Periodontics

A Periodontist is a dentist specializing in treating, preventing, and diagnosing gum diseases or periodontal disease. Periodontists focus exclusively on various inflammatory or chronic diseases that affect the gums and related structures around the teeth. A periodontist also specializes in the placement of dental implants.

Typically Periodontists receive 2-3 years of additional training beyond dental school to specialize in diagnosing and treating periodontal diseases and other associated problems. They can also perform cosmetic dental procedures to improve smiles. As specialists in Periodontics, these dental professionals are updated with the latest dental techniques, the latest dental implants, and other processes to treat, diagnose, and perform advanced periodontal procedures.

Dentists often refer patients to a Periodontist when the gum disease has advanced to a severe stage.

Non-invasive or less-invasive and non-surgical procedures are used to treat mild to moderate gum diseases. It includes root planing and scaling, performed using specialized tools to clean teeths’ surface safely.

If the gum disease has advanced to a stage where the gum tissue doesn’t hold the teeth snugly, the Periodontist advises minor gum surgery. It is primarily performed to eliminate or treat the loose pockets in the gum structure.

The minor gum surgery is performed to open a small pocket in the gum to remove the infected tissue, allowing the healthier gum tissue to takeover, heal, and attach itself naturally to the teeth. Using a laser to address the loose pockets issue is also an alternative treatment often recommended by Periodontists.

When a chronic and inflammatory gum disease is left untreated, it can severely damage the jaw bone and surrounding gum tissue, leading to tooth loss. A periodontist can diagnose the issue, arrest the problem from advancing, and in some cases even reverse the damage through various regenerative dental procedures, including treatments that stimulate gum tissue growth, bone grafts, and gum grafts.

While Periodontists specialize in gum disease, they also treat a wide range of periodontium problems through various procedures, including:

      ∙ Gum Graft Surgery

      ∙ Crown Lengthening Surgery

      ∙ Dental Implant Surgery

      ∙ Regenerative Procedure

      ∙ Laser Treatment

      ∙ Pocket Reduction

      ∙ Root Planing & Scaling

Looking for an experienced Periodontist?

Dr. Erica Hsiao completed her doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry. During her tenure at the Los Angeles School of Dentistry, she grew extremely interested and passionate about dental implants, Periodontics, and regeneration. It resulted in her moving to Chicago to join the University of Illinois, Chicago, completing her Master’s Degree and receiving a Certificate in Periodontics & Dental Implants.

Dr. Hsiao is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, the only specialty board certification in dental implant and Periodontics surgery.

Dr. Erica Hsiao is also an active member of many reputed dental organizations, including the Sacramento District Dental Society, the American Academy of Periodontology, and the American Dental Association. She has also volunteered abroad in dental services in Honduras and worked as visiting Periodontist to teach General Practice Residents there.

Dr. Hsiao has tenured at the VA Northern California McClellan Dental Service treating veterans, helping them improve their dental health and smile. Dr. Erica Hsiao is known for her friendly demeanor, extensive experience, and thorough professionalism.