Our professional team helps each patient realize their personal objective of good dental habits while working to improve the cosmetic appearance of his or her smile. We believe that a healthy smile ultimately leads to improved overall wellness and enhanced self confidence.
Healthy gums not only look great they are essential for good overall oral health. But more than 80% of Americans have a silent disease that can damage the teeth, gum and jawbone. Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Typically, periodontal diseases are a result of dental plague. Bacteria found in dental plaque can produce toxins (poisons) which irritate the gums. They may cause the gum tissue to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth and cause spaces (often called pockets).
In addition to releasing harmful bacteria into the mouth, plaque can often harden into a rough, porous substance called dental calculus (tartar). Tartar can form above and below the gum line, and can break down the structures that support the teeth.
If periodontal diseases progresses too long, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate which ultimately leads to tooth loss. The remaining teeth can shift, loosen or fall out, and the supporting bone could be destroyed.
Proper oral examinations can reveal the early signs of gum disease so its important to go to your regular dentist for checkups on schedule. Often times, you wont experience any pain or discomfort in the early stages, but your dentist will be able to evaluate the health of your gums. In some cases, you might experience bleeding, redness and swelling along the gum line, but these symptoms aren't always there.
Raised in a family of life-long learners, Dr. Schaefer grew up in a bedroom community of St. Louis. His mom worked as a teacher and his father owned his own small business. His older sister followed in her mothers footsteps into the teaching profession, while Dr. Schaefer set out to care for others.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and his dental degree from the University of Florida. Like Piedmont Periodontics founder Dr. Michael Scott Bartruff, Dr. Schaefer received his Certificate in Periodontics from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. The doctors met years ago via the schools alumni network, developing a professional relationship based on similar treatment philosophies.
Dr. Schaefer has practiced in Florida, Illinois, and Missouri. He has earned certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, a rigorous process consisting of written and oral examinations covering all aspects of periodontal treatment and dental implants. He maintains membership in the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology. In 2019, he was named to St. Louis Magazines list of Top Dentists (usatopdentists.com).
A Texas native, Regan moved to Atlanta in 2009. He came to the Piedmont Periodontics team during the summer of 2014, bringing with him more than 13 years of experience in general and specialty dentistry. Regan utilizes these years of experience and knowledge to ensure that Piedmont Periodontics patients receive the utmost care and attention.
He enjoys working with Dr. Schaefer because of the passion he demonstrates in his work, the personable manner in which he communicates with patients and his dedication to providing the best periodontal care possible.