Palmetto Periodontics
Northeast Columbia periodontist offering laser gum therapy, grafting and implant surgery
Smyleee Rating
Excellent
Featured on Smyleee
Palmetto Periodontics is ranked in the top 3 on 3 Smyleee Top 10 lists.
About Palmetto Periodontics
Alpine Circle runs off the northeast side of Columbia, roughly ten miles out from downtown and within easy reach of the Two Notch corridor and the neighborhoods around it. Palmetto Periodontics works there as a specialty referral practice: gums, bone, and the implants that depend on both. Dr. James P. Wilson is board certified in periodontics and implant surgery, grew up in Columbia, took his dental degree at the Medical University of South Carolina, and served as chief of periodontics for the U.S. Army Dental Corps at Fort Campbell before coming home.
Laser gum therapy is the treatment this office is most equipped for. In the LANAP protocol, a fine fiber carrying a specific wavelength is passed between the gum and the tooth root; the light is absorbed by diseased, pigmented tissue and by bacteria, while healthy collagen is left largely alone. The root surface is then cleaned of hardened deposits, and a second pass of the laser warms the blood in the pocket into a stable clot that seals the space so the tissue can reattach. Because no gum is cut away with a blade and nothing is stitched, recovery tends to be gentler than traditional flap surgery. It treats periodontitis; it does not replace daily cleaning, and it cannot rebuild a tooth whose supporting bone is already gone.
The same laser thinking extends to implants through LAPIP, used when tissue around an existing implant becomes inflamed and the bone underneath starts to recede. On the surgical side the practice handles gum grafting, crown lengthening, guided bone regeneration, ridge preservation after an extraction, and sinus lifts to build height in the upper back jaw before implants can be placed. Both IV and oral sedation are offered for people whose anxiety would otherwise keep them out of the chair.
Insurance is worth checking early. The practice is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, GEHA, Companion Life and the VA, which matters in a city with a large veteran population, though surgical benefits vary widely between plans. Hours run Monday through Thursday, with a shorter Friday that closes at one, so late-week appointments need planning around.
Palmetto Periodontics is Dr. James P. Wilson's specialty practice on Alpine Circle in northeast Columbia, about ten miles from downtown. The focus is gums, bone and implants: LANAP laser gum therapy, LAPIP for ailing implants, gum grafting, crown lengthening, guided bone regeneration, ridge preservation and sinus lifts. IV and oral sedation are available. The practice is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, GEHA, Companion Life and the VA, and runs Monday to Thursday with a half day on Friday.
Clinic Details
Best Known For
Periodontics, Dental Implants, Sedation Dentistry
Business Hours
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Saturday(Today) | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is LANAP laser treatment different from gum surgery with a scalpel?
Which insurance plans is Palmetto Periodontics in network with?
What is a sinus lift and why would I need one?
Location
Services Offered
Reviews
Smyleee Rating
Excellent
1,384 reviews
Smyleee Rating reflects verified profile signals, reviews, and overall care quality.
Recent Reviews
Thank you for your professionalism, attention to detail and your medical staff.
I love going to Dr McKenzie’s office. Everyone is so courteous and professional. He is a very humble man with awesome skills and he loves what he does.
I felt my providers cared about my experience and set out to create an enjoyable experience. They were patient with me and sought to keep me comfortable.
This is a first class establishment, Dr. Wilson has excellent bedside manner. Tasha at the desk helped get an appointment and was totally courteous. Neida Rodriguez was my perio specialist, she was gentle and made you feel at ease. The Front desk lady gave me a mug and the other ladies at that desk were really super nice. I am recommending this dentist to my friends at Ft Jackson, Church and VA. Top-shelf and I am ttally afraid of dentist. This visit was a 10!
Receive an implant and bone graft. Long process Dr. Wilson made it as painless as possible. He and his staffwere very professional and caring. He took the time to call me at the end of day to check on me. I highly recommend him!
I had periodontal surgery this morning and everything went great from beginning to end. Dr. Wilson and his staff were excellent. Sorry I don’t remember the staff’s names but everyone was professional and courteous. I’m always nervous going to a dentist office and they made me feel comfortable. Thanks.
I’ve been coming here for years! Dr. Wilson is very knowledgeable and explains things so that anybody can understand, and emphasizes things that are important that I can do to help myself as well. Chelsea is the one who does my cleanings, and she does the best job of cleaning my teeth that I have ever had done, I was told to alternate between them and my regular dentist for cleanings, but to me it’s worth the extra time money to just have my teeth cleaned there!! I’m sure the other hygienist are excellent as well, and I honestly believe if it wasn’t for staff there, my gum health wouldn’t be near as good as it’s become so far! From the front desk, to the financial and insurance associates and all the way through the periodontal care, they are outstanding, and as much as I hate to go have to the Periodontist, I’m so confident in their ability and actual concern with my health, I don’t dread going anymore, they have been a blessing!
Reviews are aggregated from public sources.
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