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Pioneer Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, PC

Board-certified periodontists on Lucile Drive for gum grafting, bone loss, and guided implants

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(402) 483-7631WebsiteUpdated Aug 19, 2026

About Pioneer Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, PC

A periodontal examination is largely arithmetic. A probe is walked around every tooth at six points and the depth from gum margin to the floor of the pocket is read off in millimetres, then written into a grid alongside bleeding points and recession. Healthy sites come back at one to three. Four is a warning. Anything past five is a space no toothbrush can physically reach, which is the point at which home care stops being the answer. That chart, rather than a general impression of how the gums look, is what decides whether you need a deeper clean, a graft, or surgery.

Pioneer Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is built around those numbers. The practice is staffed by board-certified periodontists, Dr. John E. Rutledge, Dr. Hoang-Oanh T. Le, and Dr. Aaron D. Bradley, and takes referrals from general dentists across Lincoln alongside patients who arrive on their own. Cases are planned with all-digital impressions, cone beam imaging, 3D printing, and computer-guided implant surgery, and the surgeons consult with one another on treatment plans rather than working in isolation.

Two procedures account for much of the day here. Scaling and root planing clears hardened deposits from below the gumline and smooths the root surface so tissue can reattach; it treats the infection but does not regrow bone that is already lost. Gum grafting borrows tissue, often from the palate, to rebuild a receded margin and cover an exposed root, and the point is arresting further recession and reducing sensitivity rather than producing a cosmetic result on its own. Crown lengthening reshapes gum and bone so a broken-down tooth has enough structure above the margin to hold a crown.

Lucile Drive is a short professional street just off Pioneers Boulevard on the southeast side of Lincoln, which puts the office within a few minutes of the 70th and 84th Street corridors and well clear of downtown parking. Weekday hours run eight to five Monday through Thursday, with a shorter Friday that closes at one.

One limitation is worth stating plainly. This is not an office where you keep a routine checkup and hygiene relationship; you stay with your own dentist for that, and the two practices coordinate records between them. Sedation options are offered for patients who find surgical appointments difficult, most dental insurance is accepted, and CareCredit is available for treatment that runs across several stages.

A specialist periodontal practice off Pioneers Boulevard in southeast Lincoln, staffed by board-certified periodontists Dr. John E. Rutledge, Dr. Hoang-Oanh T. Le, and Dr. Aaron D. Bradley. The office sees referred and self-referred patients for gum disease treatment, gum grafting, crown lengthening, extractions, implant dentures, and computer-guided implant surgery planned with cone beam imaging and digital impressions. Sedation is available. Hours run Monday to Thursday, eight to five, with a short Friday morning.

Clinic Details

Best Known For

Periodontics, Dental Implants, Oral Surgery, Sedation Dentistry

Business Hours

Monday
8:00 AM5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM5:00 PM
Wednesday(Today)
8:00 AM5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM1:00 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to be seen at Pioneer Periodontics?
A referral is the common route, and the practice keeps a dedicated referral process for general dentists across Lincoln. Patients also come in directly after noticing bleeding gums, recession, or a tooth that has started to move. If you self-refer, expect the periodontists to want records and X-rays from your regular dentist so treatment is coordinated rather than duplicated. Either way, you continue seeing your own dentist for routine care.
What does gum grafting actually do for a receding gumline?
Gum grafting rebuilds tissue over a root that recession has exposed, usually with a small graft taken from the palate or from donor tissue. The goals are practical: stop the recession progressing, reduce the sensitivity that comes from an uncovered root, and protect that root from decay. Coverage is often good but not always complete, and how much root can be recovered depends on how much bone remains around the tooth.
How does implant surgery here differ from having one placed at a general dentist?
The differences are mostly planning and case complexity. Implants are mapped with cone beam imaging and digital impressions, then placed with computer-guided surgery, and the periodontists routinely take on sites where bone has been lost, where a graft or sinus lift is needed, or where several teeth are being replaced at once. The restoration on top may still be made by your own dentist, so confirm early who handles which stage.

Location

Services Offered

Dental ImplantsBone GraftingOral SurgeryFull Mouth RehabilitationDentures

Reviews

50 reviews

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

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Recent Reviews

M
M***3 weeks ago

Recently I was fortunate to have Dr. John Rutledge available to do a surgery and he was superb as was the care team and office staff. Pioneer Periodontics is highly recommended!

L
L***2 months ago

Dr Bradley was amazing, along wkth the team that worked with him. Now the customer service when you call is horrible. Both myself and my husband were treated rudely when trying to give them new information about insurance.

K
K***3 months ago

I had the best experience!

M
M***8 months ago

I am so grateful to Dr. Rutledge and the wonderful team at Pioneer Periodontics. I am so happy with the results and the entire process was absolutely first class. I would wholeheartedly recommend them for any dental needs.

J
J***8 months ago

Dr. Li is great. She explained everything very well and is very thorough. Wait time was not bad at all.

z
z***11 months ago

I took my son to this office and provided two insurance plans. Unfortunately, the staff submitted the claim incorrectly, and now I’m being told I’m fully responsible for the bill. I even set up a 3-way call with the insurance company and the office, where the insurance rep clearly said the office made a mistake and just needed one more month to fix the claim — and that it would be covered. Still, the office refused and insisted we pay the full amount immediately, with no willingness to cooperate. Very unprofessional and disappointing experience. I gave them all the correct information, and now I’m stuck dealing with a bill that should’ve been covered if they had handled the claim properly. Be very careful — especially if you’re using insurance.

M
M***1 year ago

Dr. Bradley and all the staff at Pioneer are incredibly helpful and kind. Dr. Bradley is phenomenal at what he does, and is kind, compassionate, and personable. I was super anxious about getting gum grafting, but I couldn’t be more thankful to Dr. Bradley and his team for the great experience.

A
A***4 years ago

I have always been insecure about my smile because it was very “gummy” so I talked with my dentist and she recommended Dr. John Rutledge. I cannot say enough great things about him. He was easy to talk to, walked me through everything and showed me pictures of previous clients. The day of the procedure, was smooth sailing, once I was numb, I did not feel anything and had a very easy and painless recovery. I am SO happy I did it. I absolutely love my smile and get compliments often about my “perfect smile”. I was even in shock today when we looked back at my before and after. If you’re questioning…. DO IT. On top of Dr. Rutledge being amazing, he also has amazing office staff. They treated me so well and we’re incredibly kind people. I would hands down not only recommend this office, but I know you would have a great experience. I feel so happy with the outcome and the way I was treated. Thank you Dr. Rutledge and staff! 👏🏻👏🏻

Reviews are aggregated from public sources.

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