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Periodontics

Protect Your Oral & Overall Health
  • Receive care from a trained periodontist
  • Improve your smile with comfortable laser therapy
  • Get healthy pink gums with pain-free treatment
1024 Market Place Blvd. Cumming, GA 30041


 

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Why Test? Rethinking Periodontal Disease Through a Medical Lens

One of the most common questions I hear is: “How is testing going to change the therapy provided?” My answer? “It most likely isn’t.” Wait—what?! Then why bother testing at all? That’s a fair question, and one worth unpacking. Testing tools, such as MyPerioPath®, should not replace clinical diagnostics or significantly change a patient’s treatment plan. Rather, the use of a laboratory diagnostic test has the intent to confirm, but sometimes refute what you’re seeing clinically. Practically, and in most cases, the lab test confirms the clinical diagnosis based on the patient’s history, the physical examination, and other diagnostics procedures. But importantly the laboratory can unveil things that are not observed by clinical examinations alone. In fact, they’re incredibly valuable—not for changing therapy, but for shifting how we think about therapy. Currently, periodontal disease is diagnosed based on clinical signs—bleeding on probing, pocket depth, bone loss, inflammation—not a lab test. But relying solely on this reactive approach has its costs. Depending on the source, between 50-75% of American adults have some form of periodontal disease. That’s not just concerning; it’s a public health crisis. Maybe it’s time to ask: Are we too late to the game? Should we be treating periodontal disease more like the chronic, systemic medical condition that it is? In medicine, testing is foundational. ”

Root Causes of Disease

Think about it—lab work drives: Clinical diagnoses Treatment decisions Disease surveillance and monitoring So why should dentistry be any different? By integrating diagnostic tools like MyPerioPath, we’re not just confirming a diagnosis—we’re learning more about the pathogens at play, and tailoring preventive and therapeutic strategies accordingly. This opens the door to a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to care. Understanding the microbiological underpinnings of periodontal disease helps us take action before irreversible damage occurs. We can screen patients more effectively, educate them more thoroughly, and track treatment outcomes with greater precision. Just as important, we elevate the perception and value of what we do—not just cleaning teeth, but managing a condition with known links to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and other systemic diseases. Yes, testing may occasionally introduce you to a new tool or adjunctive therapy you hadn’t considered. But its greatest impact isn’t in the instruments you use—it’s in how you think. It’s in transitioning from being a tooth technician to being the oral health care provider your patients truly need. Periodontal disease isn’t just a dental problem; it’s a medical one. And like any other chronic disease, it deserves a medical mindset—one that prioritizes prevention, early detection, and evidence-based care. By embracing testing, we’re not replacing clinical expertise; we’re enhancing it. So the next time someone asks, “Why test if it doesn’t change therapy?”—you can confidently say: “Because it changes everything else.
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Save Your Teeth and Save Your Life Save Your Teeth and Save Your Life
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Fix Your Mouth With Gum Disease Treatment in Cumming

It’s important to have a healthy mouth, and ignoring an infection in your gums can lead to more serious problems later down the road. Gum disease can invade and affect every single organ and system of the body. It also increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. The earlier you address periodontal disease, the better it will be for your oral health and for the rest of your body. By fixing your gums with gum disease treatment in Cumming, you will:

  • Remove the source of your infection
  • Eliminated infected gum tissue
  • Fight bad breath
  • Repair your diseased gums
  • Improve your self-confidence with your healthy, beautiful smile

You can come to Inspiring Smiles for expert periodontics care for your gums as part of our general dentistry. Call 770-844-6771 today to schedule an appointment soon.

Keep Your Gums In Good Shape

Periodontal disease is more common than many people realize. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that nearly half of adults 30 and older have some form of this disease. How an infection is treated will depend on how severe it is. Your periodontics treatment may involve one or more of the following:

  • Scaling and Root Planing — This is a deep cleaning in which we remove plaque and tartar buildup on the roots of your teeth. We then smooth the surface of the tooth so it is easier for your gums to reattach.
  • LANAP — This technique uses dental lasers to evaporate infected tissue and preserve more of your healthy tissue.
  • Antibiotics — To prevent reinfection, it may be necessary to administer antibiotics to kill any lingering harmful bacteria.
  • Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique® — This procedure will restore receding gums to their original position without incisions or stitching required.

We also offer dental sedation that will help you stay relaxed and pain-free.

Recognize The Signs Of Gum Problems

It’s important to be proactive about your oral health, and there are a few ways to detect the early signs of a periodontal infection. You may notice:

  • Gums that look red, swollen, or both
  • Gums that bleed when you brush and floss

In the later stages, symptoms include lingering bad breath, pain when you eat, receding gums, and loose teeth.

That’s why it’s so important to come in for professional dental cleanings and exams, so we can examine your mouth for signs of an infection. Plus, our very own Dr. Page Barden is a program-trained periodontist. He routinely treats gum problems and the supporting structures of the teeth.

Schedule your appointment today for gum disease treatment in Cumming by calling us at 770-844-6771 or schedule online.

 

Read Why Our Patients Love Us

“Best dentist in Atlanta area. Or anywhere else as far as I’m concerned. I travel from Buckhead to see him. My now dear departed mother was terrified to go to the dentist. He won her over and took gentle care of her up until her passing. I am forever grateful. Not only a great, highly skilled, dentist, but more than that, a wonderful human being.” – B. R.
“The staff and doctors at Inspiring Smiles are the friendliest, most caring, most competent you will ever find at any dental facility in the State of Georgia! I would highly recommend them to you and your family to make them your family dentist! I drive almost an hour and a half just to get there and it is worth every mile! 💯 Percent ❤️” – J. B.
“Inspiring Smiles is a great dental practice. They are professional, the dentists are super Great!! they are the best with many years of experience. They treat you like they really care about your dental issues. The dentists along with the staff also treat you like family, by showing concern if family issues are brought to their attention. My family and I highly recommend Inspiring Smiles.” – M. L.
“Couldn’t be happier with my results and experience! Entire staff was friendly and informative. Dr. B made was quick with a steady hand and got me in and out without and bs or extra fees! 10/10 would recommend to a friend!” – M. J.
“I am not a fan of the dentist to say the least. I only go when I need to. I can tell you my dentist Dr. Birch is a wonderful man. When he comes in the room he comes with a calming spirit that is kind, and caring. The people who work in the office are really nice and very helpful. They all do great work.” – M. N.
“I had a lot of work done including extractions and crowns. I have a lifelong fear of dentists and teeth pain. This was an excellent experience with great results. I wish I found Dr Bardon and these people a long time ago.” – M. H.
“You’re the best!! Thank you so much for the excellent dental care you’ve always given me, especially in 2012 the most challenging year. All your staff members are very friendly and understanding. I will definitely suggest you to my friends and families!” – N. U.
“Obviously no one likes to go to the dentist, but my experience couldn’t have been better. Stephanie and Karen and Dr. Barden were the absolute best. It was a very relaxed environment and they are all incredibly good at what they do. I can’t imagine going anywhere else. They also worked with me financially and I never felt they did anything unnecessary. They had every need in mind. Highly highly …” Read More – A. L.
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Common Questions About Gum Disease Treatment

Is gum disease treatment painful?

Not at our office because Dr. Barden is a periodontist by training. As such, for advanced cases of periodontal disease he is certified to administer the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique. This innovative treatment is an incision-free and suture-free procedure, ensuring a comfortable process and faster healing time.

What causes gum disease?

Basically plaque eventually turns to tartar, a hard substance that must be removed by a dental professional. The bacteria from untreated tartar will irritate your gums and cause inflammation. Eventually, infection develops and creates periodontal pockets of bacteria. This can cause a series of problems for you, including but not limited to adult tooth loss.

How long does gum disease treatment take?

Gum disease treatment may take one or two visits depending on how severe your case is. If your treatment involves a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), each visit will be a little longer than a normal dental cleaning. Modern treatments for more severe cases can be completed in one visit under normal conditions. Be sure to ask us about the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique when you call our Cumming, GA office.

Can I avoid gum disease?

The best way to avoid gum disease is by practicing good oral hygiene, brushing twice a day and flossing daily as well. It’s also important to visit your dentist for professional dental cleanings at least twice a year. Since smokers are more likely to get gum disease, you’ll lessen your risk if you stop smoking. If you notice any signs of gum disease, notify your dentist right away. Treating it in its early stages will enable you to avoid the tooth loss that can result from advanced gum disease.

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