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.