Periodontist in Lee's Summit, MO
Welcome to Morris Periodontics
Patrick J. Morris, DDS MS is a dental specialist in periodontics. He has expertise in the treatment of periodontal disease (gum disease), placement of dental implants, cosmetic periodontal surgery and gum grafting. As a periodontal specialist, Dr. Morris offers Laser Gum Therapy. However, Dr. Morris utilizes various other treatment modalities including Piezotomes, Radio Surgery, Ultra Sonic Scalers as well as Microscopes. His knowledge allows him to customize treatment for your individual needs. Dr. Morris uses the latest technology with state-of-the-art procedures to help create and maintain your beautiful smile.
For your convenience, we offer Care Credit as one of our payment options.
Are You Looking for Excellent Periodontal Care?
At Morris Periodontics, we strive to provide the highest quality state-of-the-art periodontal care, while individualizing treatment to each patient’s needs. Call us today!
What is a Periodontist?
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. They have had extensive training with two additional years of study after dental school. As specialists they devote their time, energy and skill to helping patients care for their gums. A periodontist is one of the eight dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.
Dental Implants
Dr. Morris has received extensive training in Dental Implantology. He is one of a select few who has a Certificate in Dental Implantology from a University (The University of Missouri) and has been successfully placing implants since 1993.
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Dental implants are changing the way people live. With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. For more information about dental implants or to schedule a New Patient Exam, call our office at Morris Periodontics, Lees Summit, MO Office Phone Number 816-554-2663.
Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
These procedures are a predictable way to cover unsightly, sensitive, or exposed root surfaces and to prevent future gum recession. If you are unhappy with the appearance of short unsightly teeth this can be greatly improved by a combination of periodontal procedures by Dr. Morris and cosmetic dentistry by your dentist. For more information about cosmetic periodontal surgery or to schedule a New Patient Exam, call our office at Morris Periodontics, Lees Summit, MO Office Phone Number 816-554-2663.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal treatment is necessary when various conditions affect the health of your gums and the regions of your jawbone that hold your teeth in place. Retaining your teeth is directly dependent on proper periodontal care and maintenance. Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth, like a frame around a beautiful painting. When your gums become unhealthy, they can either recede or become swollen and red. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth will shift, loosen, or fall out. These changes not only affect your ability to chew and speak. They also spoil your smile.
Periodontal diseases are ongoing infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Periodontal disease affects one or more of the periodontal tissues: alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum, or gingiva. While there are many diseases which affect the tooth-supporting structures, plaque-induced inflammatory lesions make up the majority of periodontal issues, and are divided into two categories: gingivitis and periodontitis. While gingivitis , the less serious of the diseases, may never progress into periodontitis, it always precedes periodontitis.
Dental plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis in genetically-susceptible individuals. Plaque is a sticky colorless film, composed primarily of food particles and various types of bacteria, which adhere to your teeth at and below the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth, even minutes after cleaning. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. Gums may become inflamed, red, swollen, and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth causing pockets (spaces) to form. If daily brushing and flossing is neglected, plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This can occur both above and below the gum line.
If gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorates. The progressive loss of this bone, the alveolar, can lead to loosening and subsequent loss of teeth. Periodontitis is affected by bacteria that adhere to the tooth’s surface, along with an overly aggressive immune response to these bacteria.
Periodontal disease is dangerous in that it is often painless and symptomless. The Center for Disease Control estimates that 47.2% of American adults have some form of periodontitis. It is important to maintain proper home oral care and regular dentist visits to reduce the risk of obtaining this disease.