Periodontal Care in Stevensville, MD

Is It Time to Address Your Gum Health?

Gum disease affects millions of adults, and in many cases it progresses quietly before symptoms become obvious. Dr. Elizabeth Polak provides the full spectrum of periodontal care: from non-surgical therapy for early-stage gum disease to advanced osseous surgery and long-term maintenance. Whether you have been referred by your general dentist or you are seeking care on your own, we are ready to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and your goals.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

Scaling and root planing is often the first and most effective approach for managing gum disease. Dr. Polak carefully removes buildup from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces to give your gum tissue the best chance to heal. Most patients see meaningful improvement in just one to two visits, making it one of the most impactful treatments in Dr. Polak's toolkit.

LANAP Laser Therapy

LANAP is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive laser treatment for periodontal disease. The laser targets and eliminates the bacteria causing gum disease beneath the gumline while leaving healthy tissue untouched, allowing the body to naturally regenerate lost bone and gum attachment. Dr. Polak offers LANAP as a gentler alternative to traditional gum surgery, with less discomfort and a faster return to normal activity

Gum Grafting

Receding gums expose sensitive root surfaces, increase the risk of decay, and change the way a smile looks. Dr. Polak performs soft tissue grafting procedures to restore gum coverage, reduce sensitivity, and protect the underlying bone structure, producing results that improve both health and appearance for the long term. PRF can be added to support faster, more natural healing at the graft site.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening reshapes the gum and bone tissue to expose more of the natural tooth, a procedure commonly performed before crown placement or to address a gummy smile. Dr. Polak performs both functional and aesthetic crown lengthening with precision, working closely with your restorative dentist for a seamless result.

Periodontal Maintenance

After active treatment, regular periodontal maintenance appointments are essential to keeping your gum health stable. Dr. Polak works closely with your general dentist to coordinate your ongoing care, monitoring your progress and catching any signs of recurrence early to protect your long-term results.

PRF Therapy

PRF, or platelet-rich fibrin, harnesses your body's own healing power to support recovery after periodontal surgery. Dr. Polak draws a small blood sample and processes it in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets, white blood cells, and growth factors, then places this natural material directly at the surgical site. It's an all-natural, all-you biologic that helps surgical sites heal faster and more effectively.

Osseous Surgery

When gum disease has progressed beyond what non-surgical therapy can address, osseous surgery allows Dr. Polak to directly access and treat infected tissue and bone. The result is a cleaner, healthier foundation that supports long-term periodontal stability and makes ongoing maintenance far more effective. PRF, an all-natural healing concentrate made from your own blood, can also be used during surgery to help the site heal faster.

Your Periodontal Care is as Individual as You Are

No two treatment plans look the same. Dr. Polak takes the time to fully evaluate your gum health, your history, and your goals before recommending a path forward. You get thoughtful, personalized care designed around your needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach.