What is a Periodontist

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the soft tissues of the mouth and the underlying jawbone which supports the teeth. A dentist must first graduate from an accredited dental school before undertaking an additional three years of study within a periodontology residency training program, in order to qualify as a periodontist.

The primary focus of this residency training is on both surgical and non surgical management of periodontal disease and the placement of dental implants.

Conditions Treated by a Periodontist

The periodontist is mainly concerned with: preventing the onset of gum disease (periodontal disease); diagnosing conditions affecting the gums and jawbone; and treating gingivitis, periodontitis, and bone loss. Periodontal disease is a progressive condition and the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the developed world.

The periodontist is able to treat mild, moderate and advanced gum disease by first addressing the bacterial infection at the root of the problem, providing periodontal treatment, then providing information and education on good oral hygiene and the effective cleaning of the teeth.

The most common conditions treated by a periodontist are:

Gingivitis – This is the mild inflammation of the gums which may or may not be signified by pain and bleeding.
Mild/moderate periodontitis – When the pockets between the teeth and the soft tissues are measured to be between 4-6mm it is classified as moderate periodontitis (gum disease).
Advanced periodontitis – When the pockets between the teeth and the soft tissues in general exceed 6mm in depth, significant bone loss may occur; causing shifting or loss of teeth.
Missing teeth – When teeth are missing as a result of bone loss, the periodontist can implant prosthetic teeth. These teeth are anchored to the jawbone and restore functionality to the mouth.

Treatments Performed by a Periodontist

The periodontist is able to perform a wide range of treatments to halt the progression of gum disease, replace missing teeth and make the appearance of the smile more aesthetically pleasing.

Here are some of the treatments commonly performed by the periodontist:

Implant placement – When a tooth or several teeth are missing, the periodontist is able to create a natural-looking replacement by anchoring a prosthetic tooth to the jawbone.
Osteoplasty (hard tissue recontouring) – Once periodontitis has been treated, the periodontist can recontour the hard tissue to make the smile both natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing.
Gingivoplasty (soft tissue recontouring) – As gums recede due to periodontitis, the teeth may appear longer; causing a “toothy" smile. The periodontist can remove tissues or straighten the gum line to make the teeth look more even.
Bone grafting – Dental implants can only be positioned if there is sufficient bone to attach the prosthetic tooth to. If bone loss has occurred, bone grafting is an excellent way to add or “grow” bone so that an implant may be properly secured.
Deep pocket cleanings – As gingivitis and periodontitis progress, it becomes more difficult to cleanse the pockets between the soft tissues and the teeth. The periodontist can scale and root plane the teeth (sometimes under local anesthetic) to remove debris and infection-causing bacteria.
Crown lengthening – In order to expose more of the natural tooth, the periodontist can remove some of the surrounding gingival tissue.

The periodontist is a highly skilled dental health professional who is able to diagnose and treat many commonly occurring soft tissue and bone problems in the oral cavity.

Please contact our office if you have any questions or concerns.

Welcome to Family & Cosmetic Dental PLLC

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Adrian Pulkrabek and his team combine science and artistry to prioritize your comfort and oral health. From routine cleanings to complete smile redesigns, we offer state-of-the-art restorative and cosmetic dentistry in a friendly, welcoming environment.

Why Choose Us

20+ Years of Clinical Experience

Comprehensive Cosmetic Services

State-of-the-Art Technology

Anxiety-Free Atmosphere

Same-Day Emergency Care

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 102 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Charles B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great Dentist!! Office staff, simply put, are just darn good people. Kathleen always greets you with a smile and a friendly welcome. Sarah is the Dental Assistant and Hygienist; she's wonderful, always making sure I feel comfortable and it shows by how she treats a patient (me). All 3 are very professional!! The office is very clean, and the front desk area is organized and well maintained by Kathleen. That being said, Dr. Pulkrabek is an excellent Dentist. Explains every procedure very well, detailed and also making sure I understand and he makes sure I feel comfortable during my visit. One of the great benefits when I'm in the Dental chair and Dr. Pulkrabek is working his magic on my teeth, It's always been practically painless Dentistry.  I'm always extremely pleased with the outcome of the Dr's work on my Ivorys!! My overall experience has been outstanding with each visit. I highly recommend making an appointment with Dr. Pulkrabek for your Dental needs and concerns.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Renee C 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been a patient of Dr. Pulkrabek and his team since probably 2005/2006. I have pretty severe dental anxiety and he is the only reason I’m able to show up for my six month cleanings. He is so gentle, thorough, knowledgeable, and fun. He is efficient. Contemplating a move out of the State and joked that we would probably keep him as our provider and just come back for cleanings. He is that good. Such an amazing dentist.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Barbara L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have always been pleased with the staff and the doctor. The office manager is professional, and her experience shows as she engages with clients. The doctors assistant is professional, and very pleasant to deal with. The doctor himself, is knowledgeable, professional and always treats me as if I’m his only patient and I have no complaints about my dental care from him.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jordynn B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing Dentist! Staff was very friendly and I got an appointment very quickly! They gave me a great referral and helped with all my questions and concerns!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Megan T 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing dentist! Everyone in the office is amazing and professional. They made me feel at ease and this was the first time going to the dentist. They explain each procedure and how it will benefit your teeth and health.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Candice H 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Pulkrabek and his staff are great. We have been coming here for years and would highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ahmed M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Adrian was super helpful and explain everything to me! Super easy visit. Extremely friendly staff that helped me with all the insurance and billing!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Julian M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Pulkrabek is a great dentist, and he does a very good job cleaning and examining teeth. He found a cavity growing underneath a prior filling after taking a closer look. The office staff and dental hygienists are all friendly and professional. I am looking forward to my next visit.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Natasha L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great office! Everyone is super helpful and does a great job

Charles B

Great Dentist!! Office staff, simply put, are just darn good people. Kathleen always greets you with a smile and a friendly welcome. Sarah is the Dental Assistant and Hygienist; she's wonderful, always making sure I feel comfortable and it shows by how she treats a patient (me). All 3 are very professional!! The office is very clean, and the front desk area is organized and well maintained by Kathleen. That being said, Dr. Pulkrabek is an excellent Dentist. Explains every procedure very well, detailed and also making sure I understand and he makes sure I feel comfortable during my visit. One of the great benefits when I'm in the Dental chair and Dr. Pulkrabek is working his magic on my teeth, It's always been practically painless Dentistry. I'm always extremely pleased with the outcome of the Dr's work on my Ivorys!! My overall experience has been outstanding with each visit. I highly recommend making an appointment with Dr. Pulkrabek for your Dental needs and concerns.

Renee C

I have been a patient of Dr. Pulkrabek and his team since probably 2005/2006. I have pretty severe dental anxiety and he is the only reason I’m able to show up for my six month cleanings. He is so gentle, thorough, knowledgeable, and fun. He is efficient. Contemplating a move out of the State and joked that we would probably keep him as our provider and just come back for cleanings. He is that good. Such an amazing dentist.

Barbara L

I have always been pleased with the staff and the doctor. The office manager is professional, and her experience shows as she engages with clients. The doctors assistant is professional, and very pleasant to deal with. The doctor himself, is knowledgeable, professional and always treats me as if I’m his only patient and I have no complaints about my dental care from him.

Jordynn B

Amazing Dentist! Staff was very friendly and I got an appointment very quickly! They gave me a great referral and helped with all my questions and concerns!

Megan T

Amazing dentist! Everyone in the office is amazing and professional. They made me feel at ease and this was the first time going to the dentist. They explain each procedure and how it will benefit your teeth and health.

Candice H

Dr. Pulkrabek and his staff are great. We have been coming here for years and would highly recommend.

Ahmed M

Dr. Adrian was super helpful and explain everything to me! Super easy visit. Extremely friendly staff that helped me with all the insurance and billing!

Julian M

Dr. Pulkrabek is a great dentist, and he does a very good job cleaning and examining teeth. He found a cavity growing underneath a prior filling after taking a closer look. The office staff and dental hygienists are all friendly and professional. I am looking forward to my next visit.

Natasha L

Great office! Everyone is super helpful and does a great job