John V. Louis, DMD, LLC

Periodontics and Dental Implant Surgery

John V. Louis, D.M.D., represents two specialty areas within the dental profession: The first is periodontics (the treatment of bone and gum tissue, the supporting structures of the teeth); the second is dental implant surgery.

Most of Dr. Louis’ patients are referred for moderate and advanced periodontal disease, gingival recession, missing teeth and comprehensive dental care.

Periodontal infection begins when plaque or debris get below the gum line. The initial infection, called gingivitis, can be eliminated by having a dental cleaning. If the infection is allowed to progress, the body responds by causing bone loss, opening the door to myriad systemic diseases. Likewise, missing teeth must be replaced to prevent digestive and nutritional problems.

“Don’t ever take your mouth for granted. It’s the gateway to your overall health.”

The enemies of healthy gums include smoking, diabetes and a failure to brush and floss. “When the immune system is compromised, infection is given the opportunity to move quickly through the body,” explains Dr. Louis.

Periodontal treatment and dental implant surgery are much less intimidating and uncomfortable than they sound, and the procedures are much easier for patients than they were even a few years ago. “We now have products that numb the tooth and gum without using a needle,” explains Dr. Louis. “We also offer oral sedation to relax the patient.” General sedation can be administered by an anesthesiologist to patients who specifically request it. Says Dr. Louis: “We want the safest experience with the best outcome for every patient.”

Dr. Louis’ office environment is designed to be calming and serene. Patients can unwind in a massage chair, watch television or a DVD, or listen to music. Hand paraffin treatments are also offered as a way to help people relax before undergoing a dental procedure.

Dr. Louis credits his family with his interest in dentistry. “My dad is a dentist, so it’s part of my genetic pool,” he says. After earning his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1992, Dr. Louis went on to earn his specialty certification in periodontics and dental implantology. He began his practice in Easton in 1995.

“We opened a state-of-the-art facility and we’re constantly upgrading what we do and the techniques we use,” says Dr. Louis. Implant placement is now guided by CT imaging through the computer. “We see everything beforehand, so we know we’ll be working in exactly the right place. We use specific templates to replace one tooth, several teeth or all of the teeth. The permanent implants are placed through the tissue and into the bone without an incision. There is no pain, swelling, or bleeding.” Unlike in the past, when tooth extraction and replacement involved a long, uncomfortable, multi-visit process, Dr. Louis notes, “The newest trend is to have teeth removed and implants placed, all in the same day.”

“On the whole, we tend to forget how important the health of our mouth is,” says Dr. Louis. “Don’t ever take your mouth for granted. It’s the gateway to your overall health.”

John V. Louis, DMD, LLC
218 Bay Street
Easton, MD 21601
410-820-9599

www.periodontics-implants.com

Pictured: Susie Wood, Dr. John V. Louis,Trish Tees, Vicki Berrier and Beverly Flater
Photography: Steve Buchanan