Gum Disease

Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in St. Louis, MO

Periodontal disease is incredibly common. Without treatment, it can lead to tooth and bone loss or other serious health issues.

At Justin M. Schlaikjer, DDS, Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we use advanced care to treat all types of gum disease in-house.

Find out how our St. Louis, MO, office can improve your periodontal health using the latest techniques…

What Is Gum Disease?

Also called periodontal disease, gum disease happens when bacteria in the mouth leads to infection and inflammation of the gums. It is a progressive disease that starts out as common gingivitis. If left untreated, it leads to periodontitis, a more serious condition that extends below the gumline and can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the early form of gum disease. Good oral hygiene and regular teeth cleaning appointments can usually keep gingivitis in check. However, once plaque solidifies into tartar, you need professional cleaning to stop the progression of the disease. Treatment may include scaling and root planing, which removes bacteria from the teeth and under your gums. It also smooths tooth roots to discourage bacteria from sticking.

What is a Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is advanced gum disease that occurs when bacteria spreads deeper into the gums. At this point, pockets develop between your gums and teeth, giving bacteria a place to thrive. An untreated infection will attack the tissue and bone that holds your teeth in place, and may lead to tooth loss. Dr. Schlaikjer tailors treatment to get the inflammation under control and restore your oral health.

Need To Schedule OR Have A Question?

Call (314) 729-7840 or send a message!

Experiencing Symptoms of Gingivitis or Periodontitis?

Justin M. Schlaikjer, DDS Can Help

Timing is essential when it comes to preserving your oral health. If you have symptoms of gum disease, Dr. Justin M. Schlaikjer can see you quickly to perform urgent dental care.

If your symptoms are mild, it is important to seek treatment before the infection spreads and causes extensive damage. Early treatment greatly increases your odds of keeping all your teeth, preventing the need for additional dental procedures.

Our St. Louis business is open Monday through Friday, with morning hours Tuesday through Thursday. Send us an email to set up a visit or call:

Phone Number:

Why You Should Treat Gum Disease in Its Earliest Stages

Prevent Tooth Loss

By eliminating gum disease, Dr. Schlaikjer can also address symptoms like bad breath and bleeding gums and reduce the risk of serious consequences such as tooth loss. Periodontal treatment can even protect your heart and respiratory health.

Improve the Look of Your Smile

After removing the tartar and plaque buildup that causes gum disease, you can enjoy a healthier, brighter-looking smile. Advanced gum disease can also cause gum recession, which makes teeth appear too long and makes you look older.

Save Time & Money

Treating gum disease early can save you money. The earlier you treat periodontal disease, the lower your chances of needing expensive surgical procedures or expensive restorative work in the future, such as dental implants to replace lost teeth or bone grafting to treat jawbone atrophy.

Professional Periodontal Treatment Can Reach Areas That You Can’t

Many patients think that they don’t need to visit a dentist or specialist for periodontal care because they practice proper oral hygiene on their own. However, brushing and flossing is not always enough to prevent gingivitis and periodontitis. Even patients who follow recommended oral hygiene practices can still develop tartar deposits underneath the gumline, where it is impossible to reach with regular toothbrushes, flosses, and picks.

Dr. Schlaikjer uses special tools at his St. Louis practice to access and remove bacteria that cause periodontal disease, reducing your risk of advanced periodontitis and other health problems associated with gum disease.

How can you tell if you need gum disease treatment?

Redness or Swelling

Gum Pockets

Bad Breath

Sores or Lesions

Do You Have Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Have gaps appeared between your teeth and gums? Early treatment of gum disease saves you money by heading off damage that would need expensive treatments to repair.

Dr. Schlaikjer has more than a decade of experience helping his patients in St. Louis overcome gum disease and prevent the damage it inflicts. As a periodontist, he has specialized training to manage both gingivitis and periodontitis. In addition, he uses the latest technology to make treatment effective and more comfortable.

Leave us a message online or request a consultation by phone:

Phone Number:

Our periodontist has advanced training to treat all levels of periodontal disease...

Early

Advanced

Severe

Restore Your Smile With All-on-4 Implants

Patients looking for a secure and reliable solution often turn to dental implants when they want to replace missing teeth. Unfortunately, many discover they have lost too much bone due to advanced periodontitis. In order to qualify for implants, they may have to undergo lengthy bone graft treatments first.

Dr. Schlaikjer has a solution that lets many patients qualify for implant-supported dentures without having to undergo bone grafts.

He offers All-on-4® dental implants that support a full denture on just four implants. Because the All-on-4 method uses fewer implants, patients can get by with having less jawbone bone structure than is required for traditional implants. All-on-4 also shortens the overall treatment timeline.

If you want the health benefits and security that implant-supported dentures offer, the All-on-4 method may be the answer you are looking for.

A Closer Look at Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease treatment, or periodontal treatment, does not refer to one particular procedure. It is a treatment plan personalized according to the severity of your symptoms and condition.

As a doctor specializing in periodontal diseases, Dr. Schlaikjer can customize an effective treatment plan that helps to restore both the health and aesthetics of your gums.

See how non-surgical periodontal therapy, a process called scaling and root planing, works…

LANAP Restores Gum HealthWithout Incisions

Less painful than traditional gum disease treatment, LANAP uses the PerioLase® MVP-7™ laser to treat gum disease This eliminates the need to use traditional oral surgery tools on the gums when treating patients at our St. Louis practice.

Thanks to the use of a soft tissue laser, most patients recover from LANAP treatment within a day. By comparison, traditional oral surgery treatment recovery times can take up to four weeks.

Laser treatment has the added benefit of prompting the body’s natural healing response, leading to new bone and soft tissue.

Our St. Louis office uses laser dentistry to address periodontal disease with minimal discomfort and bleeding.

Paying for Periodontal Treatment

Living with gum disease is harmful to your oral health. Receiving treatment from a periodontist like Dr. Schlaikjer greatly reduces your risk of health complications and the need for additional dental procedures. It can also improve your quality of life.

Insurance Coverage

As a restorative dentistry procedure, gum disease treatment should be covered by dental insurance, at least in part.

Financing Options

If dental insurance is unable to cover the costs, CareCredit® and LendingClub® allow patients to pay for treatment in installments rather than all at once. Most major credit cards are accepted too.

What Patients Are Saying!

Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in St. Louis, MO

    
 
 
        
   Kelsie Wall 
 2 February 2026
 
 
  If I could leave more than 5 stars I would. Alyssa has been amazing at every appointment. She eases my fears before I can even express them and answers every question I have. I cannot rave enough about my experience. I never dread my appointment, which I cannot say the same about my regular dentist. Thank you so much for your amazing care!
  
 
       
   Maryann 
 8 December 2025
 
 
  Long overdue review of this excellent practice. I have had four separate procedures over the last 18 or so months, All utilizing IV sedation. As a retired nurse I was very concerned that best practices were implemented for patients under conscious sedation. Dr. Schlaikjer has a crash cart with the appropriate reversal agents and code supplies. The monitors in the room were the same I used in the critical care setting. The Dr is ACLS certified and his staff are BLS certified. The staff including the front desk were top notch. The ladies at the desk went above and beyond helping me with my insurance claim. Both my dentist and orthodontist recommended Dr. Schlaikjer and I am so grateful they did.
  
 
       
   Jonathan Baker 
 9 January 2025
 
 
  Dr. Justin Schlaikjer and his team are exceptional—thorough, gentle, and genuinely caring. My gum graft procedure went smoothly with excellent results and minimal downtime. Their kindness and non-judgmental approach make every visit a positive experience. Highly recommend!
  
 
       
   Elaine Siebert 
 30 July 2024
 
 
  Where to start… Office is extremely friendly, super professional, and great with communication. Dr. Schlaikjer is upfront, honest, and a perfectionist there’s no one else I would rather trust with my dental care.
  
 
       
   Hayleigh Locke 
 12 April 2024
 
 
  I’ve had a gum graft, bone graft and implant done by Justin and I am extremely satisfied. It’s been a year since my implant and any dentist or orthodontist that sees my implant compliments it and the healed tissue around it. Very minimal pain from the surgeries but the healing process is kinda long. Overall 10/10 experience and I recommend anyone that needs a graft or implant to go to Justin.
  
 
       
   joseph bova conti 
 2 February 2024
 
 
  Dr. Schlaikjer is amazing! So kind, professional and friendly! My experience with an implant was flawless. From day one I had confidence in Dr. Schlaikjer! Add to that - the staff!!! The staff is awesome, efficient and so accommodating! This has been an incredible experience. I highly recommend Dr. Schlaikjer and his staff!!!
  
 
       
   Charles Clarke 
 26 January 2024
 
 
  I have a been a practicing Dental Specialist for over 30 years in South County. I am only treated by the best people in the field. I was blown away by how easy it was  having implants placed Dr Schlaiker and his trusty Robot. In my case I had implants replacing congenitally missing molars on both sides of my lower jaw. I had seen an implant surgeon previously who thought  it was too close to the nerve to be done (which could have left my lip permanently paralyzed) . After having the 3D CBCT taken and then evaluated by Dr Schlaiker  he assured me that with the use of his Robot technology it was indeed possible. In fact, he could do it all in one appointment  under IV sedation!!! Yesterday morning I had the procedures performed with zero discomfort! I am the typical male and am terrified of medical and dental procedures that I am awake for. I did not remember anything! Last night my wife told me I had her stop at the Steak and Shake for a milkshake after the appointment. I did not even remember that!! I took the pain medicine prescribed last night and nothing this morning. I am sitting here eating ice cream :) Life is good. Thank you to Dr Schlaiker and his amazing office staff (including the robot) for making what could have been a scary appointment….enjoyable!
  
 
       
   Charlie M 
 22 January 2024
 
 
  Wonderful people. Dr S carefully explains every procedure. It's weird, but my two favorite Docs are my periodontist and my urologist. My teeth and gums are in much better shape than when I first came in a few years ago.
  
 
       
   Pourya Maryam Shamsi 
 22 November 2022
 
 
  Dude. I was referred to Dr. Justin for gum grafting. I was like “another waste of money on something hooey”. Boy I was wrong. He did his work which took about 2 months for the whole two part procedure and wow. What a difference. My gums look all shiny and new. As if I never had a recession. Loved it. Now I want to do the rest of my teeth/gum 😂😂. Looks really nice.
  
 
       
   Tim Schoemehl 
 10 September 2022
 
 
  This Dr is amazing. I would recommend him to anyone in need of periodontal work! His staff is also amazing! Thank all of you very much!
  
 
       
   Dragica Junuzovic 
 29 May 2022
 
 
  Thank you dr Schlaikejer for you  profesional work .Everything is so simple with you, except your last name.😉 And,you are sorounding with good tim  of assistence.  I will recomended you to peaple who wants have a beautiful smile😅
  
 
       
   Toni Brinker 
 8 November 2021
 
 
  By far, the BEST experience I’ve ever had at a medical office. The staff/doctor was so accommodating, and made me feel super welcome and comfortable. At one point during my visit I told them I felt like I was at a spa! They treat their patients so well and give you their undivided attention. I was dreading this visit, but it was actually enjoyable! Dr. Schlaikjer was very informative and took his time, he was funny (as well as the staff), and I know I can trust him, which can be hard to find when it comes to healthcare. They truly, truly care about their patients, and I will definitely be back.
  
 
       
   Mike Manion 
 22 October 2021
 
 
  Dr Schlaikjer and his staff are very professional and friendly. If I knew how painless and easy the procedure was, I would have come in sooner.  They are GREAT! Thanks, Patti Manion
  
 
       
   Mirsada Perkanovic 
 9 July 2021
 
 
  Dr Schlaikjer and his team did outstanding job! I was very impressed from start to finish. After I talking to my friends and intervjuing several oral surgeons, I was pleased that I chose Dr Schlaikjer and his team. I could not have made a better choose. I wish, I could give this place more than 5 stars! Can not thank them enough. I had an extractions, 5 implant placed and bone graft done.Everything was amazing. He and his entire team are incredibly kind, helpful and attentive and they make you feel like you are visiting a friend rather than a surgeon. No better place to go for a dental extraction and tooth implants. As good as it gets. I HIGHLY recommend this place to anyone who is need of this type of service. I am very happy with my dental implants and I will be forever grateful!
  
 
       
   Ronald Wunsch 
 9 March 2021
 
 
  I was referred by my dentist who gave Dr S a rave review. After a thorough examination it was determined that my bone had to be built up to, accommodate an implant. It was a difficult task but Dr S handled it with expertise, compassion and an explanation of each and every procedure before he began. After major oral surgery he sent me home with his cell phone number to call if I was in pain.  I have the utmost confidence  in dr S  and encourage anyone needing a Periodontist to go to him.
  
 
       
   Stan Nieweglowski 
 20 May 2020
 
 
  Dr. Schlaikjer is a true professional. This was my first procedure of the sort and he, along with his staff, made it a breeze. I barely felt a thing.
  
 
       
   Courtney EurekaSmile 
 10 December 2019
 
 
  My son was involved in a car accident and had to have gum grafting. Dr Schlaikjer and his team were very informative, professional and went out of  their way to make my son and I feel comfortable and important. They are very personable and easy to talk to. My son has had great results with his procedure and we are so thankful to have found Dr. Schlaikjer!
  
 
       
   Chris Elbring 
 3 December 2019
 
 
  Dr Schlaikjer is very skilled and it is apparent when you are in his care. Always felt comfortable. Gum graft went super well and exceeded expectations. This sort of stuff is never fun, but if I had to get periodontal work again, I know where I would go.
  
 
       
   Raul Alvarez 
 16 July 2019
 
 
  Really enjoyed (who even says that about a dentist) visiting Dr. Schlaikjer's office. Staff is personable and professional... along with Dr. Schlaikjer's care and expertise. Highly recommend.
  
 
       
   Kyle Brown 
 8 March 2019
 
 
  Dr. Schlaikjer and his staff are absolutely incredible!!! There aren't enough fantastic words to describe him and his practice, I highly reccomend them to everyone!
  
 
       
   Patti Redel 
 27 February 2019
 
 
  First time I have gone to Dr. Schlaikjer. I can’t say enough about the professional, caring work he and his staff do. The entire team, from Danyell, to Natasha, Ashley and Dr. Schlaikjer took the time to meet with me, explain everything as they went along and calmed my nerves. I highly recommend his services. Top notch!
  
 
       
   Ben Cohn 
 10 February 2019
 
 
  Very skilled, very meticulous practitioner with a great, reassuring manner.  Helpful, attentive staff.  Good outcomes for all 3 procedures he's done for me.  Highly recommend.
  
 
       
   Gerald Tanner 
 13 December 2018
 
 
  Great dentist and office. Had 2 procedures and both went smoothly.  Very skilled and has very reassuring manner.
  
 
       
   K Smith 
 30 October 2018
 
 
  By far his most difficult patient yet, and yet I'd go back in a heartbeat. Friendly staff across the board. Patient, understanding, sympathetic, etc.
  
 
       
   Dr. Jon Copeland 
 10 April 2017
 
 
  Great periodontist. Easy to get to location.

    
 
 
        
   Kelsie Wall 
 2 February 2026
 
 
  If I could leave more than 5 stars I would. Alyssa has been amazing at every appointment. She eases my fears before I can even express them and answers every question I have. I cannot rave enough about my experience. I never dread my appointment, which I cannot say the same about my regular dentist. Thank you so much for your amazing care!
  
 
       
   Maryann 
 8 December 2025
 
 
  Long overdue review of this excellent practice. I have had four separate procedures over the last 18 or so months, All utilizing IV sedation. As a retired nurse I was very concerned that best practices were implemented for patients under conscious sedation. Dr. Schlaikjer has a crash cart with the appropriate reversal agents and code supplies. The monitors in the room were the same I used in the critical care setting. The Dr is ACLS certified and his staff are BLS certified. The staff including the front desk were top notch. The ladies at the desk went above and beyond helping me with my insurance claim. Both my dentist and orthodontist recommended Dr. Schlaikjer and I am so grateful they did.
  
 
       
   Jonathan Baker 
 9 January 2025
 
 
  Dr. Justin Schlaikjer and his team are exceptional—thorough, gentle, and genuinely caring. My gum graft procedure went smoothly with excellent results and minimal downtime. Their kindness and non-judgmental approach make every visit a positive experience. Highly recommend!
  
 
       
   Elaine Siebert 
 30 July 2024
 
 
  Where to start… Office is extremely friendly, super professional, and great with communication. Dr. Schlaikjer is upfront, honest, and a perfectionist there’s no one else I would rather trust with my dental care.
  
 
       
   Hayleigh Locke 
 12 April 2024
 
 
  I’ve had a gum graft, bone graft and implant done by Justin and I am extremely satisfied. It’s been a year since my implant and any dentist or orthodontist that sees my implant compliments it and the healed tissue around it. Very minimal pain from the surgeries but the healing process is kinda long. Overall 10/10 experience and I recommend anyone that needs a graft or implant to go to Justin.
  
 
       
   joseph bova conti 
 2 February 2024
 
 
  Dr. Schlaikjer is amazing! So kind, professional and friendly! My experience with an implant was flawless. From day one I had confidence in Dr. Schlaikjer! Add to that - the staff!!! The staff is awesome, efficient and so accommodating! This has been an incredible experience. I highly recommend Dr. Schlaikjer and his staff!!!
  
 
       
   Charles Clarke 
 26 January 2024
 
 
  I have a been a practicing Dental Specialist for over 30 years in South County. I am only treated by the best people in the field. I was blown away by how easy it was  having implants placed Dr Schlaiker and his trusty Robot. In my case I had implants replacing congenitally missing molars on both sides of my lower jaw. I had seen an implant surgeon previously who thought  it was too close to the nerve to be done (which could have left my lip permanently paralyzed) . After having the 3D CBCT taken and then evaluated by Dr Schlaiker  he assured me that with the use of his Robot technology it was indeed possible. In fact, he could do it all in one appointment  under IV sedation!!! Yesterday morning I had the procedures performed with zero discomfort! I am the typical male and am terrified of medical and dental procedures that I am awake for. I did not remember anything! Last night my wife told me I had her stop at the Steak and Shake for a milkshake after the appointment. I did not even remember that!! I took the pain medicine prescribed last night and nothing this morning. I am sitting here eating ice cream :) Life is good. Thank you to Dr Schlaiker and his amazing office staff (including the robot) for making what could have been a scary appointment….enjoyable!
  
 
       
   Charlie M 
 22 January 2024
 
 
  Wonderful people. Dr S carefully explains every procedure. It's weird, but my two favorite Docs are my periodontist and my urologist. My teeth and gums are in much better shape than when I first came in a few years ago.
  
 
       
   Pourya Maryam Shamsi 
 22 November 2022
 
 
  Dude. I was referred to Dr. Justin for gum grafting. I was like “another waste of money on something hooey”. Boy I was wrong. He did his work which took about 2 months for the whole two part procedure and wow. What a difference. My gums look all shiny and new. As if I never had a recession. Loved it. Now I want to do the rest of my teeth/gum 😂😂. Looks really nice.
  
 
       
   Tim Schoemehl 
 10 September 2022
 
 
  This Dr is amazing. I would recommend him to anyone in need of periodontal work! His staff is also amazing! Thank all of you very much!

Gum Disease

Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in St. Louis, MO

What Is Gum Disease?

What Is Gingivitis?

What is a Periodontitis?

Need To Schedule OR Have A Question?

Experiencing Symptoms of Gingivitis or Periodontitis?

Justin M. Schlaikjer, DDS Can Help

Phone Number:

Why You Should Treat Gum Disease in Its Earliest Stages

Prevent Tooth Loss

Improve the Look of Your Smile

Save Time & Money

Professional Periodontal Treatment Can Reach Areas That You Can’t

How can you tell if you need gum disease treatment?

Redness or Swelling

Gum Pockets

Bad Breath

Sores or Lesions

Do You Have Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Phone Number:

Our periodontist has advanced training to treat all levels of periodontal disease...

Early

Advanced

Severe

Restore Your Smile With All-on-4 Implants

A Closer Look at Gum Disease Treatment

See how non-surgical periodontal therapy, a process called scaling and root planing, works…

LANAP Restores Gum HealthWithout Incisions

Our St. Louis office uses laser dentistry to address periodontal disease with minimal discomfort and bleeding.

Paying for Periodontal Treatment

Insurance Coverage

Financing Options

What Patients Are Saying!

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