Richard W. Graham, earned his dental degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1988. He then completed his graduate training in periodontics at the University of Kentucky in 1990 where he also earned his masters degree in dental sciences.

He has had the privilege of serving as president of both the South Carolina Society of Periodontics and the Spartanburg County Dental Society. He is also a 'fellow' in the Peirre Fauchard Academy, an international dental honor society.

Dr. Graham lives in Spartanburg with his wife, Lisa, and two children, Meredith and Will. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg. When not busy with his family and professional activities, he can be seen on the tennis courts around town.

LANAP is a gentle, conservative, non-invasive method of treating gum disease without cutting, suturing or removing tissue. Using a precision laser, the Doctor is able to kill up to 99% of the disease-causing bacteria in the periodontal pockets. Because there is no defense against the laser, the bacteria can not adapt and avoid elimination as with antibiotic treatment.

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. In its advanced stages the gums can become red and tender. They can also bleed when you brush your teeth. Many people also experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste

Unchecked, periodontal disease becomes much more serious and deep pockets of bacteria develop. These bacteria eat away at the jawbone that supports your teeth. Periodontal bacteria also enter the blood stream and contribute to many other medical problems. Without treatment, the periodontal pockets deepen, resulting in tooth loss.

The word 'periodontal' literally means 'around the tooth.' Periodontal disease (also known as 'gum disease,' 'pyorrhea' or 'periodontal infection') is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone around your teeth. This infection leads to an inflammation under the gums, and if not treated, this inflammation can destroy the bone around your teeth. This results in tooth loss. Approximately 75% of all adult tooth loss is due to periodontal infection.

More importantly, research has associated periodontal infection to several serious medical problems, including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. As ongoing research continues to define how periodontal disease is associated with these and other health problems, oral health maintenance is essential. Periodontal health is a key component to a healthy body.

Have you ever gotten a sliver of wood caught under the skin of your hand? Because the wound is open to bacteria, the site may become infected and so appear red and inflamed. In time, your immune system fights off the bacteria and your hand heals.

Periodontal disease is an ongoing infection in the pockets around your teeth. You cannot fight off the infection alone, but with periodontal therapy, we are able to remove debris and bacteria from the site allowing the gum to heal as your hand had.

People with periodontal disease have low resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes an ongoing gum infection that grows in 'bursts' of activity. Each time it grows, more support for your teeth is lost. Some factors that can cause a 'burst' of activity are:

Important Note: Your gums can look and feel quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can still be present. To be certain about any periodontal disease, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for signs of infection.

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Many periodontists have also taken advanced training in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including 2 to 3 additional years of education beyond dental school.