Compare 14 periodontists in Summer Meadow, Durham. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
The periodontist will take a detailed medical history, examine your gums with a probe to measure pocket depths, and review X-rays. They will explain the severity of any gum disease and recommend a treatment plan, which may range from deep cleanings to surgical options depending on the condition.
Durham has fewer independent dental practices than you might expect, since many dentists here are affiliated with Duke or community health centers. The Lincoln Community Health Center serves patients on sliding-scale fees.
Your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist if you have gums that bleed easily, deep gum pockets, receding gums, loose teeth, or bone loss visible on X-rays. You might also see a periodontist if you need dental implants or have gum disease that isn't improving with regular cleanings.
Deep cleaning: $500-1,500 · Gum grafting: $600-1,200 per area · Dental implant: $3,000-5,000 per tooth
Durham shares the Triangle's intense pollen seasons. Allergy-related mouth breathing is a common contributor to dry mouth and cavity risk that local dentists screen for.
Periodontitis involves infection and bone loss around the teeth. Periodontists perform scaling and root planing, pocket reduction surgery, and regenerative procedures to halt the progression.
Gum recession exposes tooth roots, causing sensitivity and increasing cavity risk. Periodontists perform gum grafting procedures to restore coverage and protect exposed roots.
Periodontists place dental implants by surgically inserting titanium posts into the jawbone. Their expertise in bone and soft tissue makes them well-suited for implant cases that involve bone grafting.
Chronic infection and gum disease can destroy the bone supporting your teeth. Periodontists use bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration to rebuild lost bone structure.
Diabetes and gum disease worsen each other in a two-way relationship. Periodontists work alongside your medical team to manage gum health as part of your overall diabetes care.
Periodontal treatments like scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) are usually covered under dental insurance at 50-80%. Dental implants are covered by some plans but excluded by many. Check whether your plan requires a referral from a general dentist and verify the periodontist is in-network before scheduling.