Periodontist
in Troy, NY
Dr. Mahogany Miles, D.M.D., M.S.D., is a board-eligible periodontist providing expert diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, bone loss, and complex implant care for patients throughout Troy, Albany, and the Capital Region.
A Dental Specialist Focused on Gum and Bone Health
A periodontist is a dental specialist who completes four years of dental school followed by an additional three-year residency program specifically focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease and the placement and maintenance of dental implants.
While a general dentist provides broad dental care, a periodontist is the go-to specialist when a condition involves the bone and soft tissue that support your teeth. This includes gum disease at all stages, bone loss, gum recession, complex implant cases, and maintenance for patients with a history of periodontal problems.
Dr. Mahogany Miles, D.M.D., M.S.D., is a board-eligible periodontist practicing at Troy Periodontics. She trained at an accredited periodontal specialty program and has advanced surgical expertise in implant placement, bone grafting, gum grafting, and both surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy. Patients from Troy, Albany, Schenectady, Colonie, Clifton Park, Latham, Saratoga Springs, and across the Capital Region come to Dr. Miles for specialist-level care that general dentists do not offer.
Periodontal Disease:
More Serious Than Most Patients Realize
Periodontal (gum) disease is a bacterial infection of the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and jawbone. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and has documented links to systemic health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness.
The disease progresses silently in many patients — the early stage (gingivitis) causes gum inflammation and bleeding but often no pain. Without treatment, it advances to periodontitis, where bacteria destroy the bone holding teeth in place. By the time patients notice significant symptoms, significant damage has often already occurred.
This is why referral to a periodontist matters. Dr. Miles uses specialized diagnostic tools, 3D imaging, and evidence-based treatment protocols to arrest the disease, restore health, and protect your teeth and bone long-term.
The earliest and fully reversible stage. Gums are red, swollen, and may bleed during brushing. No bone loss has occurred yet.
Bacterial infection has spread below the gumline. Shallow bone loss begins. Pocket depths of 4 to 5mm. Scaling and root planing is the primary treatment.
Deeper pockets of 5 to 7mm, increasing bone loss, and beginning tooth mobility. Surgical treatment may be required to fully debride the infected tissue.
Pocket depths above 7mm, significant bone loss, tooth mobility, and possible abscesses. Surgical intervention and long-term maintenance are essential.
After active treatment, lifelong maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months keep disease controlled and protect your long-term results.
4 Reasons to Choose Specialist Periodontal Care
General dentists treat mild gum disease. But when your case is more complex, a periodontist makes a measurable difference in outcomes.
Three Additional Years of Specialty Training
After dental school, periodontists complete a multi-year surgical residency focused exclusively on the gums, bone, and implant structures. This depth of training allows for accurate staging of disease, appropriate treatment selection, and superior surgical outcomes compared to general dentistry.
Advanced Diagnostics and Technology
Dr. Miles uses cone beam CT (CBCT) 3D imaging, digital periodontal charting, and specialized probes that general offices do not routinely use. This allows her to assess bone levels, plan implant surgery, and monitor disease progression with a level of precision that routine dental X-rays cannot provide.
All Surgical Procedures Performed In-House
Bone grafting, gum grafting, osseous surgery, crown lengthening, implant placement — all performed at Troy Periodontics without the need for outside referrals. You receive coordinated, specialist-driven care from evaluation through final restoration under one roof.
Coordinated Care With Your General Dentist
We work closely with referring dentists throughout Troy, Albany, and the Capital Region to ensure seamless communication and coordinated treatment plans. Dr. Miles provides detailed records, treatment summaries, and follow-up communication so your dental team stays aligned throughout your care.
Comprehensive Specialist Care at Troy Periodontics
From non-surgical therapy to complex implant surgery, Dr. Miles provides the full scope of periodontal specialty services.
The cornerstone non-surgical treatment for mild to moderate gum disease. Using specialized instruments, Dr. Miles removes bacterial deposits from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to eliminate bacterial adhesion sites and allow the gums to reattach to clean tooth structure.
When periodontal pockets are too deep to clean non-surgically, osseous surgery allows Dr. Miles to access and thoroughly clean the roots and reshape the supporting bone. This creates an environment where bacteria cannot harbor and long-term stability becomes possible.
Gum recession and bone loss leave teeth vulnerable and aesthetically compromised. Dr. Miles performs connective tissue grafts to restore gum volume and protect exposed roots, and bone grafts to rebuild the foundation for implants or to arrest bone resorption in existing natural teeth.
After active periodontal treatment, maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months are essential to keep the disease controlled. These appointments include specialized cleaning of periodontal pockets, updated probing measurements, and assessment of any sites showing recurrence — the ongoing investment that protects your long-term results.
Signs You Should See Dr. Miles
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth, making teeth appear longer
- Persistent bad breath that does not resolve with brushing
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position
- Pain when chewing or sensitivity at the gumline
- A general dentist referral for gum disease evaluation
- History of periodontal disease requiring long-term management
- Interest in dental implants — especially with bone loss or prior gum disease
Referred by Your Dentist?
Many of our patients arrive with a referral from their general dentist who noticed signs of gum disease beyond what routine cleaning can address. If you have been referred, or if you are self-referring based on symptoms you have noticed, we welcome you and will provide a thorough evaluation with clear, honest recommendations.
You do not need a referral to book a periodontal consultation. You can call us directly at 518-274-5015 or use our online booking form to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Miles at our Troy, NY office.
Serving Troy, Albany, Colonie, Clifton Park, Cohoes, Schenectady, Latham, Saratoga Springs.
Periodontal Care That Fits Your Budget
We offer multiple payment and financing options so cost does not stand between you and the specialist care your gums and bone require.
Cherry Financing
Spread periodontal treatment costs across 6, 12, 18, or 24 months at 0% interest. Fast approval, $0 down required. Apply in minutes online or in our office.
Apply at Cherry →CareCredit Health Card
We accept CareCredit, the healthcare credit card trusted by millions. Apply online and use the same day you are approved — no waiting required before starting treatment.
Apply for CareCredit →Troy Periodontics VIP Plan
Our in-house VIP Membership includes preventive care and 30% off all treatment — including periodontal therapy. Bronze $560/yr, Silver $710/yr, Gold $810/yr. No insurance required.
View Plan Details →Subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply. Membership plan is not insurance. Plan is non-refundable. CareCredit is a registered trademark of Synchrony Bank.
Periodontist FAQs
Answers to what patients want to know before their first periodontal visit.
A general dentist provides broad dental care including exams, fillings, crowns, and routine cleanings. A periodontist is a dental specialist who completes 3 additional years of residency training after dental school, focused specifically on diagnosing and treating gum disease, managing bone loss, and placing and maintaining dental implants. Think of the relationship like a general physician versus a cardiologist. General dentists manage mild gum disease well, but complex or advanced cases benefit significantly from specialist-level care.
Yes. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the United States. Beyond the mouth, research has established associations between untreated gum disease and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, poorly controlled diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and respiratory infection. The bacterial burden from chronic gum inflammation can enter the bloodstream and affect organs throughout the body. This makes proper diagnosis and treatment of gum disease important not just for your smile, but for your overall health.
Common signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, gums that appear red or swollen, persistent bad breath, gums that have pulled away from your teeth, tooth sensitivity near the gumline, and loose or shifting teeth. However, many patients have significant gum disease with no noticeable symptoms — particularly in the early stages. A periodontal evaluation including precise probing measurements and X-rays is the only reliable way to know your status. If it has been more than a year since your last thorough periodontal evaluation, a consultation with Dr. Miles is a wise step.
Scaling and root planing is performed under local anesthesia, so you should feel only pressure, not pain, during the procedure. Some patients with dental anxiety choose to add nitrous oxide for an even more comfortable experience. After treatment, mild soreness and sensitivity lasting a few days is common and is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients return to normal activities the same day. The discomfort is temporary; the benefit — halting bone loss and disease progression — is lasting.
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is fully reversible with professional treatment and improved home care. Periodontitis, where bone loss has occurred, cannot be fully reversed — the lost bone does not regenerate on its own — but it can be controlled and stabilized effectively. With proper treatment and consistent maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months, the vast majority of patients with periodontitis retain their natural teeth long-term and experience no further bone loss. The key is early treatment and long-term commitment to maintenance care.
Many dental insurance plans cover periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing, at varying levels depending on your plan. We will work with your insurance to maximize your benefits. For patients without insurance coverage, we offer Cherry Financing with 0% interest for up to 24 months, CareCredit healthcare financing, and our VIP Membership plan which provides 30% off all treatment for a flat annual fee. Call us at 518-274-5015 and we will help you understand your coverage options before your visit.
No referral is required to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miles. Many patients come to us based on a referral from their general dentist, but self-referred patients are equally welcome. If you are experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, have noticed changes in your gums, or simply want a specialist-level evaluation of your periodontal health, you can call us directly at 518-274-5015 or book online to schedule your first visit.
Yes. Troy Periodontics welcomes patients from throughout the Capital Region including Albany, Colonie, Clifton Park, Cohoes, Latham, Schenectady, Watervliet, Saratoga Springs, Rensselaer, and surrounding communities. We are located at 500 Federal St, Suite 300, Troy, NY 12180 and are accepting new patients. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ready to See a
Gum Specialist?
Book a consultation with Dr. Mahogany Miles and get a clear picture of your gum and bone health from a board-eligible periodontist. No pressure. No referral needed. Just specialist-level answers.
500 Federal St, Suite 300, Troy, NY • Mon–Thu 8am–5pm