  • Puberty
  • Hormonal fluctuations
  • Stress
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Poor oral hygiene

Gum issues begin when plaque and tartar buildup at the gum line and irritate the soft tissue. This early form of periodontal disease (gingivitis) causes mild irritation and bleeding while brushing and flossing. This may seem like a relatively harmless condition, but left untreated, gum disease creates sores that break down the fibers connecting teeth and gums. This loss of connective tissue leads to deeper pockets between teeth and gums, allowing teeth to move in their sockets and eventually fall out. Symptoms of periodontitis include bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, consistent bad breath, receding gums, and teeth that feel loose or do not fit together the way they used to.

Leading Edge Dentistry offers a variety of treatments for patients at every stage of gum disease, including:

  • More frequent teeth cleanings – in the early stages, gingivitis can typically be reversed with more frequent professional teeth cleanings.
  • Scaling & root planings – as periodontal disease advances, scaling and root planing may be necessary. Scaling is the removal of plaque and tartar below the gum line and root planing is the smoothing of tooth roots to prevent future buildup.
  • Periodontal maintenance

Laser Periodontal Therapy

Unlike other treatments for periodontal disease, Nd: YAG laser dentistry offers superior results. The treatment is quick and painless. First, we apply a small amount of local anesthesia. Then, we use the laser to remove plaque and tartar from teeth. We irrigate the gum pocket and sterilize the tissue to remove bacteria and prevent further infection. The laser allows us to precisely target affected areas of tooth enamel and preserve healthy structure. The laser seals blood vessels, reducing bleeding, swelling, and the potential for infection. In most cases, patients are fully healed within a few days, and they only need mild over the counter pain relievers and cold compresses to handle discomfort and swelling in the interim.

Reviews

What Our Other Patients Are Saying

cathryn Abney
cathryn Abney
December 6, 2022
Great work, great staff!
Charlotte Fairchild
Charlotte Fairchild
November 18, 2022
If you like pretty teeth, smart dentists and gentle dental hygienists, with no amalgams, this is the best place for dental work!
Jane Sullivan
Jane Sullivan
March 29, 2022
Dr. Howard has been my dentist for many years. He and his staff are always welcoming, knowledgeable and highly competent, while ensuring my comfort and health.
Chris Hall
Chris Hall
March 29, 2022
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! This office is amazing! When I arrive for my hygiene visits, the front staff is always very friendly! I don’t have to wait long for the hygienist to bring me back and throughout the visit she explains each step. The doctor is very thorough in reviewing the recommended treatment. When I had to have treatment completed- the doctor explained each step of the procedure. The numbing injection was painless and they made sure I was comfortable throughout the procedure. My whole family (including my 2 kids) does not mind visiting the dentist anymore. Dr. Howard and his team are wonderful!
Amy Bishop
Amy Bishop
August 19, 2021
I have been a patient for 25+ years. Dr. Howard and his staff are wonderful. He makes sure that any procedure is painless. I recently had some cosmetic dentistry work performed and could not be more pleased with the results. The changes look very natural and I wish I had done it sooner. Dr. Howard spent a lot of time designing a new smile for me. He provided pictures of what to expect afterwards and it exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Leading Edge Dentistry. They are true professionals.
shirley mayfield
shirley mayfield
February 23, 2021
Every time I go to Dr. Howard for dental care I am greeted with smiles and kind words. The front desk staff are always willing to help. I never wait for more than 5 minutes. The clinical staff are excellent at their job and taking care of my needs as well. All my questions are answered. The staff and Dr. Howard makes sure I am comfortable before and during any procedure. Dr. Howard is an extremely knowledgeable and gifted dentist. I am always pleased with the results and feel I am getting the best care around. They truly are a group worth smiling about.
Mark Telling
Mark Telling
November 17, 2020
I've been a patient of Dr. Howard's for many years and have received outstanding care by him and his staff. He has done excellent work on various crowns and I highly recommend his practice for all your dental needs.
Brenda Purcell
Brenda Purcell
May 20, 2020
I had my regular dental check up at Dr. Howard's practice yesterday since this pandemic stuff started. I was a little nervous, because this was my first visit to an establishment like this since the shutdown. I had nothing to worry about. It was an extremely pleasant experience and I felt comfortable from the very initial contact. The office staff were efficient, and made the revised check-in process to ensure the pandemic procedures were followed seem effortless. I only had to wait a couple of minutes for my appointment and was seated in a separate room from other in-coming patients. During the COVID-19 shutdown, Dr. Howard kept his patients informed on all the additional precautions he was taking to ensure that both patients and staff are protected from the virus. I was very impressed with his efforts and the new ventilation system. The office, while always clean and fresh, seemed even more so, if possible. I felt totally comfortable during the whole visit. I trust Dr. Howard and his staff and appreciate all they do.
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