Periodontal Treatment and Dental Implants: How a Periodontist Protects Your Smile

Healthy gums and strong bone are what hold your teeth — and dental implants — in place. Periodontal treatment stops the infection that destroys that foundation, and when a tooth can’t be saved, a dental implant placed by a periodontist rebuilds it. At PhD Dental, these procedures are performed across our offices on scheduled days by Dr. Ori Levy, a board-certified periodontist with nearly two decades of surgical experience.

What is periodontal disease, and why does it matter?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the bone around the teeth. It starts quietly: plaque and tartar build up along the gumline, gums become inflamed and bleed when you brush, and over time the infection spreads below the gumline, destroying the bone that anchors your teeth. Teeth loosen, and some are eventually lost.

The early stage, gingivitis, can usually be reversed with professional cleaning and better home care. Once the infection reaches the bone, it cannot be cured — but it can be controlled, and the damage can often be repaired. That is what periodontal treatment is for, and why catching it early matters.

What does periodontal treatment involve?

Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. For many patients, the first step is a deep cleaning — scaling and root planing — which removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots so gums can reattach and heal.

When deep cleaning alone isn’t enough, surgical treatment can clean areas that instruments can’t reach, shrink the pockets where bacteria collect, and rebuild what the disease has taken. Periodontal surgery, gum grafting, and bone regeneration save teeth that would otherwise be lost — and prepare the mouth for implants when a tooth truly can’t be saved.

How do dental implants replace missing teeth?

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone where a tooth is missing. As it heals, the bone fuses with the implant, creating an anchor that works like a natural root. A custom crown is then attached, restoring a tooth that looks, feels, and functions like the original.

Implants stand on their own — they don’t depend on neighboring teeth the way a bridge does — and they help preserve the jawbone that shrinks after a tooth is lost. An implant is one of the most durable, predictable ways to replace a missing tooth, whether it’s a single tooth or part of a larger restoration plan.

What if there isn’t enough bone for an implant?

Bone loss is common after periodontal disease or a long-missing tooth, but it doesn’t automatically rule out an implant. Bone grafting and bone regeneration rebuild the foundation so an implant can be placed solidly. Sinus augmentation gently creates room for implants in the upper back jaw, where the sinus sits close to the bone. Gum grafting restores gum tissue that has receded, protecting tooth roots and improving the health and appearance of the smile.

Dr. Levy performs these procedures regularly, and careful planning around them is a large part of why implant results last.

Who performs these procedures at PhD Dental?

Dr. Ori Levy, DDS, is a board-certified periodontist and dental implant specialist who has been part of the PhD Dental team for 15 years. He earned his dental degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry and completed his specialty training in periodontics at the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, where he also took part in dental implant research. In 2009 he achieved Diplomate status with the American Board of Periodontology.

His areas of expertise include dental implant placement and restoration planning, advanced bone grafting and regeneration, sinus augmentation, gum grafting and periodontal plastic surgery, and the treatment of periodontal disease. Fluent in English and Spanish, he takes the time to explain each procedure and answer questions, so patients feel comfortable and informed before any treatment begins. Dr. Levy sees patients across our offices on scheduled days — when you need periodontal or implant care, we will book you at the office and appointment where he is scheduled.

Does insurance cover periodontal treatment and implants?

Coverage varies by plan and by procedure, and our team will verify your benefits and explain costs before treatment starts. We accept Medi-Cal. We accept Denti-Cal. We also accept Aetna PPO, MetLife PPO, Delta Dental PPO, Cigna PPO, Guardian PPO, UnitedHealthcare PPO, Anthem Blue Cross PPO, Blue Shield of California PPO, Humana PPO, Principal PPO, Ameritas PPO, United Concordia PPO, Sun Life PPO, Lincoln Financial PPO, Unum PPO, The Hartford PPO, Renaissance Dental PPO, Premier Access PPO, and Health Net PPO. PhD Dental does not accept HMO plans at any office. If you don’t have insurance, or your plan doesn’t cover everything, ask us about our in-house payment plans.

How do I get started?

It begins with an exam. If you don’t have insurance, your first exam with full x-rays is $69, and a cleaning starts from $125, including fluoride. From there we can tell you what your gums and bone need — whether that’s a deep cleaning, periodontal treatment, or an implant consultation with Dr. Levy. Walk-ins are welcome at all of our offices across Greater Los Angeles, and you can also book ahead by phone or through our website.

Frequently asked questions

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the bone around the teeth. It can loosen teeth and lead to tooth loss, but with treatment it can be controlled and much of the damage repaired.

Does a periodontist place dental implants?

Yes. Periodontists specialize in the gums and bone that support teeth and implants, and implant placement — including bone grafting and sinus augmentation when needed — is a core part of Dr. Levy’s practice.

Do I need a bone graft before an implant?

Not always. If disease or a missing tooth has caused bone loss, a graft may be needed to give the implant a solid foundation. Dr. Levy evaluates the bone at your consultation and plans around what he finds.

Does PhD Dental accept my insurance for periodontal treatment?

We accept Medi-Cal. We accept Denti-Cal. We also accept most major PPO plans, including Delta Dental PPO and MetLife PPO. We do not accept HMO plans. Our team will verify your specific coverage before treatment begins.