Advancing Periodontal Care: Insights from Dr. Justin Valentine of Tar Heel Periodontics

In a recent episode of Triangle Dentistry Talk, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Justin Valentine, a distinguished periodontist from Tar Heel Periodontics. Dr. Valentine’s expertise and passion for his field shine through as he discusses the latest advancements in periodontal treatments, the importance of oral health, and the surprising connections between oral and overall health.

Meet Dr. Justin Valentine: Periodontist at Tar Heel Periodontics

Dr. Valentine is a native of Danville, VA, with an impressive educational background. He graduated with honors in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from Virginia Commonwealth University before completing his dental training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His journey in dentistry includes:

• An initial residency in hospital dentistry at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT
• Two years of general dentistry practice in Eastern North Carolina
• Advanced training in Periodontology and a Master of Science in Periodontology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

As a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a clinical faculty member at UNC Dental School, Dr. Valentine brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his practice. Interestingly, he’s also a black belt in Tae-kwon-do, showcasing his dedication to excellence both in and out of the dental office.

The Evolution of Periodontal Care

Dr. Valentine highlights how periodontal care has evolved from primarily resective approaches to more regenerative techniques. He explains, “Historically in dentistry, we treat most diseases respectively. Even in operative dentistry, if you have a cavity, your dentist will use a drill to remove tooth structure.” However, the field is now moving towards regenerative procedures that aim to regrow lost attachments around teeth.

Some exciting advancements in periodontal care include:

• Growth factors and proteins: These stimulate the body to form new bone and attachment around teeth.
• Laser technology: Relatively non-invasive procedures that can reactivate growth factors and allow for targeted killing of pathogenic bacteria.
• Host modulation: Targeting the body’s response to bacteria rather than just the bacteria itself.
• 3D scaffolds: Custom-made structures that can effectively regenerate lost bone.

The Oral-Systemic Connection

One of the most intriguing aspects of Dr. Valentine’s interview is his emphasis on the connection between oral health and overall health. “There is a link between medicine and dentistry,” he states, explaining how oral inflammation can impact various systemic conditions.

Key points on the oral-systemic connection:

• Inflammation in the mouth can increase C-reactive protein, a marker of systemic inflammation.
• Treating periodontal disease can improve conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and even HIV.
• Oral health should be considered in the management of various medical conditions.

Periodontal Disease: A Silent Epidemic

Dr. Valentine reveals that periodontal disease affects nearly 50% of the U.S. population. He stresses the importance of regular dental check-ups and knowing your risk factors:

• Family history of periodontal disease
• Diabetes
• Smoking

Innovative Treatments in Periodontics

The interview also touches on various treatments available in modern periodontics:

1. Soft tissue grafting: Using advanced techniques to make the procedure more comfortable and improve healing.
2. Dental implants: A game-changing option for tooth replacement.
3. Periodontal regeneration: Using growth factors to stimulate new bone growth around teeth.

Taking Care of Your Periodontal Health

Dr. Valentine offers practical advice for maintaining good periodontal health:

• Use an electric toothbrush for more effective plaque removal
• Consider interdental brushes or water flossers for cleaning between teeth
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings

Conclusion

Dr. Valentine’s insights reveal an exciting future for periodontal care, with new technologies and approaches offering hope for better outcomes. His emphasis on the connection between oral and overall health underscores the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking regular dental care.

Remember, your mouth is a window to your overall health. If you have conc