Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden.

Why are my gums bleeding when I brush?

Bleeding gums are an early sign of gingivitis. Inflammation due to plaque buildup is the typical cause, and a professional bleeding gums treatment such as a deep cleaning is often necessary.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is the earliest, reversible stage of gum disease. Periodontitis is more advanced and has spread to the bone, and treatment is essential to stop progression.

Do I need a periodontist?

If you have moderate to advanced gum disease, need complex dental implant placement, or have significant gum recession, a periodontist has the advanced training to help.

Your Trusted Meridian Periodontist
Gum & Dental Implant Specialist

Dr. J. Eric Herrington

Meet Your Gum Specialist

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Expert Gum Disease Treatment in Meridian

If you're experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums or receding gums, you may need periodontitis treatment. We offer advanced solutions, including minimally invasive laser periodontal therapy (LANAP®), to effectively treat gum disease and regenerate healthy tissue. Don't wait to seek help from a gum specialist.

Periodontist vs. General Dentist: The Specialist Advantage

Why see a periodontist? Unlike a general dentist, a periodontist like Dr. J. Eric Herrington has years of specialized training focused exclusively on the gums, bone, and other structures that support your teeth. This expertise is crucial for complex issues like advanced periodontitis and the precise placement of dental implants.

It is our mission to provide periodontal health care, not disease care. We create strategic, long-term plans to preserve your smile. As a leading Meridian gum specialist, we invest in state-of-the-art technology and offer sedation to ensure your comfort.

We understand our patients have demanding schedules, which is why we deliver efficient yet effective solutions. As a result, we can reduce the amount of time you spend in our office without compromising the quality of our care.

As a specialist, we provide a higher level of care for the foundation of your smile.

As your trusted periodontist in Meridian, MS, Dr. Herrington is dedicated to your best interests. We also proudly serve patients from Philadelphia, Newton, and Forest.

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Our Promise to You

Our primary purpose is to provide the highest quality periodontal and dental implant care. You deserve our undivided attention, and we will do everything we can to make sure your experience exceeds your expectations.

J. Eric Herrington, DMD

Pairing Expertise & Personalized Care

Dr. Herrington, a Meridian dental implant specialist, with his team. — Dr. Herrington and his dedicated team

Dr. J. Eric Herrington is a board-certified periodontist in Meridian, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, a distinction that represents the highest level of achievement in the field.

His commitment to leadership carries into every level of his services. He combines his expertise with an individualized approach to deliver the best possible care, whether you need a dental bone graft for implants or receding gums treatment.

Your Trusted Meridian Periodontist

Common Periodontal Procedures

Dental Implant Placement

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Gum Disease Treatment

Laser Periodontal Therapy

An illustration of a soft tissue graft procedure for receding gums.

Soft Tissue Grafts

Our Complete List of Services

To accommodate your diverse needs, we offer comprehensive care, including gum disease treatments, dental implant placement, and oral surgery.

Periodontitis Treatments

Dental Implant Specialist

Oral & Sedation Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about gum health from your Meridian periodontist.

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Patient-friendly answers to the questions we hear most often.

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Planning Your Treatment

Financing

We accept financing through CareCredit® and local third-party options, as well as cash, checks, and most major credit cards.

Sedation

Dr. Herrington offers oral conscious and intravenous (IV) sedation, so patients can have a calm and relaxed treatment experience.

Serving the Meridian Community

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Colossians 3: 23-24

Leveraging Technology for Superior Care

For accurate diagnosis, he uses digital x-rays and cone beam CT scans. He also uses VELscope® for oral cancer screening. When performing periodontitis treatment, Dr. Herrington utilizes advanced laser periodontal therapy. Following the LANAP® protocol, he can eliminate infected tissue with less bleeding and faster recovery than traditional flap surgery.

To accelerate healing after procedures like a dental bone graft, he can apply tissue-stimulating proteins and platelet-rich growth factors to the surgical site.