Leo V. Trail, Jr., D.D.S., M.S.

Periodontics

Periodontist Leo V. Trail, Jr., D.D.S., M.S. made it his mission to learn everything he could about dentistry, no matter how much time it would take or where his studies would take him.

After he earned his Bachelor of Science in biology in 1975 from Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, he worked his way through several more programs over the following two decades. He graduated from the University of Maryland Dental School in 1979 and won a competitive residency at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1980, he became an associate at a general dentistry practice in Cecil County.

He capped off his academic career with a graduate degree in periodontics from the University of Maryland in 1984 and a Master of Science in oral biology in 1988. In 1993 he graduated from the Misch Institute for Implant Surgery in Detroit, Michigan. If that wasn’t enough to satisfy his hunger for knowledge and earn him a spot as an expert in his field, he was awarded a fellowship with the International College of Oral Implantologists.

“I tried to seek out the best teachers I could so I could be the best, and that’s taken me all over the country.”

Dr. Trail decided to become a specialist while practicing as a general dentist. “I loved being a general dentist,” he says, “but I found it frustrating trying to stay proficient at all the procedures performed by a general dentist. I realized I had a passion for surgery.”

He wanted to be the one performing the advanced procedures. His goal was to focus on one specialty and know it cold, he says, so he went back to school to become a periodontist in 1982. Periodontics is the dental specialty that studies the supporting structures of teeth, and the diseases and conditions that affect them.

“I tried to seek out the best teachers I could so I could be the best, and that’s taken me all over the country,” he says. “I was fortunate enough to train with one of the leading periodontists in the world who invented bone grafting, and that’s a big portion of my practice.”

Bone grafting is the process of regenerating bone that has been destroyed by the bacteria growing down the roots of the teeth. Dr. Trail also grows gum tissue in the event of gum recession. For that, he sought training in Dallas, Texas from Dr. Pat Allen, widely considered the guru of periodontic plastic surgery.

For that, Dr. Trail supplements his practice with the latest technology to ensure he can continually offer his best care to patients in need. Digital x-rays expose the patient to less radiation and enable more precision during an examination. Laser gum surgery also maximizes precision while minimizing healing time.

Many members of Dr. Trail’s staff of seven have been with him for 15 years, so patients see the same familiar faces when they visit the practice.

“We’re always striving for excellence. I know people say that all the time, but as a specialist I have to be,” he explains. “All my referring dentists are depending on me to be on the cutting edge and give the best periodontal and implant care to their patients.”

Leo V. Trail, Jr., D.D.S., M.S.
2021-B Emmorton Road, Suite 118
Bel Air, MD 21015
410-569-8567

Pictured: Dr. Leo V. Trail, Jr.
Photography: Coyle Studios