Carol W. Stevens, D.D.S.,M.B.A., Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, has over 45 years of experience in the dental care profession and has practiced in Charlotte County since 1988. Dr. Stevens specializes in the treatment and prevention of periodontal gum disease to provide her patients the best predictable results with the latest advanced and pain free technology.

Carol W. Stevens D.D.S., M.B.A. is a Board Certified Periodontist who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty of periodontics. Dr. Stevens has been a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology since April 10, 1992. The Diplomate certification honors dental professionals who practice a high degree of education, skill and dedication.

Founded in 1939, ABP encourages the study and advancement of the science and art of periodontology. It is officially the oldest American Dental Association recognized specialty board and is the only national certifying board in the dental specialty of periodontics.

April 10, 1992 Dr. Stevens became board certified by the American Board of Periodontology. To achieve the distinction, Dr. Stevens was examined by a panel of internationally respected peers and awarded the Diplomate status, one of the highest recognitions of achievement afforded by the specialty.

March, 2010 Dr. Stevens was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to serve on the Florida Board of Dentistry. The Florida Board of Dentistry governs all dentists and hygienists practicing in the state of Florida and serves as a quasi-judicial entity on licensure issues. She served until November 2013.

I attended West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 1989 earning my dental degree. In 1993, I earned my Prosthodontic Certificate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. I continued my education with the Maxillofacial Prosthodontics University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and Hospitals of the University Health Center of Pittsburgh.

Part of my specialty training involved working in many different hospital settings including cancer patients, cleft palate clinic and interacting with many other health care providers to provide complex treatment options.

Cosmetic and implant dentistry started for me prior to graduation from dental school. I was fortunate enough to work in a general dental practice which instilled a belief in and love for continuing education.

My experiences ensure that I can give my patients the most comprehensive and advanced dental care. I strive to provide diagnosis and treatment which is reliable and appropriate for the long-term success of your healthy smile. I enjoy open communication because I want to help you choose and understand any options that are available.

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Its typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaquea sticky film of bacteriato build up on the teeth and harden. Peri means around, and dontal means tooth.

The accumulation of bacteria found around teeth is called plaque. When plaque is not removed for 24 hours or more, the plaque becomes calcified. Calcified debris around teeth is called tartar or calculus. Calculus is the barnacle that grows on human teeth. The bacteria (plaque) and build up of calculus cause bone loss. Eventually, teeth become loose, and may be lost.

So whether you have healthy gums and want to keep them that way, or you already have gum disease and want to control it better, periodontist Carol W. Stevens, D.D.S., M.B.A. inPort Charlotte will help treat your mouth to a healthier You!

Carol W. Stevens, D.D.S., M.B.A., is a board certified Periodontist specializing in the treatment and prevention of periodontal gum disease in Port Charlotte, Florida. Dr. Stevens is certified inLaser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) for non-surgical treatment, as well as surgical treatments and advanced sedation techniques, if needed.

Periodontal diseases are generally caused by bacteria; however, there are other factors which contribute to bone destruction, tooth mobility, and tooth loss. Contributing factors to periodontal disease include all forms of tobacco use, tooth grinding or clenching, poor fitting crowns or restorations, food impaction, poor diet, and systemic diseases such as Diabetes and HIV/AIDS. There are prescription medications which may contribute to periodontal disease and/or gingival enlargement.

There are certain periodontal diseases which are more common in specific populations, families, and/or groups of people. Genetics plays a role in a persons resistance or susceptibility to periodontal disease. Research has shown that approximately 40% of the disease process may be due to genetics, and 60% of the progression of the disease process is directly related to environmental issues which can be modified, and are under our control.

Periodontal disease is not normally painful. Most people do not know they have periodontal disease or bone loss until they begin to notice bleeding. Signs of periodontal disease include bleeding gums, lose teeth, drifting teeth, and bad breathe. Often patients are not aware that they have periodontal disease until their tooth is very loose.

But dont be fooled. This silent disease can still damage the gums, bone, and other tissues that surround the teeth. Unless its treated, this damage will worsen. Eventually this can lead to tooth loss and require an extraction.

The good news is that treatment can limit damage and help keep your mouth healthier. Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is the newest technology for treating periodontal disease and is offered to patients in our Port Charlotte office as an alternative to conventional gum surgery.

So whether you have healthy gums and want to keep them that way, or you already have gum disease and want to control it better, contact Carol W. Stevens, D.D.S., M.B.A. inPort Charlotte and find out how Dr. Stevens can help. And know that it CAN be treated!

The prevention of periodontal disease requires good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular professional care. Good oral hygiene and regular periodontal cleanings are critical to maintaining bone levels, preventing bone loss, and tooth loss.

Most patients are able to avoid tooth loss with minimal professional care after the disease process has been managed. Thorough and regular periodontal maintenance therapy (cleaning) on a 3-month interval is most important to preventing tooth loss.

This is the mildest form of periodontal disease. The gum becomes inflamed. The space between gum and tooth deepens, forming a pocket. Gums may become red and swollen, or may bleed when probed. Or, there may be no symptoms. Gingivitis can often be reversed with dental cleanings and regular brushing and flossing. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis.

With periodontitis, infection and inflammation spread to the bone supporting the teeth. Ligaments break down and the gums may recede (shrink back). Pockets deepen and can be difficult to keep clean. Redness, swelling, and bleeding may develop or worsen. Bacteria multiply, and infection begins to destroy the bone. As bone is destroyed, teeth may start to feel loose.

As periodontitis advances, pockets deepen even more and can fill with pus. Around the roots of the teeth, the gums may start to swell. Bone loss continues. The teeth may feel sensitive to heat or cold, and may hurt when brushed. Teeth loosen due to loss of bone and ligament. In some cases, teeth may need to be removed to keep periodontal disease from spreading.