Dr. J. Eric Herrington was born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi. Having graduated in 1993 from West Lauderdale High School, he attended Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. Eric was a recipient of the Kelly Gene Cook Award and Scholarship for academic excellence. During his years at Millsaps College Eric was listed eight consecutive semesters on the Deans List, was awarded the Distinguished Student Award for academic excellence, and recognized for being one of the select few Millsaps graduates to receive a score of Excellence on comprehensive examination. Eric graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry in 1997.
Eric continued his education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. During his time at UAB, Eric participated in several research projects including an AAP (American Academy of Periodontology)funded task analyzing Periodontal treatment and its effect on cardiovascular health. Another research project of significance was a clinical trial testing the efficacy of the Periochip to enhance periodontal regeneration.
Eric Herrington was awarded a Doctoral Degree in Dental Medicine in June of 2001. Upon graduation Dr. Herrington received numerous accolades and awards including, Pierre Fauchard award for academic excellence, AAP award for outstanding achievement in Periodontics, Leon Schneyer Memorial award for highest scholastic achievement in the basic sciences, Alpha Omega award given to the graduate with the highest scholastic average, and inducted into the National Dental Honorary Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Dr. Herrington was recognized at convocation ceremonies for graduating with the number one ranking in his graduating class and for establishing a new record for academic Grade Point Average at the University of Alabama, Birmingham School of Dentistry.
Following graduation from dental school, Dr. Herrington continued his post-doctoral training as a resident in Periodontology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While completing his residency Dr. Herrington was one of four recipients of the American Academy of Periodontologys National Student Scholarship award. During his specialty training, Dr. Herrington received extensive education in managing periodontal diseases, performing cosmetic periodontal plastic procedures, and implant replacement therapy. Dr. Herrington has formal anesthesiology training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham department of Anesthesiology (VA hospital).
Since graduating from his periodontal post-doctoral program, Dr. Herrington has received one of the most coveted awards given by the American Academy of Periodontology, the Gerald S. Kramer Award for Excellence. This award is given on behalf of the American Academy of Periodontology to the nations top periodontal graduate of that given year.
In November of 2005 Dr. Herrington successfully completed all the necessary steps to obtain Diplomate Status within the American Board of Periodontology. This is an accomplishment that very few practicing periodontist achieve or even attempt. Dr. Herrington is the only board certified periodontist in the Meridian area and one of only three within the state of Mississippi.
The scope of this practice is limited to those procedures defined by the American Academy of Periodontology. These include, but are not limited to, the management of diseases and abnormalities associated with the dental periodontia, periodontal plastic procedures, surgical placement of dental implants and necessary bone grafting and augmenting procedures prior to dental implant placement.
Many patients suffer from dental anxiety or phobia, which caninterfere with their ability to undergo necessary procedures. To put patients at ease and maximize their comfort,Dr. J. Eric Herringtonoffers sedation dentistry at his Meridian, MS, practice. We offer both oral conscious sedation, as well as intravenous (IV) sedation, to meet our patients' unique dental needs and preferences. Dr. Herrington is a DOCS certified oral sedation dentist and has received advanced training in IV Sedation Dentistry at University of Alabama School of Dentistry. As a result, you can feel confident that Dr. Herrington will provides safe, effective sedation tailored to yourtreatment.
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medicationto help patients relax during dental procedures, ranging from simple cleanings and exams to dental implant surgery. At our practice, we offer twosedation options:
It is important to note that sedation does not provide pain relief. However, we also offer local anesthesia, which is administered by injection. Local anesthetic may be used independently or in conjunction with sedation to provide both pain relief and relaxation. During treatment, we can inject anesthetic into the procedural site to block pain sensations.It is not administered into the blood stream but instead into theskin or mucous membranes.
Sedation dentistry can alleviate much of the stress and fear associated with your dental visit, creating amore pleasant experience. Over time, sedation can help patients feel more comfortable with dental care and foster a positive doctor-patient relationship. The ability to undergo necessary treatments can ultimately improve your oral health, as patients typically find it easier to attend regular dental visits.