Latest Technology

Our intraoral camera uses a tiny fiber-optic wand to easily take vivid photographs of the inside of your mouth. This allows us to let you see what we see.

This is a revolutionary method of treating periodontal disease without surgery. It involves microscopic video technology with a powerful 48x magnification, allowing Dr. Herman to accurately diagnose and effectively treat periodontal and other dental conditions like never before. Click here to learn more!

Dr. Herman does DNA testing on siblings to determine if periodontal conditions are the result of genetic disposition. If they are, he will create a proactice program to help preserve their teeth.

Scientific research has shown that the presence of certain marker bacteria is associated with periodontal disease activity. Knowing the infection level at any given time helps clinicians make the most appropriate risk assessment for gum disease, further tooth loss and can assist in monitoring tooth implant sites. Importantly, the absence of bacteria may be indicative of good oral health. The DMDx® test detects the eight most important bacteria associated with periodontal disease activity. The test improves patient care by providing key information to your dentist to help:

The clinician places a small paper point (similar, in size, to a very small toothpick) in the gum "pocket" adjacent to a tooth believed at risk. After a few seconds, the paper point has absorbed the necessary sample material and it is placed in a small vial and forwarded to the Laboratory, along with payment or payment information. The samples are analyzed, through utilization of DNA technology, and a Laboratory report is faxed and mailed to the clinician within fourteen days of receipt of the specimen in the laboratory.

Like a cholesterol test helps to establish the risk for coronary artery disease, the DMDx® test helps establish the risk of further attachment and bone loss. The Laboratory Report provides a user-friendly, one-page form, indicating the Pathogen Levels (levels of bacteria) as NEGATIVE, LOW, MODERATE or HIGH, with MODERATE or HIGH levels indicated advancing disease. Your clinician will explain the findings to you.

The only way to know the extent of a periodontal infection is to perform a microbial diagnostic test. Knowing whether the disease-causing bacteria are present, and the level of infection, helps determine the need for antibiotics. When indicated, the test will assist in eliminating harmful pocket bacteria to enhance the success of surgical procedures. Follow-up tests help establish if you have responded to a particular therapy, which may vary among patients due to your particular response. A failed response to a particular therapy (with or without antibiotics) would indicate that another course of therapy is required. Periodic re-testing will help to alert your dentist of a re-infection before irreversible destruction can occur. This ultimately results in monetary savings to you.

Recent advances in periodontal treatment allow us to now place medications directly at the site of infection. One of the most commonly used medications of this kind is Arestin™. In addition, an antimicrobial rinse is sometimes used after some procedures.

The PerioChip® is a small chip designed to fit the dimensions of the gingival pocket precisely. It contains a substance, which is effective in killing bacteria in the gum (2.5 mg. Chlorhexidine gluconate). After scaling, the PerioChip® is inserted into the pocket, the active ingredient takes effect over a period of approximately a week, kills the bacteria, and the chip itself dissolves naturally. There is no need for an additional visit to the dentist to remove the chip, but a follow-up visit after three months is recommended to check whether any further treatment is required.

A new medication called Periostat® has been developed specifically to combat periodontal infection by bolstering your body's immune response to bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Dr. Herman will evalute your specific case to see if Periostat® is right for you.

©Copyright 2003- Dental WebSmith, Inc. and Central Pennsylvania Periodontics, LLC. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.