Dr. David W. Howerton, DMD photo 1
Dr. David W. Howerton, DMD photo 2
2 photos

Dr. David W. Howerton, DMD

Periodontics in Southeast Salem

(503) 375-2000WebsiteUpdated Aug 11, 2026

About Dr. David W. Howerton, DMD

Based on Mission Street Southeast in the Southeast Salem area of Salem, Oregon, Dr. David W. Howerton, DMD is a dental practice serving the area. Periodontics is the specialty focused on the gums and the bone supporting the teeth, handling more advanced gum disease, related surgical treatment, and — in many practices — dental implant placement, which sits naturally alongside that training.

Continuity matters in dental care — seeing the same practice over time means your history, X-rays, and any patterns in your oral health are already on file, rather than starting from scratch at each visit. That familiarity is part of what a regular dental home offers beyond any single appointment.

Dental anxiety is common, and most practices are used to working with nervous patients — through clear explanations of what is about to happen, a slower pace where needed, and sedation options for patients who want them. Avoiding the dentist out of anxiety tends to make eventual treatment more involved, not less.

Children benefit from starting dental visits early, generally by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth coming through, mainly so they become familiar with the setting before any treatment is actually needed. Establishing that routine early tends to make ongoing checkups far less stressful for both child and parent.

Payment and insurance arrangements vary by practice and by treatment, so it is worth asking directly what is covered and what options exist for anything that is not, rather than assuming either way. Getting that clarified before treatment starts avoids surprises once it is underway.

Beyond any single treatment, most dental visits start with an examination — checking for decay, reviewing the gums, and looking at existing fillings or crowns — often alongside X-rays where there is a reason to look between or beneath teeth. That groundwork is what a dentist uses to explain any findings and set out next steps before you leave. You can reach Dr. David W. Howerton, DMD through this page to ask a question, check current availability, or request an appointment.

Dr. David W. Howerton, DMD offers periodontics on Mission Street Southeast in the Southeast Salem area of Salem, Oregon. Use this page to see the full range of treatments listed and to get in touch about an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dr. David W. Howerton, DMD located in Salem?
Dr. David W. Howerton, DMD is on Mission Street Southeast in the Southeast Salem area of Salem, Oregon (97302).
What services does Dr. David W. Howerton, DMD offer?
Listed services at Dr. David W. Howerton, DMD include Periodontics. The full list is shown on this page.
When should I see a periodontist instead of a general dentist?
Usually on referral, when gum disease has advanced beyond what routine treatment is resolving — deep pockets, ongoing bone loss, or gum recession needing surgical management.
What is gum recession and can it be treated?
Recession is when gum tissue pulls back and exposes more of the tooth root, often from aggressive brushing, gum disease, or grinding. Grafting procedures can cover exposed roots, though how well that works depends on the extent of the recession.
How often should I have a dental check-up?
Every six months suits most people. If you have gum disease or a history of decay a dentist may suggest coming more often. The point of regular visits is mostly to catch problems while they are still small and cheap to treat.
What happens during a routine dental examination?
The dentist checks the teeth for decay, examines the gums, looks at any existing fillings and crowns, and screens the soft tissues. X-rays are taken when there is a reason to look between or beneath teeth.

Location

Services Offered

Periodontics

Reviews

39 reviews

Smyleee Rating reflects verified profile signals, reviews, and overall care quality.

See all reviews

Recent Reviews

K
K***1 year ago
R
R***1 year ago
B
B***2 years ago

Dr.Kennedy did a great job on a difficult front tooth implant!

C
C***2 years ago

I was impressed with Dr.Howerton. My mother is 89 years old. After her procedure, he stayed 2 hours after closing, to make sure her bleeding had stopped completely before he sent her home.He was very patient with her.

S
S***2 years ago
A
A***2 years ago

I went in for an extraction under general anesthesia with Dr. Howerton today after my consultation just this past Tuesday, not only were the staff wonderful including Leia the dental assistant working with me but Dr. Howerton put me at ease and has wonderful bedside manner. Very pleased with my experience with everyone from the front staff, clinic and physician himself.

d
d***3 years ago

This dental clinic of Howerton, Hopkin, Kennedy and Clark is a happy, caring group of people. The excellent ladies at the front counter set the upbeat mood for a great patient experience. I can not say enough good about them, they are genuinely nice, very helpful and sincere . The waiting room is clean, spacious and beautiful, it is the best that I have ever seen. Dr Howerton is highly rated for good reason. He is careful, clear, thorough and easy to understand. He explains everything very well. He has my complete confidence. This entire clinic is top notch.

J
J***4 years ago

Dr Howerton took out my wisdom teeth 30 years ago. Fast forward to yesterday. I had to have a tooth pulled due to a cracked root. I was scheduled out about 3 weeks but started feeling ill from the infection. They pushed up my consult to get me in sooner. I was not sure who I would see and was pleased when Dr Howerton walked in. After seeing me and compassionately listening to my symptoms. He fit me into his schedule a did the extraction that afternoon. It all went so well. Almost no pain afterwards. Janna was his assistant, she is so sweet! She made me felt heard and comfortable.That evening Dr. Howerton even called me to check on me. I reported doing better than expected. He made sure to remind me to call right away if anything comes up. 30 years ago I was so happy with my care with Dr. Howerton, so much more yesterday! Everyone from the front office to the back were great! I highly recommend Dr. Howerton and group.

D
D***6 years ago

The first indication that we had that this was a good place was that we got an appointment the very next day to have a tooth surgically extracted. When we made the appointment, we were told exactly what all of the costs were expected to be up front. When we got to the appointment, again, they were very straightforward about the treatment options and cost. The extraction was done with a local anesthetic, but we did have the choice of general if it was desired. I think what is best about this place is that they don't overbook. We were there for about two hours, and we were never alone, always had a lot of personal attention and no one was rushing. Their hygiene protocol is the best we've ever seen. I could go on. Dental services are always expensive, and you get what you pay for. These people do outstanding work and they stand behind it.

K
K***7 years ago

Dr. Howerton pulled my wisdom teeth 20 years ago, and now my son needed his pulled. I was so impressed then that I reached out to their office for his surgery. So glad I did. Their professionalism and experience is above all others. Have heard many others who are familiar with the practice have nothing but good things to say too. My son had no problems at all having all four removed. Healing up wonderfully. (Their prices were way better than our regular dentist too.) Best oral surgeons in town!

Reviews are aggregated from public sources.

Photos (2)

Dr. David W. Howerton, DMD photo 1
Dr. David W. Howerton, DMD photo 2