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Gum Disease

Without proper treatment, periodontal disease can progress from gingivitis to periodontitis and lead to widespread health concerns.

Dr. James Slaman DDS, PC, in Albuquerque, NM, can save your smile and improve your health with advanced gum disease treatment.

Dr. Slaman can address periodontal disease and improve your oral and overall health at our state-of-the-art office...

Why Choose Dr. James Slaman DDS, PC?

Dr. Slaman

Experience

Dr. Slaman has helped improve the oral health of patients of all ages throughout Albuquerque, NM, for over 20 years. Regarded by many as the best dentist in Albuquerque, Dr. Slaman is a perfectionist with extremely high standards. To this end, Dr. Slaman regularly attends continuing education to provide you with the latest treatments in modern dentistry.

Digital imaging equipment

Advanced Treatment

We strive to provide our patients with world-class care. To help support your oral and overall health we utilize state-of-the-art technology at our friendly dentist office. Our practice is equipped with advanced equipment including digital imaging and dental lasers, which allows Dr. Slaman to provide you with fast and effective gum disease treatment.

Child receiving NO sedation

Sedation Options

Our team wants you to enjoy a comfortable visit to our Albuquerque dental office. Dr. Slaman offers oral conscious sedation to help patients relax. He also uses The Wand® anesthetic system. A virtually pain-free device, patients often don't realize anesthesia has been administered with The Wand until the doctor tells them it's already been done.

"Dr. Slaman and His Dental Team Are the Best In the City" 5-Star Patient Reviews

1

Silvia Eastman

2021

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Oh My Goodness ! You need to know that Dr. Slaman and his dental team are the best in the city . They are compassionate, and sincerely caring. My husband and I are so blessed to have found them. I do not know how they are so perfect in their craft but they truly are. I Love the entire team, especially my hygienist, Lori. Thank you everyone.

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1

Liz Lorenz

2021

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Dr. Slaman's Office is helpful, efficient, friendly, and health conscious. It is a pleasant office to interact with. Everyone greets you by name, they make every effort to solve problems that may pop up, and you feel safe with all the safety steps they have implemented.

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Periodontal Disease Symptoms

Gum disease is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that leads to inflammation and infection in the gums. Periodontal disease is incredibly common and the likelihood of needing treatment increases as we age. 47.2% of adults 30 years of age and older suffer from some form of gum disease according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Early detection and treatment are key to eliminating gum disease.

The early stages of periodontal disease are known as gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include:

  • Swollen gums
  • Red gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad breath

Without prompt care, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which can in turn undermine your oral and overall health. Left untreated, periodontitis will begin to affect the bone density in your jaw which can lead to missing teeth.

Symptoms of periodontitis include those of gingivitis plus:

  • Gum recession
  • Loose teeth
  • Painful chewing
  • Change in the function of your bite

Timely periodontal therapy is a simple, affordable way to treat gum disease and guard against tooth loss and more costly restorative treatments. Healthy gum tissue directly promotes a more attractive smile and better overall health. Dr. James Slaman provides nonsurgical periodontal treatment at our Albuquerque, NM, practice through scaling and root planing and laser dentistry to help treat symptoms and prevent further damage. 

Protect Your Smile Schedule an Appointment Today

If you've noticed the telltale signs of gingivitis while brushing your teeth, receiving treatment before gum disease develops into periodontitis can save your smile. Addressing infected gum tissue can help eliminate symptoms such as bleeding gums and chronic bad breath. By eliminating periodontal issues early you can avoid gum recession and possible tooth loss. Restore your oral health and support your overall wellbeing with periodontal therapy form our expert Albuquerque dentist, Dr. Slaman.

To schedule an appointment at our family-friendly dental office, fill out the form below:

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More 5-Star Reviews

1

John Geruntho

2020

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Dr. Slaman is great, probably the best dentist in Albuquerque. His staff is also the best. I highly recommend him if you are looking for a dentist. Thank you Dr. Slaman for the excellent care you have provided for me and my family over the years.

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1

Kari Dozhier

2020

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Everyone at Dr Slaman’s office is always so welcoming and professional! Our whole family comes here for all our dental needs. They are all so gentle and kind..honestly the best!!

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Innovative Technology for State-of-the-Art Treatment

Our Albuquerque dental office uses the latest dental technology to provide effective periodontal disease diagnosis and treatment, including:
Digital Imaging

Digital Imaging

Dr. Slaman uses digital imaging to assess the health of your soft tissues and bone structure in order to evaluate your gum health. Digital x-rays provide accurate two-dimensional images that can be magnified and enhanced to provide Dr. Slaman with a snapshot of your teeth and jawbone density. For advanced cases where gum recession is present, Dr. Slaman can use our GALILEOS ComfortPLUS cone beam device to fully evaluate your dental structures with detailed three-dimensional images to determine the extent of any bone loss.

Dr. Slaman sitting next to monitor

Intraoral Cameras

Thanks to small handheld intraoral cameras, Dr. Slaman can capture images of hard-to-reach areas that would otherwise be out of view using conventional methods. So that you can make an educated decision on how to proceed with your gum disease treatment, Dr. Slaman can share these images with you so that you have a complete understanding of how periodontal disease is affecting your oral health. Together, you can develop a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs.

WaterLase™ device

WaterLase™

Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT) with our WaterLase laser uses a specific light wavelength to target and destroy bacteria and infected tissue from periodontal pockets. Combined with scaling and root planing, LAPT can significantly reduce the bacteria that causes gum disease without having to rely on more invasive treatments such as open flap debridement. Compared to more invasive options, LAPT allows patients to achieve a significant improvement in their oral health in less time, more comfort, ​and with less swelling, bruising, or bleeding.

Risk Factors for Gum Disease

Even patients with otherwise outstanding oral hygiene habits and brush and floss routinely can develop periodontal disease. This underlines the importance of scheduling regular visits with Dr. Slaman every six months for routine checkups and exams. Regular checkups allow you to receive treatment in its earliest stages and can save your smile.

There are a number of contributing factors that can increase the risk of gum disease, including:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Hormonal changes, especially those linked to pregnancy or menopause
  • Obesity
  • Poor nutrition
  • Family history
  • Medications
  • Compromised immunity
  • Inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis
Dr. James Slaman DDS

James Slaman, DDS, PC

Dr. James Slaman specializes in cosmetic dentistry and offers a full selection of general and restorative treatments. Dr. Slaman is a member of various professional associations, including:

  • American Dental Association
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • American Academy of Implant Dentistry
  • American Academy of Sleep Medicine
  • Spear Faculty Club​

To request an appointment at our Albuquerque, NM, dental office, contact us online or call (505) 881-7586.

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