Periodontics in North Raleigh
Periodontal disease often progresses quietly, but early and specialized care can stop damage, protect your teeth, and restore long term oral health. Our North Raleigh periodontist, Dr. Choe, is specialized in advanced gum care treatment that protects and restores your smile.
We use modern diagnostics and minimally invasive techniques designed for comfort and predictable results. Whether it’s treating gum disease, repairing gum recession, or building a strong foundation for dental implants, our board-certified periodontist will help you achieve a healthy, confident smile that lasts.
Periodontal Services & Gum Treatments
Periodontal Disease Exams & Early Detection
A periodontal disease exam is a comprehensive evaluation of your gum health. During the exam, we will assess the condition of your gums, measure the depth of pockets around your teeth, check for signs of gum recession, and evaluate bone health using X-rays. This exam helps identify early signs of gum disease and determine the most effective treatment plan to restore and maintain your oral health. Early detection is key to preventing tooth loss and other complications.
Gum Grafting/Recession Repair
A gum graft is a procedure used to treat gum recession by restoring lost gum tissue and protecting the roots of your teeth. Tissue is either taken from your palate or a donor source and carefully placed over the affected area. This procedure not only improves the appearance of your gums but also helps reduce sensitivity and prevent further recession, ensuring long-term oral health.
Before and after a gum graft procedure.
Dental Implant Placement
Dental implants are stable and lasting tooth replacements that mimic the look and function of a natural tooth. The procedure begins when a dental implant post is surgically secured to the jawbone. This post acts as the root of the tooth. Following the surgical implant, your surgical site needs time to recover and your jawbone needs time to bond or fuse with the dental post. The healing process usually takes a few weeks during which time a temporary crown can be installed.
After the healing period, our expert dentists attach a connector to the post before mounting the replacement tooth. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or many, we have dental implant options that can work for you.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that reshapes the gum tissue and, if necessary, the underlying bone to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This treatment is often performed to prepare a tooth for restoration, such as a crown, or to improve the aesthetics of a “gummy” smile. Crown lengthening enhances both the appearance and functionality of your teeth.
Tooth Extractions & Bone Grafting
Extractions are performed to remove severely damaged or non-restorable teeth. To preserve the jawbone and prepare the area for future dental implants, bone grafting may be done simultaneously. Bone grafting involves placing graft material into the socket to promote bone regeneration and maintain the structure of your jaw. This combination ensures a stable foundation for optimal oral health and restoration.
Peri-Implantitis Treatment
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the gums and bone surrounding a dental implant. If left untreated, it can lead to bone loss and implant failure. Treatment typically involves removing bacteria and infected tissue around the implant, deep cleaning, and, in some cases, regenerative procedures to restore lost bone and support. Early intervention is essential to preserve your implant and overall oral health.
Sinus Lift Surgery
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of your molars and premolars. This is done to create enough bone height to securely place dental implants. The sinus membrane is gently lifted to make space for the bone graft material, which integrates over time. Sinus lifts are a common and effective solution for patients with bone loss in the upper jaw.
Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation is a procedure designed to restore the natural contour of the jawbone that may have been lost due to tooth extraction, trauma, or bone resorption. This treatment involves placing bone graft material to rebuild and reshape the ridge, creating a stable foundation for dental implants or improving aesthetics. Ridge augmentation enhances both functionality and appearance, helping to restore your smile.
Laser Periodontal Surgery
Laser Periodontal Surgery is a procedure that uses advanced dental lasers to remove diseased gum tissue and bacteria from around the teeth. This treatment offers quicker results with less discomfort. The laser allows for precise cleaning and sterilizes as it goes. Patients see an improvement in their gum health while also experiencing faster healing and recovery time.
LANAP® Laser Treatment
LANAP® laser treatment uses the FDA-cleared PerioLase® MVP-7™ to treat gum disease and failing dental implants without cutting or sutures. This minimally invasive protocol clears harmful bacteria and infected tissue while stimulating your body’s natural ability to regenerate the bone that supports teeth and implants. Patients benefit from less discomfort, faster healing, and the chance to save a tooth or implant that might otherwise be lost.
Is Periodontal Care Right for You?
Periodontics focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and supporting structures of your teeth such as bone. Because gum disease isn’t always painful in the early stages, it’s important to identify issues before they worsen. An early evaluation can make a meaningful difference in your oral health.
Common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Bleeding and swollen/tender gums
- Receding gums or exposed tooth roots
- Chronic bad breath and bad taste
- Loose teeth or discomfort when chewing
If you live or work in North Raleigh, or nearby communities, we recommend you see our gum disease specialist to preserve your natural teeth and support future treatment options.
Why Choose Vista North Raleigh for Periodontics
Periodontal care requires technical skill and thoughtful planning. Our North Raleigh periodontal team create positive, predictable outcomes for our patients. We offer personalized care, extensive patient education, and long-term maintenance & support.
Patients choose our dental office for:
- Board certified periodontal and implant expertise
- Minimally invasive, evidence-based treatments
- Advanced imaging and diagnostic capabilities
- Comprehensive care for gums, bone, and implants
We serve the North Raleigh area and help patients gain long-term function, not just a short-term fix.
Meet Your Board-Certified Periodontist in North Raleigh
Dr. Teebok Choe
Dr. Teebok Choe is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology practicing in Raleigh, North Carolina. A North Carolina native who grew up in Fayetteville, Dr. Choe has deep roots in the Triangle area—a place he’s always considered home and where he now practices alongside… his passion for helping patients rediscover their confidence through comprehensive periodontal care.
Dentistry runs in Dr. Choe’s family; he’s the seventh dentist among eleven in his extended family—which is why he goes by “Dr. T”—and his father has practiced general dentistry in Fayetteville for over 26 years. Despite growing up surrounded by the profession, Dr. Choe initially resisted following in those footsteps. But as he matured, he realized that dentistry offered exactly what he was searching for: the opportunity to help people using both his hands and his mind. What ultimately drew him to periodontics specifically was its unique intersection of surgery, aesthetics, and science—particularly the specialty’s remarkable ability to regenerate a patient’s own tissue, something no other dental field can accomplish.
Dr. Choe earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, followed by a Master of Science in Medical Sciences from Mississippi College. He completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where he also served as Chief Resident during his Advanced General Dentistry residency. He returned to North Carolina to complete his Master of Science in Periodontology at UNC Chapel Hill’s Adams School of Dentistry, again serving as Chief Resident—a role that reflected his colleagues’ trust in his leadership and his commitment to supporting his peers through service rather than authority.
In practice, Dr. Choe approaches patient care with the same philosophy he brings to leadership: never asking something of others that he wouldn’t do himself, and honoring the trust patients place in him with the seriousness it deserves. He treats each patient as a whole person, not simply as a clinical problem to solve, and believes in taking the time to ensure every individual feels heard, understood, and confident in their care. Whether addressing gum disease, performing aesthetic procedures, or placing implants, Dr. Choe finds the greatest reward in giving patients a reason to smile—literally and figuratively.
Beyond the operatory, Dr. Choe is committed to advancing the field through education. He has led quarterly study clubs for general dentists and regularly shares his knowledge with colleagues, believing that keeping expertise to oneself benefits no one. His teaching philosophy is simple: leave the world better than you found it, and everyone’s healthcare journey improves as a result.
Outside of periodontics, Dr. Choe’s life revolves around his wife, Yoon, and their two daughters, Emilia and Abigail. Becoming a father has deepened his patience and perspective, teaching him to appreciate life’s small moments and approach each day with greater understanding. In his limited free time, he enjoys grilling and cooking—he jokes that in another life, he might have been a chef—and he’s an avid Formula 1 fan who still harbors dreams of attending a race someday. Despite the detail-oriented, perfectionist tendencies that serve him well in surgery and even in plating his home-cooked meals, Dr. Choe’s naturally relaxed, calm, and level-headed approach creates a comfortable environment for both patients and colleagues.
Dr. Choe is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the Raleigh-Wake County Dental Society, and the Piedmont ITI Study Club. He welcomes new patients and referrals at Vista Endodontics and Periodontics, where he continues to practice with the same care and precision he’d want for his own family, even in plating his home-cooked meals. Dr. Choe’s naturally relaxed, calm, and level-headed approach creates a comfortable environment for both patients and colleagues.
Dr. Choe is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the Raleigh-Wake County Dental Society, and the Piedmont ITI Study Club. He welcomes new patients and referrals at Vista Endodontics and Periodontics, where he continues to practice with the same care and precision he’d want for his own family.
What to Expect at Your First Periodontal Appointment
Your first periodontal appointment focuses on understanding your concerns, identifying your needs, and creating a clear path to improvement.
Your visit will comprise of:
- A comprehensive exam of your gums, bone, and teeth
- Digital x-rays and 3D imaging (as needed)
- An explanation of findings and treatment options
If you’re currently experiencing symptoms such as inflammation, discomfort, or infection, we’ll begin the next steps and long-term care recommendations.
Insurance, Financing, and Membership Options
We make periodontal care accessible by working with most major dental insurance plans and by offering flexible payment solutions such as CareCredit and Sunbit. Our team will review benefits, explain coverage, and help you understand your options before treatment begins.
Periodontics Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dental specialist focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease and the placement of dental implants.
When Should I See a Periodontist Instead of My Regular Dentist?
You should see a periodontist if you have advanced gum disease, gum recession, loose teeth, or require specialized procedures like bone grafts or implants.
How Do I Know if I Need Gum Surgery?
Your periodontist will assess the severity of your gum disease. Surgery may be necessary if deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) isn’t effective or if you have significant bone or gum tissue loss.
What Treatments Do Periodontists Offer?
- Periodontal disease exam
- Soft tissue graft/recession
- Implant placement
- Crown lengthening
- Extractions/bone grafting
- Peri-implantitis
- Sinus lift
- Ridge augmentation
Are Periodontal Treatments Painful?
Recovery varies by procedure but typically ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks. Your periodontist will provide specific aftercare instructions.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
- Brush and floss daily
- Use antimicrobial mouthwash
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups
- Avoid smoking
How Often Should I See a Periodontist?
This depends on your gum health. Patients with gum disease may need visits every 3–4 months, while others might visit less frequently.
Will My Insurance Cover Periodontal Treatments?
Coverage varies by plan, but many insurances cover a portion of periodontal procedures. We are in network with most major dental insurance providers. We also accept FSA and HSA funds. Additionally, we offer financing options to help manage treatment costs.
How Do I Schedule a Periodontal Consultation in North Raleigh?
You can book online or call the office directly. Our team will guide you through the process. We look forward to having you experience exceptional gum disease treatment in North Raleigh.
Schedule Periodontal Care in North Raleigh
A periodontal consultation provides clarity and peace of mind if you’re noticing gum changes and symptoms. Come see our North Raleigh periodontics team for comprehensive gum and oral care. We look forward to being there on your journey to a confident, healthy smile.