What is a Periodontist?A Periodontist is a dentist who has specialized in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases affecting the supporting structures of teeth including gums and bone. A Periodontist has extensive training in dental implant treatment planning and surgery. He or she has had an additional 2-3 years of training after dental school in the evaluation and treatment of periodontal and peri-implant disease. He or she performs both surgical and non-surgical procedures.
What is Periodontal Disease?Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial driven disease that affects the gum and bone that support the teeth. It is also known as gum disease. Periodontal treatment limits the damage of the disease and keeps your mouth healthier. In the early stages of periodontal disease there are usually no symptoms. This silent disease damages the gums, and leads to bone loss around the teeth. Without treatment, it will only get worse and will eventually lead to tooth loss.
Some warning signs of periodontal disease are:- Red, swollen or tender gums- Bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating hard food- Gums that are pulling away from the teeth- Separating or loose teeth- Pus between the gums and teeth- Persistent bad breath- Change in the way your teeth fit together with you bite
Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life by periodontal disease. Shockingly, adults over the age of 35 lose more teeth to periodontal disease than from cavities.What causes Periodontal Disease?Plaque caused from food and bacteria produce toxins that irritate the gum tissue. This may cause them to be red, swollen and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth causing periodontal pockets along the tooth. As the disease progresses, the supporting gum tissue and bone that hold teeth in place deteriorates.
There are many risk factors for periodontal disease; some you can control and others you cannot. Although age is not a risk factor, often older people have more severe disease because there has been more time for damage to take place. Risk factors include: smoking, inadequate oral hygiene, diabetes, stress, teeth grinding, hormone changes, compromised immune system, genetics, and certain medications.
Dr. Daniel Thomas earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Dentistry in 1990. He then entered UMKCs Advanced Education Program in Periodontics, graduating in 1992 and earning a Master of Science degree in Oral Biology and Certificates in Periodontics, Implant Dentistry and Intravenous Conscious Sedation. He has been practicing Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in Leawood, KS, since 1994 and in Kansas City, MO, since 2007.
Dr. Thomas is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Implant Surgery and has been awarded the highest level of recognition by the specialty. He has been actively engaged in his profession beyond his daily practice. He was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Dentistry. Dr. Thomas is a fellow of the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists.
In addition to providing exceptional periodontal care to his patients, Dr. Thomas also is dedicated to serving his community through public service activities. In 2011 he served as the Chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, Oral Health Task Force. He is a graduate of the esteemed Leadership Kansas program, Class of 2012. In 2013 he was appointed by Kansas Governor Brownback to serve as a Director on the University of Kansas Hospital Authority Board. Governor Sam Brownback called again in the summer of 2015 when he appointed Dr. Thomas to serve as a Regent on the Kansas Board of Regents that supervises, coordinates and governs Kansass higher education system.
Dr. Thomas is active in several professional associations and was appointed in 2018 to serve on the Kansas Dental Board by Governor Dr. Jeff Colyer and in 2019 by Governor Laura Kelly. Dr. Thomas served as a Director on the Kansas Arts Foundation. He is a recipient of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the country. He also has been honored by the Chamber of Commerce with the Professional Leader of the Year Award.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 90 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestSUSAN MILLER
a year ago
I have always had a great experience with all of the staff at Periodontal Specialists, starting with the Admin -Autumn. She always has a warm smile and will help with anything she can. Dr. Thomas is a wonderful periodontist and I hope he never retires. I so appreciate his diligence, professional expertise and and compassionate concern. My hygienist, Alice is gentle and very thorough. I have never experienced cleaner teeth. They have accommodated my schedule and have always provided me with the best of care!
Raemelle "MsRaeDiva" Davis
a year ago
Absolutely Painless Denistry after each visit!! :)
Demetria Booth-Williams
2 years ago
I love the one on one treatment I get with all staff and Dr. Daniel Thomas. When I enter in they know me by name and we have the best conversations throughout my entire appointment. They care about my dental health and I appreciate all that they do. I never feel rushed and I always have positive vibes throughout my visit at the dental office.
Renee Blanche
2 years ago
Everyone is very professional. I have a good time visiting with the ladies and Dr Thomas is a joy as well.
James Mixson
2 years ago
Excellent care!
cbeaum
2 years ago
Dr. Thomas, Stephanie and the entire staff are the best. I've been to several Periodontist over the years and Dr. Thomas is by far the best. I'd give him 10 stars if possible.
Teresa Purnell
2 years ago
As always. My check up was great!
Mary Lorton
2 years ago
Excellent, thoughtful care of highest attunement to patient nneds.
Dan Hakes
2 years ago
My dentist referred Periodontal Specialists to look at an old crown that was showing signs of decay in the roots. Dr. Daniel Thomas consulted with me about the condition of the tooth and even though it wasn't good news, I am pleased with his diagnosis and treatment plan. I am very pleased with the personalized care that Dr. Thomas has given me and I recommend to go through Periodontal Specialists for their special dental care services. Updated 12/2/21: I have had two implant studs placed as part of the ongoing treatment and Dr. Thomas and the dental assistants continue to provide the care with follow up checks to make sure the implant studs are healing correctly. Very pleased with the care I am receiving from Periodontal Specialists.
Pamela Plattner
2 years ago
Dr Combs was friendly and informative. Office could improve on their time efficiency, as I waited a long time and there were no other patients there.
Chris McHenry
2 years ago
Dr. took an extraordinary amount of time to discuss my problem with me and to get to know me as a person. This made me feel well cared for and meant a lot. Thanks
Barbara Kornis
2 years ago
Excellent treatment
Linda Hopkins
2 years ago
Consistently a superb experience. Dr. Melissa Combs is very knowledgeable, professional and treats patients with the utmost respect and kindness. In addition, her entire staff is also excellent--from hygienist, office manager, reception staff, billing, etc. A very good experience and this does not even take into account that the office has always been pristine! If you need any periodontal work, exam, etc. this should be your first (and only) stop. We sincerely appreciate our experience every time we've had an appointment. The best of the best!
John Fagan
2 years ago
My first experience with Dr. Dan Thomas came from a referral by my Dentist to go see him due to a horizontal crack in my molar on the very back top, left side. That is a hard place for any Dentist to work. I opted for a permanent tooth to be installed which was an 8 month process and I went in about every 6 weeks to be sure my jaw bone was not rejecting it. Dr. Thomas and his whole staff, especially Alice and Dora, could not have been more hospitable. They always took the time to make sure I was comfortable and pain free. I would highly recommend their practice to young and older people alike. I could not have asked for better treatment than what Dr. Thomas offers!
Gary Hankins
2 years ago
All went well with treatment and no pain afterwards
Scott Cooper
2 years ago
This practice provided what I was looking for - a laid out plan for treatment, including estimated out-of-pocket costs. Dr Combs was well versed in her field and was able to explain the details to me without talking over my head.
K Maddy
2 years ago
I've had several appointments here And I've never had a bad experience. Dr Thomas and the staff have always been great.
martin bol
2 years ago
I really love the experience of visiting this office, everybody is really professional, thank you.
Sharon Pace
2 years ago
Very professional
Office Office
2 years ago
I love my visits to Periodontal Specialists. The staff is always polite and professional and I absolutely love my hygienist, Alice, as well as Doctor Thomas. Great place to go for your periodontal care.
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