When it comes to oral health, most people think about brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. While these habits are essential, they are just one part of maintaining a healthy smile. Your gums and the supporting structures of your teeth play a vital role in overall oral health. This is where periodontics, a specialized branch of dentistry, becomes essential.

Periodontics focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, as well as the placement of dental implants and other procedures related to the soft tissues and bones of the mouth. Without healthy gums, even strong teeth can be at risk. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and even contribute to systemic health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues.

At Implant & Perio Center of Kansas, our mission is to help patients in Wichita, KS and surrounding areas maintain strong oral health and prevent these serious complications. Dr. Marq J. Sams, our highly trained and experienced periodontist, provides advanced, personalized care that goes beyond what general dentistry can offer.

What Makes a Periodontist Different?

While general dentists handle routine cleanings, fillings, and preventive care, periodontists undergo additional years of specialized training after dental school. This advanced education focuses specifically on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, as well as dental implant surgery and advanced reconstructive techniques.

Specialized Expertise Includes:

• Advanced Gum Disease Treatment – From early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, periodontists provide targeted therapies to stop disease progression and restore gum health.
• Dental Implant Placement – Periodontists are uniquely qualified to surgically place dental implants, ensuring long-lasting and natural-looking tooth replacements.
• Gum Recession Treatment – Procedures like gum grafting protect exposed roots and improve the appearance of your smile.
• Surgical Interventions – For cases where non-surgical treatment is insufficient, periodontists perform surgical procedures to restore oral health.

Understanding Gum Disease: A Silent Threat

One of the primary reasons patients are referred to a periodontist is gum disease. Gum disease often begins silently, with mild symptoms like gum redness or bleeding during brushing. Without treatment, it can progress into periodontitis, a serious infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease:

• Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums or teeth that appear longer
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Pain or swelling in the gums

Because gum disease is often painless in its early stages, regular professional dental checkups and cleanings are crucial. If gum disease is detected, prompt treatment by a periodontist can stop its progression and help prevent tooth loss.

Advanced Periodontal Treatments at Implant & Perio Center of Kansas

Dr. Marq J. Sams and his team provide a comprehensive range of periodontal services designed to treat gum disease and restore oral health.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Scaling and Root Planing – This deep cleaning treatment removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, targeting areas that regular cleanings cannot reach. By smoothing the root surfaces, it helps gums reattach to teeth and reduces inflammation. Scaling and root planing is often the first step in treating gum disease and is highly effective for patients with early to moderate periodontal issues.
• Laser Periodontal Therapy – A minimally invasive treatment that targets diseased gum tissue and bacteria with precision. Laser energy gently removes infected tissue and disinfects the treatment area, promoting faster healing with less discomfort compared to traditional methods. This approach can also reduce the need for conventional surgery and often results in a shorter recovery time.

Surgical Treatments

• Pocket Reduction Surgery – When gum disease has caused deep pockets to form around the teeth, this procedure reduces their depth, making it easier to clean and maintain healthy gums. The surgery removes harmful bacteria and smooths damaged bone to promote gum reattachment, helping prevent further progression of disease.
• Gum Grafting – Gum recession can leave tooth roots exposed, increasing sensitivity and risk of decay. Gum grafting uses tissue from the roof of the mouth or a donor source to cover exposed roots, restore gum health, and enhance the aesthetics of your smile.
• Bone Grafting – Advanced gum disease or tooth loss can lead to bone deterioration in the jaw. Bone grafting restores lost bone, creating a stable foundation for dental implants or preventing further structural damage. This procedure can also help preserve facial structure and improve long-term oral health outcomes.

Dental Implants

For patients missing teeth, dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement. These titanium posts are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots, providing strong support for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Dental implants look and function like natural teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care. As a periodontist, Dr. Sams has the training and experience to safely and effectively place implants, even in complex cases requiring bone grafting or sinus lifts before placement.

Cosmetic Periodontal Procedures

Periodontics is not just about treating disease. Many patients seek cosmetic improvements to enhance the appearance of their smiles. Some of the cosmetic services we offer include:

• Crown Lengthening – Sometimes teeth appear short or are partially hidden by excess gum tissue, creating a “gummy smile.” Crown lengthening involves reshaping both gum tissue and underlying bone to expose more of the natural tooth structure. This can be done to enhance the appearance of the smile or to prepare a tooth for a crown or other restoration. Patients often choose crown lengthening to achieve a more balanced, proportional smile, which can dramatically improve overall facial aesthetics.
• Ridge Augmentation – After tooth loss, the jawbone and surrounding gum tissue may lose their natural shape, leading to a sunken or uneven appearance. Ridge augmentation restores these natural contours by adding bone or soft tissue to deficient areas. This not only improves aesthetics but also provides better support for dental implants, bridges, or dentures. Patients who undergo ridge augmentation often find that their restored jawline and gum contours create a healthier, more youthful look.
• Gum Contouring – Uneven or excessive gum tissue can make teeth look asymmetrical or shorter than they actually are. Gum contouring, sometimes referred to as gum reshaping, involves carefully removing or reshaping gum tissue to create a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing gum line. This procedure can make a significant difference in the appearance of a smile, creating harmony between the teeth and gums and boosting overall confidence.

These cosmetic procedures go beyond functional improvements—they focus on helping patients feel confident about their smiles. By addressing aesthetic concerns while also improving gum health, patients experience both cosmetic and oral health benefits.

The Connection Between Gum Health and Overall Health

Recent studies have shown strong links between gum disease and systemic health issues. Chronic inflammation caused by periodontal disease can contribute to conditions such as:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Respiratory infections
• Pregnancy complications

Maintaining healthy gums is not just about avoiding tooth loss. It is an important step in protecting your overall health. By choosing specialized care with a periodontist, you are investing in both your oral and systemic well-being.

Why Choose Implant & Perio Center of Kansas?

At Implant & Perio Center of Kansas, we pride ourselves on delivering advanced, personalized periodontal care in a welcoming environment. Dr. Marq J. Sams and our dedicated team use the latest technology and treatment techniques to ensure optimal results. Our commitment to patient comfort means every procedure is explained thoroughly, and all treatment plans are tailored to your unique needs.

We understand that visiting a specialist can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to make every patient feel informed, comfortable, and confident about their oral health decisions.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you are experiencing signs of gum disease, considering dental implants, or simply want to improve the appearance and health of your smile, Implant & Perio Center of Kansas is here to help.

Dr. Marq J. Sams and our experienced team in Wichita, KS are ready to provide the specialized care you need for long-lasting oral health.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.