What is periodontal disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a very common dental problem. It is essential to get treatment for gum disease as early as possible. If left alone, this problem only progresses.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease are noticeable without a visit to the dentist. You could see redness and swelling in the gums, gum recession, and/or soreness while brushing your teeth. Although you may notice many of these signs yourself, it’s smart to get a thorough exam from a dental professional. We can identify signs that might be hard for you to notice, such as subtle swelling, and will determine how much the disease has progressed.

The earlier we can catch this problem, the better, which is why it’s important to have regular checkups. Nonetheless, we can still improve the health of your mouth if the disease has already progressed. Our services help prevent and reverse early gum disease, stop it from worsening, and provide treatment for more advanced cases.

Dental Implants

When you have missing teeth, an alternative solution to dentures is dental implants. While dentures are removable, dental implants provide permanent new teeth to restore your mouth’s function and appearance. Dental implants tend to offer a successful and lasting solution to the loss of some or all of your teeth.

We are able to provide different dental implant solutions depending on your specific needs. We will conduct a thorough assessment and discuss your options with you during your scheduled appointment.

Financial Policy

Sarah Stipho DMD, MS is committed to giving you specialized care at a reasonable fee.

For your convenience we accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. As a courtesy to our patients who have dental insurance, we will complete and submit your claim to your insurance carrier for you.

We will make every effort to estimate your costs before your visit so that you can be prepared. Payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

Most insurance companies respond within four to six weeks, and you will receive a monthly statement.

You are responsible for all fees not covered by insurance. If additional tests are needed such as lab work or a biopsy, you will be billed directly by those providers and will be responsible for submitting payment directly to them.

Your prompt payment is appreciated. Payment arrangements may be considered if discussed in advance of treatment.

If you have any questions about billing or your account don’t hesitate to contact us today at (508) 383-4644.


The American Academy of Periodontology has an extensive database of frequently asked questions about dental hygiene and periodontal procedures.  Examples include:

FAQ Page