Introduction

OUR PRACTICE

Sara E. Holden DDS MSD

SERVING PERIODONTAL AND IMPLANT THERAPY NEEDS IN LEXINGTON, SC AND THE MIDLANDS

Dr. Sara E. Holden is a board-certified periodontist and owner of Holden Periodontics & Dental Implants. Her approach to patient care is founded in the belief that oral health and a sense of confidence go hand in hand. She and her experienced team are committed to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile that will last. 

We strive to make your dental experience pleasant and your mouth healthy with uncompromising excellence and personalized care.

What is Periodontics?

Periodontists: Periodontal & Dental Implant Specialists

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth also known as gum disease), and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in both of these areas and more, including three additional years of education beyond dental school.

While some general dentists treat more mild periodontal cases, many will refer their patients to periodontists for the more severe periodontal cases. 

 

What Will My First Visit Be Like?

During your first visit, the periodontist usually reviews your complete medical and dental histories. It’s extremely important for the periodontist to know if you’re taking any medications or being treated for any condition that can affect periodontal care, such as heart disease, diabetes, or pregnancy.

Your visit begins with a thorough periodontal and oral examination and digital imaging to assess tissue health, measure pocket depth and gum recession, assess bone loss and screen for oral cancer. Dr. Holden creates a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, diagnosis and comfort level.

 

Why Might I Be Referred to a Periodontist?

If your general dentist refers you to a periodontist, it’s simply because the periodontist has the special skills, knowledge and experience to provide you with the type of periodontal treatment or implant procedure you need.

 

Referred for Periodontal Treatment

If you have periodontal disease, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, more that half of American adults age 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease. Some patients who require simple periodontal treatment can be managed by a general dentist. However, in light of extensive research suggesting that periodontal disease can be linked to stroke, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases, more challenging periodontal treatment may require a trained specialist in periodontology.

Here are some possible reasons your general dentist might refer you to a periodontist for more advanced periodontal treatment:

  • You have a moderate or severe level of periodontal disease, with such symptoms as:
    • Bleeding, swollen or receding gums
    • Loose teeth
    • A change in your bite (how your upper and lower teeth come into contact with each other)
    • Pain or discomfort within, around or underneath your gums.
  • You have a personal or family history of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, or cancer and have been diagnosed with periodontitis or have other concerns with your gums.  
  • Tabacco use (smoking, dipping, vaping, nicotine pouches, etc), which increases your risk of acquiring advanced disease.

Referred for a Dental Implant Procedure

Should I Be Concerned if I’m Referred to a Periodontist?

Your general dentist wants you to receive the best care possible, and confident that you’ll be treated by a specialist who has three years of advanced training in treating periodontal disease and dental implants beyond their doctor of dental surgery education.