Delaying treatment for gum disease, injuries and tooth decay can lead to missing teeth. In fact, health statistics show nearly 70 percent of adults are missing at least one tooth by the time they reach 44 years of age. And by age 74, more than 25 percent of adults have lost all of their natural teeth. Dental implants are a popular, tooth-replacement alternative to wearing traditional dentures and fixed bridges, which sit directly on top of the gums or depend on neighboring teeth to stay in place. Traditional methods also increase the risk of bone loss. Although conventional methods are still a safe option for addressing missing teeth, compared to dental implants, they also come with certain risks and complications.

Dental implants, which are made of durable, decay-resistant titanium, are a sustainable solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. Dental implants are also a popular choice for patients who have had previous dental work and want to reinforce or replace old bridges and dentures. Your periodontist places the dental implants into your jaw bone where it fuses with your existing bone (called osseointegration). Outcomes are usually very successful for the majority of patients with results typically lasting for decades.

Crystal is an UNCW alumna with a degree in Communication Studies and became part of the Cook Perio team in December 2012. Her role as Practice Ambassador is to be a liaison between our office and referring doctors. She is dedicated to making sure the referral & treatment process is seamless for everyone, especially the patient. Crystal also coordinates all events and study club meetings. In her free time she loves to go to yard sales and snuggle her adopted doggies, Pinto & Drax.

Michelle became part of the Cook Periodontics family in January 2018. Michelle is originally from Long Island, New York and made Wilmington her home in 2005. With over 20 years of medical and dental experience, Michelle's main focus is patient care -- which includes everything from the initial phone call to the healthy smile her patients receive after completing treatment with our doctors. With a laugh that is contagious, Michelle is well-known for keeping everyone smiling at the office. In her spare time she loves spending time with her husband, her 2 English Bulldogs (Darla and Buster), and traveling around North Carolina to watch her niece dance in competitions.

Shaun has been a dental hygienist since 1986 and for the majority of this time she has been a hygienist in a periodontal office. Shaun feels that this is her area of expertise! She always continues to challenge her professional skills through continuing education and new products. She loves meeting and getting to know new faces and helping people have a healthy smile. She loves spending time with her family, children, and friends. She also loves the beach and boating!

Born and raised in Southern Maryland, Becky worked as a Dental Assistant while attending her first two years of College. Moving to Wilmington in 2014 to study dental hygiene, Becky earned her Dental Hygiene Degree from Cape Fear Community College in May of 2017. She is passionate about dental health care education and is serving her second term as a Trustee for the North Carolina Dental Hygienists Association representing the Cape Fear region. She joined the Cook Periodontics & Dental Implants team in February of 2018. When away from the office Becky enjoys reading, backyard gardening, weekend travels with her boyfriend Justin, and taking care of their two dogs, Pete and Charlie.

Arianna earned a B.S. in human biology from SUNY Albany and her dental assistant diploma from CFCC. Upon graduation, Arianna joined our team in August 2017. As part of the Cook Perio team, Arianna enjoys making her patients feel comfortable about their dental treatment through humor and education. She was born in NY but loves the warm weather of the NC Coast. Ariannas other loves include her husband Paul, everything Disney, and the beach!

Cerrissa is dedicated and focused on giving our patients her full attention to provide them a super friendly and comfortable experience at every visit. One of Cerrissas top priorities is to keep our patients informed on what to expect regarding their treatment and is always more than happy to answer any questions as she truly enjoys what she does. Outside of work Cerrissa volunteers as a den mother for her son Corbins Boy Scout pack. Some of Cerrissas interests include outdoor activities like exercising, and camping, as well as curling up on the couch with a good book.

Brooke graduated from Cape Fear Community College with a diploma in dental assisting in 2018. She joined our team right after. Her favorite thing about periodontics is seeing transformations from surgeries that make patients proud of their smile. In her free time, Brooke loves country music concerts, going to sports games with her husband, Ryan, playing with her son, Asher, and volunteering at her church.

We are committed to working together as a caring team of individuals to provide a friendly, clean environment that will allow us to provide excellent quality dental care and encourage lifelong periodontal/dental health.

We will clearly communicate dental and oral education, treatment and finances. We will continue to grow in our profession through continued education and team building that will reflect in the quality of the periodontal treatment we provide.

We will create an enthusiastic and energetic environment that allows for both the patient and team to have the best experience possible. Our periodontist specializes in conservative treatment of gum disease, cosmetic procedures to aesthetically enhance your smile, and dental implants that can replace single or multiple missing teeth. We also diagnose and treat oral pathology.

Although some people dont like to go to the doctor or dentist, we strive to make your visits with us as comfortable and pleasant as possible. We strongly believe that our patients comfort is an important part of quality dental care.

We are extraordinarily proud of our staff, which is comprised of caring and dedicated professionals. They ensure that the patients surgical and administrative needs are met as efficiently and smoothly as possible.

Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. We are here to listen to your questions and concerns and to help provide solutions leading to your better health. Please dont hesitate to e-mail us if you have any questions regarding your care, or call us at 910-256-8486. Our fax number is 910-256-8449.