When gum health declines, the effects of gum disease, gum recession, and tooth loss can progress quickly. These conditions often require more than routine dental care. At our periodontal practice, we provide focused treatment designed to control infection, rebuild lost tissue, and restore long-term function and aesthetics for patients in Lafayette, CA.
Led by Dr. Keith Chertok, a UCSF-trained periodontist with decades of experience, our office provides advanced care for patients dealing with periodontal disease, soft tissue recession, and missing teeth. We emphasize evidence-based treatment options such as LANAP® laser gum disease treatment, gum grafting, and dental implants to address the underlying causes of oral health deterioration and support long-term outcomes.
Dr. Keith Chertok graduated in the top five percent of his class at NYU College of Dentistry, earning honors in Periodontics. He completed a residency at the New York VA before moving to California for specialty training at UCSF.
Dr. Chertok has taught at UCSF and the Dugoni School of Dentistry and spent ten years as the attending periodontist at the VA Healthcare System of Northern California.
Explore your options with a specialist!
Periodontists are dental specialists with advanced training in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the gums, bone, and supporting structures of the teeth. After dental school, periodontists complete three additional years of focused education in areas such as soft tissue regeneration, bone preservation, and dental implant placement. This specialized training allows them to manage complex conditions that extend beyond the scope of general dentistry.
Many oral health problems begin with symptoms that seem minor, such as bleeding gums, gum recession, mild swelling, or occasional sensitivity. Left untreated, these issues can progress into periodontal disease, bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss. Choosing a periodontist in Lafayette, CA means receiving care guided by precision diagnostics, surgical expertise, and a long-term focus on preserving oral health and function.
Our practice offers targeted procedures designed to treat advanced gum disease, gum recession, and tooth loss. Each treatment is planned to address the causes of periodontal damage while helping patients achieve healthier gums, improved function, and stable long-term outcomes.
LANAP® (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a minimally invasive laser treatment for moderate to severe periodontal disease. Using the PerioLase® MVP-7™, this procedure removes infected tissue below the gum line without scalpels or sutures while preserving healthy gum tissue.
Dr. Keith Chertok offers LANAP® in Lafayette, CA as a modern alternative to traditional gum surgery for patients seeking less discomfort, shorter recovery, and strong clinical results. LANAP® is designed to reduce bleeding and inflammation while supporting bone and soft tissue regeneration.
Benefits of LANAP® may include:
Gum recession exposes tooth roots, increases sensitivity, and places the supporting bone at greater risk for deterioration. Gum grafting is a corrective procedure designed to restore lost tissue, protect vulnerable root surfaces, and improve the long-term stability of the teeth. At our Lafayette office, Dr. Keith Chertok uses advanced grafting methods, including traditional soft tissue grafts and scalpel-free options such as the Pinhole Surgical Technique®.
This treatment helps reduce sensitivity, protect against root decay, and improve the natural contour of the gum line. It also strengthens the tissue barrier that supports long-term periodontal health and may help patients avoid more extensive treatment later.
Benefits of early gum recession treatment may include:
Dental implants are a durable, natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth. Whether you need to replace one tooth or restore a full arch, implants provide a stable foundation that closely mimics the function of natural teeth. Because implants integrate directly with the jawbone, they help preserve bone, maintain facial structure, and restore bite strength over time.
Dr. Keith Chertok provides comprehensive implant therapy, from surgical placement to restorative coordination, while prioritizing the health of the surrounding bone and gum tissue. For patients seeking dental implants in Lafayette, CA, specialized periodontal care can help improve precision, stability, and long-term implant success.
Dental implant options may include:
Periodontal care often requires a level of training, technology, and precision that goes beyond standard dental visits. Patients choose our Lafayette practice for minimally invasive, results-driven care designed to preserve natural teeth whenever possible and restore lasting oral health when more advanced treatment is needed.
Dr. Chertok brings decades of experience in advanced gum disease treatment, implant surgery, and regenerative soft tissue procedures. His academic and clinical background supports a treatment approach grounded in evidence, precision, and patient comfort. Whether you are seeking a second opinion, trying to avoid extractions, or looking for a long-term solution after tooth loss, our office provides specialized care worth the trip.
Treating gum disease, gum recession, and tooth loss requires more than preventive care alone. Patients benefit from treatment guided by an advanced understanding of the gums, bone, and supporting structures of the teeth. At our Lafayette periodontal practice, we focus on the diagnosis and surgical management of complex oral health conditions.
Experts in laser-assisted therapies, regenerative procedures and dental implant placement, our approach emphasizes minimally invasive techniques with lasting results. By combining detailed diagnostics with advanced treatment technology, we provide care designed to preserve natural teeth, stabilize oral health, and restore function.
LANAP® offers a modern approach to gum disease treatment that prioritizes tissue preservation, faster recovery, and long-term periodontal stability. Unlike traditional surgery, which involves cutting and suturing the gums, LANAP® uses focused laser energy to remove diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact. This selective approach is designed to reduce discomfort, shorten recovery, and support healing.
By reducing inflammation and helping stabilize teeth affected by periodontal disease, LANAP® can be an important option for patients who want to avoid extractions and preserve their natural teeth for as long as possible.
Gum grafting in Lafayette, CA helps cover exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, prevent further tissue loss, and restore a more natural gum line. Rebuilding lost gum tissue is not only important for aesthetics, but also for protecting tooth roots, preserving function, and supporting the health of the surrounding bone.
Treating gum recession early can help prevent ongoing tissue loss, root decay, tooth sensitivity, and future instability. Patients often notice improved comfort while brushing and eating, along with greater confidence in the appearance of their smile. Early intervention can also reduce the need for more invasive treatment later.
Bleeding gums, recession, swelling, and sensitivity are often signs of deeper tissue breakdown. If untreated, these changes may progress into periodontitis, bone loss, and tooth mobility. Laser therapy and soft tissue procedures are designed to treat infection, restore tissue, and help stabilize oral health before more severe damage occurs.
LANAP® can help patients with moderate to severe periodontitis by removing diseased tissue while minimizing trauma to healthy gum structure. Soft tissue grafting procedures treat exposed roots, rebuild receded gums, and strengthen the tissue barrier that protects the underlying bone. These procedures are functional, preventive treatments intended to preserve natural teeth and slow disease progression.
Dental implants also play an important role in supporting oral health after tooth loss. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone can begin to deteriorate from lack of stimulation. Implants help stop this process by anchoring into the jaw and maintaining the stimulation needed to preserve bone structure. In some cases, supplemental procedures such as bone grafting or soft tissue augmentation may be recommended before implant placement.
Dental implants in Lafayette, CA replace missing teeth by mimicking the structure of a natural tooth from root to crown. Because they integrate with the jawbone, implants support chewing function, maintain facial balance, and help prevent the bone loss that often follows tooth loss. They also help reduce shifting in nearby teeth and offer a fixed solution that does not rely on adjacent teeth for support.
With proper care, dental implants can last for decades, making them a reliable treatment option for patients who want long-term oral stability and confidence. Replacing missing teeth with implants is not just cosmetic. It is an important step in protecting oral health and preventing future complications.
Tooth loss affects more than appearance. It can impact chewing, speech, and jaw stability. Our office offers single implants, implant-supported bridges, and full-arch solutions for patients at every stage of tooth loss. These options are designed to restore oral health, comfort, and quality of life with a stable, long-lasting foundation.
For patients missing most or all of their teeth, full-mouth implant solutions can provide a fixed alternative to removable dentures. These restorations support stronger bite force, preserve bone over time, and eliminate concerns about slippage or adhesive use.
Dental implants require careful planning and precise surgical execution. As a periodontist with advanced training, Dr. Chertok evaluates bone volume, gum contours, tissue health, and structural considerations to determine ideal implant placement for long-term success. This can be especially important in cases involving bone grafting, tissue regeneration, or existing periodontal disease.
Specialist-guided implant treatment helps support integration, function, and esthetics while reducing the risk of complications that may be missed in less comprehensive treatment planning.
LANAP® (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) uses the PerioLase® MVP-7™ laser to selectively remove diseased tissue without cutting or sutures. This minimally invasive technology targets bacteria below the gum line, encourages bone and tissue regeneration, and helps stabilize teeth. It’s ideal for moderate to severe periodontitis cases where traditional surgery may be too aggressive or uncomfortable.
Dental implants integrate directly with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, providing a durable foundation for tooth restoration. Unlike dentures, implants preserve bone density, maintain facial structure, and restore full bite function. Dr. Chertok’s precise planning and surgical expertise ensure each implant is placed with the long-term success of both gum and bone health in mind.
Recovery after gum grafting is typically mild, especially with advanced methods like the Pinhole Surgical Technique®. Patients may experience slight swelling or tenderness for a few days, but most return to normal activity shortly after. The procedure helps reduce sensitivity and protects exposed roots, making long-term brushing, eating, and speaking more comfortable.
LANAP® is best suited for patients with moderate to severe gum disease who want a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. It’s also ideal for those with medical conditions that make conventional surgery riskier or those looking for shorter recovery times. A consultation with Dr. Chertok can determine if LANAP® is the right fit for your gum health needs.
Bleeding gums are often a sign of gingivitis or early periodontal disease. Left untreated, this can progress to serious infection and bone loss. Treatments like LANAP® target infection below the gum line and promote tissue healing without incisions, making it an effective option for reversing inflammation and restoring gum health.
Gum recession can be caused by aggressive brushing, periodontal disease, or genetics. It exposes the roots of teeth, increasing sensitivity and risk for decay. Soft tissue grafting, including traditional and scalpel-free techniques, can restore lost gum tissue and improve both function and aesthetics.
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. This can lead to shifting teeth, bite problems, and facial changes. Dental implants prevent this by fusing with the jawbone and preserving its strength and structure—making them an essential part of long-term oral health care.
If you’re experiencing gum recession, bleeding, loose teeth, or considering dental implants, it’s time to consult a periodontist. Dr. Chertok offers advanced diagnostics and surgical experience to treat complex gum conditions and help prevent tooth loss before it progresses further.
Dental implants require precise planning, especially in cases involving bone loss or gum disease. Dr. Chertok’s advanced periodontal training and use of 3D imaging allow for customized implant placement with a high success rate. This reduces risks and enhances the esthetic and functional outcome of each implant.
Scheduling is simple—Dr. Keith Chertok welcomes new patients looking for specialized treatment for gum disease, recession, or missing teeth. Whether you’re seeking a second opinion or ready to start treatment, a personalized consultation is your first step toward restoring oral health.
