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 4.8 out of 5 based on 94 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestSherry Harms
a year ago
Periodontal Specialists had excellent reviews. I called to get second opinion on procedure my dentist said I may need. All staff was very professional & nice. Explained in detail procedure & cost. My appts are in October & November.
Lynda Lewis
2 years ago
Quick and efficient. Appreciate the treatment and respect shown by everyone.
Sherry Harms
2 years ago
Periodontal Specialists had excellent reviews. I called to get second opinion on procedure my dentist said I may need. All staff was very professional & nice. Explained in detail procedure & cost. My appts are in October & November.
Mike PHILLIPS
2 years ago
Very nice staff
Linda Smith
2 years ago
Everyone in the office was wonderful to deal with and Dr. Thomas was great explaining everything to me.
Annie Byrd
2 years ago
Alice was so kind and gentle with my cleaning. I appreciate her.
Dee Ann Poole
2 years ago
The team is personable and friendly. They sincerely care about their patients and it shows in everything they do: from scheduling appointments that work with your availability to following up on any concerns you may have. I love this dental team!!
Lillian Markins
2 years ago
Everyone at Periodontal Specialist are so knowledable, friendly ad helpful. I would recommend Periodontal Specialist to everyone.
Anne W.
2 years ago
Jessica is the best hygenist, I drive an hour to see her and she's the BEST!
Lowell Brownawell
2 years ago
Have been going to them for over 15 yrs. My former dental hygienist couldn't fix a gum problem, so I came here and have had no problems since. Plus they have a great staff.
Scott Cooper
2 years ago
Explained what they were planning on doing and why
Barbara "Barb" Pope
3 years ago
Had my most comfortable visit yet. Thanks to the staff!
Kirby Kavanaugh
3 years ago
Dr. Thomas and his team are truly amazing. They got me right in, and explained my problem, and offered solutions to help alleviate my symptoms. Beautiful office, and professional environment.
Annette Crees
3 years ago
Five Stars... I'm very satisfied with the care.
Carl Hartley
3 years ago
Recent consultation with Dr. Dan Thomas regarding possible implant. Very professional review of my situation and explanation of the procedure and materials to use. Clearly the latest technique and material are used by Dr. Thomas for the benefit of the patient. I was very satisfied and scheduled the procedure with the efficient scheduling staff. Looking forward to my replacement implant.
Mich Car
3 years ago
Love the Northland office as well...extremely professional and cleaning was very thorough! Dr Discussed next steps ...overall great place committed to oral health
Ry Hart
3 years ago
From the professionalism of the staff and the exquisite office. I was left with no other option but to give high marks! Dora is always helpful with scheduling, Alice gives the best teeth cleaning I've ever received and Dr Thomas is very informative and in my opinion highly qualified.
Rick Clark
3 years ago
Dr. Thomas and his staff are great. They are cordial, knowledgeable, and they go out of their way to serve me needs.
Robert Groszek
3 years ago
My son had an extra adult tooth extraction and needed anesthesia because he is a child and very anxious about the procedure. Everything went very well and the costs were much lower than another place we tried. The contracted anesthetist they use was excellent and checked up with us the next day and sent a card, too. I give four stars instead of five because the doctor's office themselves did not follow up with us.
Cyndi Macari-Minnihan
3 years ago
Offered no professional discount and wanted to charge a fee for N2O for every single tooth that was to be worked on! Ummmmm no! It's 1 charge 1x for N2O.... you don't turn it on/off several times throughout the procedure!
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