Dr. Craig J. McLaughlin, D.D.S. received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont in 1980. After one year of graduate school he spent four years intensely studying the theory and practice of dentistry at the New York University College of Dentistry, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1985.
Subsequently, he performed his General Practice Residency at the Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield Massachusetts. After completion, he decided to focus on periodontics, and received his Certification in Periodontology from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1988.
A Nashua native, Dr. McLaughlin has lived and worked locally almost his entire life, save for the time he spent at school. He graduated from Nashua High School and returned to Nashua to open his office for business on Nashuas Main Street in 1988, where it has remained since.
Click to EnlargeThe word 'periodontal' means 'around the tooth.' Periodontal Disease (also known as 'gum disease', 'pyorrhea' or 'periodontal infection') is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone around your teeth. This infection leads to an inflammation under the gums. If it isn 't treated, the inflammation can destroy the bone around your teeth resulting in tooth loss. Periodontal infection is the cause of 75% of all adult tooth loss.
More importantly, research has associated periodontal infection to several serious medical problems; including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. As ongoing research continues to define how periodontal disease is associated with these and other health problems, good oral health is essential. Good periodontal health is a key component of a healthy body.
When you were a child, did you ever get a bad scrape that becamered and swollen? That was caused by bacteria that got under your skin. The area became infected and inflamed. It may have lasted for days or weeks, but eventually the inflammation went away. The inflammation disappeared when your immune system conquered the bacteria and the infection healed.
With an ongoing infection, your immune system never wins the battle; the infection keeps growing and the inflammation never goes away. Periodontal disease is an ongoing infection in the pockets around your teeth. Your immune system cannot conquer the bacteria, and without treatment, it will get worse.
People with periodontal disease have low resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes an ongoing gum infection that grows in 'bursts' of activity. Each time it grows, more support for your teeth is lost. Some factors that can cause a 'burst' of activity are:
When your infection has a burst of activity, or when there are signs that this is about to occur, it is very important that you contact us without delay to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. McLaughlin will be able to determine the treatment necessary to control your periodontal infection and set you on a path toward excellent oral health.
Important Note: Your gums can look and feel quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can still be present. To be certain about any periodontal disease, have your periodontistexamine you for signs of infection.
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Many periodontists have also taken advanced training in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, includingtwo tothree additional years of education beyond dental school. Periodontics is one of theeight specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
Reviews
Rating 4.6 out of 5 based on 8 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestDeepti M
3 years ago
My daughter just had a gum grafting done today. We had a wonderful experience right from the first time I called as a new patient. During the procedure, my daughter had to be alone inside and I was very anxious about it. But the doctor and the wonderful lady assisting the doctor made the whole visit so positive! It was also the first time my daughter was taking a dental anesthesia. Everybody here is just awesome! Thank you!
Deepti M
4 years ago
My daughter just had a gum grafting done today. We had a wonderful experience right from the first time I called as a new patient. During the procedure, my daughter had to be alone inside and I was very anxious about it. But the doctor and the wonderful lady assisting the doctor made the whole visit so positive! It was also the first time my daughter was taking a dental anesthesia. Everybody here is just awesome! Thank you!
Samantha Murphy
4 years ago
I am the biggest baby when it comes to procedures and when I learned I needed a graft they were thoughtful and committed to making my experience as easy and relaxing for me as possible. They answered all my questions and went above and beyond their duties to provide me with the best and most thoughtful care. Highly recommend.
Bob Massey
4 years ago
Good job by hygienists and Periodontist!!
Samantha Murphy
5 years ago
I am the biggest baby when it comes to procedures and when I learned I needed a graft they were thoughtful and committed to making my experience as easy and relaxing for me as possible. They answered all my questions and went above and beyond their duties to provide me with the best and most thoughtful care. Highly recommend.
Bob Massey
5 years ago
Good job by hygienists and Periodontist!!
Sherilyn Pappal
5 years ago
I've had hygiene appointments at Dr. McLaughlin's office. I found the staff to be fun and engaging. I had great cleanings and Dr. McLaughlin spent time with me at every appointment. They are very committed to their patient's care.
Sarah S
5 years ago
I have only good things to say about my experience here! First off, I saved THOUSANDS of dollars having my gum graft here vs with the local competitors. During my consult, Dr. McLaughlin took the time to explain exactly what was recommended, why it was being recommended, and what I could expect. He took time to answer my questions, and I didn't feel rushed or pressured. The procedure itself was literally painless, and my recovery went well. I am VERY pleased with the way my gum graft looks one week after surgery. You would never know I had gum recession last week. The receptionist is very knowledgeable, the dental assistants are terrific, everything is clean and tidy, and in my three visits, I've never waited in the waiting room more than a couple of minutes. I strongly recommend this practice!
Sarah S
6 years ago
I have only good things to say about my experience here! First off, I saved THOUSANDS of dollars having my gum graft here vs with the local competitors. During my consult, Dr. McLaughlin took the time to explain exactly what was recommended, why it was being recommended, and what I could expect. He took time to answer my questions, and I didn't feel rushed or pressured. The procedure itself was literally painless, and my recovery went well. I am VERY pleased with the way my gum graft looks one week after surgery. You would never know I had gum recession last week. The receptionist is very knowledgeable, the dental assistants are terrific, everything is clean and tidy, and in my three visits, I've never waited in the waiting room more than a couple of minutes. I strongly recommend this practice!
J H
6 years ago
Great office, staff is kind, friendly and accommodating. Dr. McLaughlin is genuine and cares about your dental well being. Extremely professional and would recommend this office.
Sherilyn Pappal
6 years ago
I've had hygiene appointments at Dr. McLaughlin's office. I found the staff to be fun and engaging. I had great cleanings and Dr. McLaughlin spent time with me at every appointment. They are very committed to their patient's care.
audrey andresen
6 years ago
My review on here was really great until I went to my dentist and to my disappointment discovered that my skin graph was done totally wrong and outdated. I was told that I couldn't have the skin graph come down where I wanted on the tooth. My doctor showed me a recession picture and an improvement he made. He told me that the practice that was used on me was out of date. I am so upset now because I wasted 1000 on a graph that didn't even cover the entire recession and now I have to spend another 1000 to have the recession fixed before I can go to an Ortho. I do not recommend this place at all because their practices are out of date. Please shop around unlike I did to make sure you can get what you need before settling for something less and spending 2 grand and 3 surgeries when it could be done for 1k and 1 surgery.
J H
6 years ago
Great office, staff is kind, friendly and accommodating. Dr. McLaughlin is genuine and cares about your dental well being. Extremely professional and would recommend this office.
audrey andresen
7 years ago
My review on here was really great until I went to my dentist and to my disappointment discovered that my skin graph was done totally wrong and outdated. I was told that I couldn't have the skin graph come down where I wanted on the tooth. My doctor showed me a recession picture and an improvement he made. He told me that the practice that was used on me was out of date. I am so upset now because I wasted 1000 on a graph that didn't even cover the entire recession and now I have to spend another 1000 to have the recession fixed before I can go to an Ortho. I do not recommend this place at all because their practices are out of date. Please shop around unlike I did to make sure you can get what you need before settling for something less and spending 2 grand and 3 surgeries when it could be done for 1k and 1 surgery.
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