Tyresia White, DMD, MS

Periodontal Evaluation & Diagnosis

• Comprehensive Periodontal Examination
  Detailed assessment of your gums, including probing pocket depths, checking for bleeding, recession, mobility, and bone loss. This forms the baseline for your treatment plan.

• Full-Mouth Charting & Diagnosis
  Recording measurements around each tooth to determine the presence and severity of gingivitis or periodontitis.

• Digital X-Rays & 3D Imaging (as available)
  Imaging to evaluate bone levels, detect infection or abscesses, and plan surgical and regenerative procedures.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

• Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
  Thorough cleaning below the gumline to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from tooth roots, followed by smoothing of root surfaces to encourage gum healing and reattachment.

• Periodontal Maintenance
  Ongoing follow-up cleanings and exams at customized intervals (often every 3–4 months) for patients with a history of gum disease to help control infection and maintain results.

• Localized Antimicrobial/Antibiotic Therapy
  Placement of antibacterial medications directly into deep gum pockets to reduce bacteria and support healing after scaling and root planing.

• Non-Surgical Laser-Assisted Therapy
  Use of dental lasers (if available in the practice) to help remove diseased tissue and bacteria, reduce pocket depth, and promote healing with minimal discomfort.

• Desensitizing & Root Surface Treatments
  Specialized agents or materials applied to exposed root surfaces to reduce sensitivity and protect vulnerable areas.

Surgical Periodontal Therapy

• Pocket Reduction Surgery (Flap Surgery)
  Lifting the gums to access and thoroughly clean deep pockets and reshaping bone if needed, then repositioning the gums to reduce pocket depth and make daily cleaning easier.

• Osseous (Bone) Surgery
  Reshaping and smoothing irregular or damaged bone around teeth to create a more stable, cleanable environment and reduce periodontal pockets.

• Gingivectomy & Gingivoplasty

  • Gingivectomy: Removal of diseased or excess gum tissue to reduce pocket depth.

  • Gingivoplasty: Reshaping gums to create a more natural, healthy contour.

• Crown Lengthening (Functional & Esthetic)
  Removing and reshaping gum and, when needed, bone tissue to expose more of the tooth structure. Useful for:

  • Teeth broken near the gumline that need crowns

  • “Gummy smile” cases where too much gum tissue shows when smiling

Gum Grafting & Soft Tissue Procedures

• Soft Tissue Grafting (Gum Grafting)
  Procedures to cover exposed roots, thicken thin gums, and reduce sensitivity or risk of further recession. Can involve tissue from your palate or donor material.

• Connective Tissue Grafts
  Grafts placed under existing gum tissue to build thickness and improve protection around teeth or implants.

• Free Gingival Grafts
  Grafts placed to increase the band of firm, keratinized gum tissue around teeth or implants for long-term stability.

• Pedicle (Rotational) Grafts
  Repositioning nearby gum tissue to cover recession defects while maintaining blood supply.

• Frenectomy (Lip or Tongue Tie Release)
  Surgical modification of the frenum (the small band of tissue under the lip or tongue) when it contributes to gum recession, spacing, or functional issues.

Bone Grafting & Regenerative Procedures

• Bone Grafting Around Teeth
  Using grafting materials to rebuild bone lost due to periodontal disease, helping support teeth and reduce mobility.

• Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR)
  Placement of barrier membranes and regenerative materials to encourage the body to regrow bone and gum attachment in selected areas.

• Ridge Augmentation
  Rebuilding the height and width of jawbone after tooth loss or extraction to improve appearance and prepare for implants or dentures.

• Socket Preservation (Ridge Preservation) After Extraction
  Placing bone graft within an extraction socket to help maintain bone volume and support future implant placement.

Dental Implants & Implant-Related Periodontal Care

• Dental Implant Placement
  Surgical placement of dental implants to replace missing teeth, including single teeth, multiple teeth, or full-arch solutions.

• Implant Site Development
  Procedures to prepare the jaw for implants, such as:

  • Bone grafting

  • Sinus lifts

  • Ridge augmentation

• Sinus Lift / Sinus Augmentation
  Raising the sinus membrane and adding bone graft material in the upper back jaw to create adequate bone height for implants.

• Peri-Implantitis Treatment
  Diagnosis and treatment of inflammation and bone loss around existing implants, including non-surgical and surgical approaches to control infection and stabilize implants.

• Implant Maintenance & Cleaning
  Specially tailored cleanings and exams around implants to monitor bone levels, soft tissue health, and prosthetic fit.

Esthetic Periodontal Procedures

• Gum Contouring / Gum Reshaping
  Reshaping uneven gum lines to create a more balanced and symmetrical smile.

• Treatment of “Gummy Smile”
  Combination of crown lengthening, gum contouring, and other procedures to reduce excessive gum display and enhance tooth proportions.

• Root Coverage for Esthetics
  Grafting and soft tissue procedures focused on covering exposed roots and improving the appearance of the smile.

Occlusal & Supportive Therapies

• Bite Analysis & Occlusal Adjustment
  Evaluating how your teeth fit together and making small adjustments to the biting surfaces to reduce stress on teeth, gums, and bone.

• Splinting of Mobile Teeth
  Temporarily or permanently linking loose teeth together to provide additional stability while periodontal treatment is underway.

• Nightguards for Clenching/Grinding
  Custom appliances to protect teeth and periodontal structures from damage due to bruxism (grinding) or clenching.

Periodontal Care for Medically Complex Patients

• Coordinated Care with Physicians
  Working with your medical team when systemic conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders) affect gum health.

• Tailored Treatment Plans
  Customized protocols and visit intervals for patients with higher risk of periodontal disease due to medications, systemic conditions, or lifestyle factors.

Patient Education & Prevention

• Personalized Oral Hygiene Instruction
  Coaching on brushing and interdental cleaning techniques (floss, interdental brushes, water flossers) specifically adapted to periodontal needs.

• Risk Factor Counseling
  Education about smoking, diabetes, stress, medications, and other factors that influence gum health.

• Long-Term Maintenance Plans
  Clear plans that outline how often you should return for periodontal maintenance, exams, and imaging to protect your investment in treatment.

Why Periodontal Health Matters

Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth—it can impact your overall well-being. Research has linked periodontal disease to conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. By proactively treating gum disease and maintaining healthy gums, you’re supporting both your smile and your systemic health.

Our periodontal team is committed to:

• Early diagnosis and thorough explanation of your condition

• Evidence-based treatment options

• Comfortable, compassionate care at every visit

• Long-term partnership to protect your teeth and implants

  
  “We proudly serve patients referred by general dentists throughout Greenville and the surrounding Upstate communities.”