Dr. Susanna Goggin is a native of Danville, Kentucky. She attended the University of Kentucky from 2003-2007 receiving a bachelors of science in Agricultural Biotechnology and graduating with honors. She continued her educational journey in Kentucky and in 2011, she graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry with her Doctor of Dental Medicine. During dental school Dr. Goggin received an award for excellence in periodontology. She successfully completed dual certification during her residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry Department of Periodontology from 2011-2014 and the Veteran Affairs Hospital in Birmingham from 2011-2014.

In April 2016 Dr. Goggin participated in a course at the Advanced Dental Education Center in Dallas Texas. The course, developed by Dr. Edward Pat Allen, covered new periodontal surgical techniques used with soft tissue allograft materials. Dr. Goggin is currently the only periodontist in the Asheville Buncombe County area who has attended this advanced course in soft tissue grafting.

Professional affiliations include memberships in the American Academy of Periodontology, Southern Academy of Periodontology, Academy of Osseointegration. North Carolina Dental Society, Buncombe County Dental Society Executive Committee, American Dental Association, Spear Education Study Club, Spear Education Masters Club, and Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Susanna has a passion for serving others. Beginning her first year in dental school Dr. Goggin went on her first dental mission trip. Since that time she has served the people of Honduras, Nicaragua and Haiti and has developed a passion for helping others through dentistry. She has also become actively involved in the Junior League. She and her toy poodle have worked together for over 7 years as a certified therapy dog team visiting children and individuals in nursing homes.

Deanna is a native of Candler. She graduated from Asheville Buncombe Technical College Dental Assisting Program in 1988. Deanna has more than 32 years of experience in dentistry, both as a dental assistant and office administrator. She joined Asheville Periodontics in 2020. She has always enjoyed taking care of her patients and feels very blessed to be in a field that cares for others.

Jenn is an Asheville native who has been committed to helping patients achieve healthy smiles since 2011. With significant experience in general dentistry and treatment coordination, she will act as a liaison between your primary doctor and our office to ensure the best possible treatment plan is established. Jenn will also spend time with you personally to ensure comfort and understanding with any proposed treatment. Bringing the highest levels of compassion and care, Jenn will be with you every step of the way from your first visit to follow up!

Natalie joined Asheville Periodontics in 2017. Prior to moving to Asheville and joining our practice, she worked as Marketing Director for a San Francisco-based marketing agency for 10 years. Her and her husband, Justin, moved to Asheville in 2014 to start their family away from the big city life, and have since welcomed two amazing boys, Wyatt & Wesley, and a beautiful baby girl Daisy!

As Professional Relationship Director, her job is to work with our network of caring dental offices in order in ensure the health, safety, and happiness of our mutual patients. Natalie also manages our website and social media channels.

Melissa received her dental hygiene degree from Catawba Valley Community College in 2001 and joined Asheville Periodontics in March of 2017. She has always had a special interest in periodontal care. Melissa has an outgoing personality and has a passion for top patient care and comfort. She enjoys the interaction between her patients and is happy to have the opportunity to spend one on one time educating them on the steps to take for better oral health. She takes pride in building trusting relationships which is why patients look forward to their next visit.

Melissa grew up in Mesa, Arizona, but has lived all over the United States before settling in North and South Carolina. In her spare time she loves entertaining for friends and family, spending time outdoors and traveling with her husband, Michael, and two loveable canines, Tebow and Tiberius.

Cody is performing as one of our surgical assistants as he continues his education to become a dentist. While hes not at work or school, Cody loves the outdoors and considers himself an adrenaline junkie.

All general dentists are educated and trained to diagnose and treat early forms of periodontal disease. Your dentist may have already begun an initial treatment of your periodontal disease. If your general dentist has a concern regarding your gums and the supporting bone around your teeth he or she may refer you to a periodontist. We will work in collaboration with your general dentist to treat your more advanced periodontal disease and bring you back to optimum health.

Throughout a womans life, hormonal changes may make the gums more sensitive to plaque. Fluctuations in levels occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. At these times, the chance of periodontal disease may increase, requiring special care of your oral health.

During puberty, there is increased production of sex hormones. These higher levels increase gum sensitivity and lead to greater irritations from plaque and food particles. The gums can become swollen, turn red and feel tender.

Similar symptoms occasionally appear several days before menstruation. There can be bleeding of the gums, bright red swelling between the teeth and gum, or sores on the inside of the cheek. The symptoms clear up once the period has started. As the amount of sex hormones decrease, so do these problems.

Your gums and teeth are also affected during pregnancy. Between the second and eighth month, your gums may also swell, bleed and become red or tender. Large lumps may appear as a reaction to local irritants. However, these growths are generally painless and not cancerous. They may require professional removal, but usually disappear after pregnancy.

You must mention any prescriptions you are taking, including oral contraceptives, prior to medical or dental treatment. This will help eliminate risk of drug interactions, such as antibiotics with oral contraceptives where the effectiveness of the contraceptive can be lessened.

Changes in the look and feel of your mouth may occur if you are menopausal or post-menopausal. They include feeling pain and burning in your gum tissue and salty, peppery or sour tastes. Careful oral hygiene at home and professional cleaning may relieve these symptoms.

Periodontal disease has been linked with elevated levels of Prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Elevated PSA levels are seen when the prostate becomes inflamed and unhealthy so there may be a link between the inflammation present with periodontal disease and prostate health.

Men with periodontal disease, who are either younger than 30 or older than 70, are at an increase risk for developing impotence again due to the active chronic inflammation associated with periodontal disease.

The best ways to initially prevent the start of periodontal disease is to routinely brush and floss your teeth twice daily. It is also important to have routine preventative exams and cleanings with your general dentist so they can detect any areas of concern early on in the disease process. Avoiding certain habits, like smoking, can also help lower your risk for developing periodontal disease.