Dr. Julie Combs is a native of Indiana, graduating from North Central High School in Indianapolis and receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. After living out-of-state and working in architecture for a few years, she returned to the Hoosier State to begin what was one of the best decisions she has made to enter the profession of Dentistry. Graduating from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2005, she completed a three-year Periodontal Residency Program at the University of Kentucky, receiving both a Certificate of Periodontics and Master's Degree.

Dr. Combs is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, meaning that she has achieved the highest possible level of education in her field through extensive training as well as written and oral examination. She is a active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association, and the Indianapolis District Dental Society. In addition, Dr. Combs teaches in the Periodontal Program at the Indiana University School of Dentistry.

Periodontal disease is a chronic infection in the gums and supporting bone that is mainly caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungus. Most of the bacteria that causes periodontal disease is naturally occurring in the mouth. A sticky film called plaque attaches to the teeth, and when not brushed and flossed away it creeps below the gum line and attaches to the root.

The bacteria in plaque produce toxins and poisons that directly and indirectly irritate and destroy the oral tissues. In the early stages (gingivitis), the gums may become red, inflamed and swollen. Bleeding is often noted.

When left untreated, the gum tissue begins to separate from the teeth which permits infections to progress into the bone. This painless transformation from health to disease often occurs without any noticeable symptoms to the patient.

As these periodontal infections progress, the supporting bone and the gum tissue begin to deteriorate. The tooth support is destroyed and as the infection advances the teeth become loose. 75% percent of adult tooth loss is a result of periodontal infections.

Important Note: Your gums can look and feel quite normal yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can still be present. To be certain about any periodontal disease, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for signs of infection.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.

Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Since periodontists are the dental experts who specialize in precisely these areas, they are ideal members of your dental implant team. Not only do periodontists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own. Your dentist and periodontist will work together to make your dreams come true.

This procedure is a team effort between you, your dentist and your periodontist. Your periodontist and dentist will consult with you to determine where and how your implant should be placed. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, your periodontist will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs.

As you know, your own teeth require conscientious at-home oral care and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply!

After treatment, your periodontist will work closely with you and your dentist to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your implant, teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy.

Laser Periodontal Therapy, also Known as LANAP, is a laser-based technique for the treatment of periodontal disease. Laser Periodontal Therapy is an amazing breakthrough in the treatment of periodontal disease. If you have been told that you need gum surgery or you have periodontal disease, this new technology replaces cutting the gum tissue with a scalpel and does not require stitches. This means an easier recovery with minimal bleeding, which preserves gum tissue and reduces root exposure and sensitivity.

The way to repair the damage from gum disease is to get rid of the infection and close up the infected pockets between the gum and teeth. LANAP is a minimally-invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery. It uses a digital dental laser to remove harmful bacteria and diseased tissue from the gum pocket by passing a laser light between the gum and tooth.

First, we use a local anesthetic to eliminate any possible discomfort. A tiny laser fiber (about the thickness of three human hairs) is inserted between the tooth and gum and the infection is cleared away by removing only the diseased tissue.

Next, we use an ultrasonic scaler and small instruments to remove the tartar from the root surface of the tooth. Then, laser light energy is again directed between the gum and tooth. The laser helps reduce the bacteria and stimuates your bodys existing cells to grow new root surface coating and new connective tissue attachment to the root surface. All of this is done without making any type of incision.

After removing the diseased tissue, the laser immediately cauterizes the wound. The result is that you experience little to no bleeding. An added benefit of the laser is its ability to seal the nerve endings. The entire process results in only minor discomfort afterward.

The laser is an effective tool for improving overall dental health with less pain, less bleeding, less swelling, less tissue removal, and less recovery time than traditional gum surgery or periodontal treatment. It provides a viable alternative to traditional gum surgery that is less invasive and more appealing to some patients who may otherwise avoid necessary treatment due to fear or prolonged treatment time. Some of the benefits include: