The primary role of a periodontist is to prevent, diagnose, and treat periodontal disease. At Atlanta Center for Advanced Periodontics, serving Midtown, Sandy Springs, and surrounding communities, Dr. Pumphrey and Dr. Davis focus on proactive, personalized care to preserve your gum health before disease can progress.
In addition to diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, our doctors are also experts in recognizing and managing oral inflammation, often the earliest sign of gum problems.
Periodontist Training
Periodontists undergo extensive training beyond general dentistry. After completing dental school, Dr. Pumphrey and Dr. Davis each pursued three additional years of specialty education, focusing exclusively on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum disease.
Their continued training includes:
- Mastery of advanced diagnostic tools
- Surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapies
- The latest implant technologies and procedures
- Ongoing education to stay at the forefront of periodontal innovation
This commitment ensures patients receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based periodontal care available.
Scope of practice: What periodontists do
Because of their extensive background, periodontists offer far more than basic gum care. At Atlanta Center for Advanced Periodontics, our doctors treat:
Advanced Periodontal Conditions
Including gum disease, soft-tissue inflammation, severe attachment loss, and periodontal infections.
Medically Complex Patients
Patients with systemic conditions often require specialized periodontal expertise for safe, effective care.
Comprehensive Periodontal Therapies
Including:
- Scaling and root planing
- Root debridement
- Soft-tissue procedures for severe gum issues
- Regenerative periodontal surgeries
- Crown lengthening
- Periodontal maintenance programs
Dental Implant Expertise
Periodontists are uniquely trained to place, maintain, and repair dental implants, ensuring long-term function and esthetics.
What to expect at your first visit
Your first periodontal appointment with Dr. Pumphrey or Dr. Davis is thorough and patient-focused. During your visit, your periodontist will:
1. Review your medical & dental history
They’ll ask about:
- Medications
- Medical conditions
- Previous dental treatments
- Family history of periodontal disease
- Providing complete information ensures safe, accurate, individualized care.
2. Perform a comprehensive periodontal exam
This includes:
- Assessing gum health and inflammation
- Measuring gum recession
- Checking bite alignment
- Evaluating tooth mobility
- Probing periodontal pockets to measure attachment levels
3. Dental imaging as needed
If further assessment is necessary, your periodontist may take X-rays to examine the bone structure supporting your teeth.
When Should You See a Periodontist?
While many gum concerns can be addressed by a general dentist, certain signs indicate the need for a specialist, including:
- Persistent gum bleeding
- Gum recession
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Family history of gum disease
- Pain when chewing
- A history of implant complications
As patients age, the risk of periodontal issues increases. Regular dental visits help your general dentist identify early changes, and refer you to the periodontist before problems become advanced.
Dr. Pumphrey and Dr. Davis emphasize early intervention to stop disease progression before it becomes severe.
Expert’s Insight:
“Periodontal disease is one of the most preventable conditions we treat. By identifying inflammation early and monitoring subtle changes in gum and bone health, we can often stop disease before it causes long-term damage. Prevention will always be our strongest tool.” – Dr. Pumphrey