Periodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontitis, commonly called gum disease.
Dr. Dara Lee is a dual board-certified periodontist and has attained both Diplomate status with the American Board of Periodontology and Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. Board certification is only awarded to those who have significantly exceeded the specialty’s education and achievement requirements, including years of intensive training specializing in periodontology, followed by multiple rigorous oral examinations and case presentations. Dr. Lee has practiced in Beverly Hills, Manhattan and currently now practices in Toronto and the GTA. As a specialist in periodontology, focusing on the tissues surrounding teeth and implants, Dr. Lee customizes individualized treatment plans to address complications related to the tissue areas surrounding her patient’s teeth and implant surgeries to restore missing teeth.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. If left untreated, this inflammatory disease of the teeth and gums can lead to tooth and bone loss. It is a serious condition that begins with a build-up of plaque and bacteria.
Studies have also shown that periodontal disease is related to other systemic inflammatory conditions including heart disease and diabetes.
What are some signs of periodontal disease?
Warning signs of periodontitis include:
How is it treated in our office?
There are a variety of ways that periodontal disease can be managed. These can include proper oral hygiene, education, and other treatments to help restore gum health. It is important to treat periodontal disease early to prevent tooth loss and other complications from the infection. Depending on the severity of the disease, not everyone will require surgical care. Other options may include non-surgical treatment plans including scaling and root planing combined with the benefits of supplementary treatments to achieve healthy results. Periodontal disease can be successfully managed through education, proper oral hygiene, and treatments that restore teeth and gums. Treatments may include scaling and root planing, also known as a “deep cleaning”, to remove the bacterial toxins that have developed below the gumline, pocket reduction to reduce pocket depth and improve access for hygiene, or tissue regeneration to repair bone loss and restore it close to its original levels.
