Frequently Asked Questions

A dentist is primarily concerned with your teeth. A periodontist's focus is the gum and bone that hold those teeth in place, and the implants that replace them when they can't be saved. Dr. Humayun completed three additional years of specialist training after dental school.

Your general health matters here too. Untreated periodontal disease is linked to conditions elsewhere in the body, and some medications affect treatment — blood thinners can cause excess bleeding, others cause dry mouth. Both need accounting for before treatment starts.

Sometimes, the only way to detect periodontal disease is through a periodontal evaluation. If you’re experiencing any of the following scenarios, schedule an evaluation:

• Gums that bleed easily during brushing and flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that have receded from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Puss between the teeth and gums
• Loose or separating teeth
• A noticeable change in the alignment of your teeth
• A sore or irritation in your mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks
• An immediate family member has periodontal disease (Research has confirmed that periodontal disease can be passed through saliva.)
• You have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, or osteoporosis. (Bacteria associated with periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and worsen such conditions. In turn, treating periodontal disease may improve them.)
• You’re trying to become pregnant (Pregnant women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to give birth prematurely and have their babies born at a below-average weight.)
• You’re missing a tooth (or teeth), or you’re dissatisfied with your tooth (or teeth) replacement

We hear you, and you're far from alone. A lot of our patients feel the same way, and telling us changes how we pace your appointment and how much we explain as we go.

Several options are available, from oral medication taken before treatment to nitrous oxide. For more involved cases we can bring in an anesthesiologist, at an additional fee.

Say something at your first visit. The more openly you talk to Dr. Humayun about it, the better he can work around it.

No. A referral from your general dentist is helpful because it tells us what has already been found, but you can book directly. Call the office on 609-921-6610.

Treatment is carried out under local anesthetic. Most patients report less discomfort than they expected, and manage afterwards with over-the-counter pain relief. If you're worried about this, see the question above about anxiety — there are options.

You receive a written treatment plan with fees before anything is scheduled. A pre-treatment estimate can be submitted to your insurer first, so you know what they intend to cover before you commit.

There's a free surface lot outside Building B at 601 Ewing Street. Walk through the planted courtyard and look for the coral door at Suite B-10.

Monday 8:00 to 5:00, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:00 to 4:00, Thursday 7:00 to 3:00. The office is closed Fridays. Same-day appointments may be available — call and ask.