Periodontics
Dr. Khanh Le treats the gums and the bone that hold your teeth in place, from non-surgical therapy to gum grafts, pocket reduction, crown lengthening, and surgical implant placement.
More than 80% of Americans have some level of gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Early signs are easy to miss, and untreated periodontitis is linked to diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy complications.
- Plaque and tartar buildupPeriodontal disease often begins when plaque, a sticky film produced by oral bacteria, coats the teeth and hardens into tartar. Tartar is insoluble and continually irritates the gum tissue, leading to inflammation.
- GingivitisThe earliest stage causes swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gums. With prompt care, gingivitis is reversible.
- Progression to periodontitisAs bacteria break down the connective tissue between gums and teeth, the gums begin to pull away, allowing pockets of infection to form around the roots.
- Screening at every cleaningAt your routine dental cleanings, which we recommend at least every six months, your hygienist checks for periodontal pockets and measures their depth to gauge the extent of any disease.
- Scaling and root planingWhen pockets are present, removing tartar from below the gum line and smoothing the tooth roots can halt progression and clear infection. Over time, the gums can heal and reattach to the teeth.
- Advanced periodontal careMore involved cases may call for gum grafts, crown lengthening, regenerative procedures, or other surgical therapies, all performed in-office by Dr. Khanh Le.
Catching gum disease early is the most effective way to protect your smile and your overall health. Regular exams and cleanings give us the best opportunity to keep your gums healthy for life.
Dr. Khanh Le
DMD · Periodontist
Ever since Dr. Khanh Le started school in her native Canada, she was drawn to and inspired by science classes. This interest led her to pursue a career in the healthcare field, which resulted in her studying dentistry. Dr. Le went on to earn her DMD from the University of Montreal in 2002. After graduating, she found herself eager to continue her education, so she decided to pursue a specialty in periodontology, also at Laval. In 2008, she was awarded a Master's Degree in Sciences with a Certificate in Periodontology.
For over 10 years, Dr. Le has been honored to be part of the dedicated Hingham Dentistry team, where she specializes in such treatments as gum graft surgeries, regenerative procedures, crown lengthening, dental implants, pocket reductions, and various non-surgical periodontal treatments.
What Dr. Le treats.
- Tooth ExtractionsWhen a tooth can't be saved, gentle extractions are performed with options to replace it.Read the guide →
- Dental ImplantsPermanent tooth replacement that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. Surgical placement by Dr. Khanh Le and final restoration by Dr. Rustam DeVitre, planned together under one roof.Read the guide →
- TMJ / TMD TreatmentAlso offered with our other specialistsEvaluation and management of jaw joint pain, clicking, headaches, and bite issues. Directed by Dr. Rustam DeVitre, Past President of the Northeast Craniomandibular Society.Read the guide →
- Sleep Apnea TreatmentAlso offered with our other specialistsCustom oral appliances that can help manage mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.Read the guide →
- Oral Sedation DentistryAlso offered with our other specialistsFor anxious patients, oral sedation helps you relax through longer or more involved treatments.Read the guide →
Periodontics · Hingham, MA
Periodontics questions, answered.
Every mouth is different. If your question is not here, call the office and we will answer it directly.
What does a periodontist do that a general dentist does not?
- A periodontist completes several years of training beyond dental school focused on the gums and the bone that support your teeth. Dr. Le handles gum graft surgeries, regenerative procedures, crown lengthening, pocket reductions, and the surgical placement of dental implants, and she also manages non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Le?
- No. Dr. Le practices in our Hingham office alongside our general dentists, so you can request a visit with her directly. If you are already a patient here, your dentist can bring her into your care without sending you anywhere else.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
- Early gum disease is easy to miss. Swelling, redness, and bleeding when you brush are the first signs, and your hygienist measures the depth of the pockets around your teeth at every cleaning so we can catch changes before they progress.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
- We numb the area for any procedure that calls for it, and oral sedation is available if you would feel more comfortable with it. Tell us what you are worried about and we will plan the visit around it.
Will my gums grow back after treatment?
- Gum tissue that has already receded does not grow back on its own, which is why grafting exists. After scaling and root planing, though, healthy gums can heal and reattach to the teeth once the infection is cleared.
How much will treatment cost?
- It depends on the procedure and your plan. We are in network with Delta Dental and BlueCross BlueShield, we submit the paperwork for you, and we will estimate your out-of-pocket responsibility before treatment begins. Call the office and we will walk you through it.
Start with the specialist who knows this work.
Tell us what you are experiencing, and our team will route the request to this specialty.