Dr. Sally Cram attended Penn State University, where she pursued a major in Medical Technology, and then finished her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the William Smith College in Geneva, New York.
Dr. Cram then graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry in 1986. While there, she became a member of the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Fraternity and was awarded the E. Wolfson Award for excellence in Four-handed dentistry, the William Brown Ingersoll Award in Endodontics and the American Association of Women Dentist Award.
After completing her Certificate in Periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry in 1988, she began practicing as a periodontist. During this time, Dr. Cram also taught in the Department of Periodontics at Georgetown from 1988-1991 as an associate professor and again as an adjunct professor at the Northern Virginia Community College from 1998-2001.
An active member of the dental community, Dr. Cram has served on numerous boards serving as president, vice-president chair and spokesperson, among other leadership positions. She has also gone above and beyond in her training, receiving the high honor of Diplomate from the American Academy of Periodontology in 1994. This designation shows deep dedication to the field of periodontics and must be renewed with rigorous testing every six years.
Lori has been part of our team since 1997. Prior to joining us, she worked at a large national communications firm in the customer service and accounting department. She attended George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College.
Lori supervises the day-to-day operations of the front desk and maintains the integrity of our schedule and patient flow. Her goal is to provide each patient with a warm, friendly dental experience from the moment they walk through the door. She feels that it is important that the patient fully understand everything related to the treatment of periodontal disease, so the patient can make an informed decision. She will help with the filing of insurance and assist with financial arrangements. If you have any questions at all, please ask for her, and she will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have. Lori is happily married to her husband Jeff. She enjoys traveling, reading and is a talented crafter.
Jodi joined our team on August 1, 2017. She has over 24 years of experience in the dental field, starting as a certified dental assistant. Since 2005 she has gained knowledge and experience in the administrative aspect of dentistry and has found her passion at the front desk. Jodi is very friendly, welcoming, and helpful in assisting patients to schedule recommended treatment. She is always there to help patients in understanding and problem solving their insurance benefits so that they can get the most from their coverage. Her goal is to insure your visit with us is enjoyable from beginning to end.
Tonya is a native Washingtonian and has been with our office for over 11 years. She brings a wealth of over 20 years of experience in the dental field. She is a graduate of the Northern Virginia Community College Dental Assistants Program and has been certified in dental assisting. She assists Dr. Cram chairside during dental procedures, is certified to take dental x-rays, and is responsible for sterilizing and maintaining the instruments used during your visit. Your safety and comfort are her first concern. She also instructs patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and is happy to explain what to expect before and after periodontal procedures.
The word periodontal literally means around the tooth. Periodontal disease is a serious infection that affects the tissue surrounding the teeth. These tissues include both the gums and the bone that support the teeth.
As ongoing research continues to define how periodontal disease is associated with these and other health problems, good oral health is essential. Good periodontal health is a key component of a healthy body.
A periodontist is a dental specialist who treats periodontal disease. We are experts in the supporting structures of the teeth. A periodontist places emphasis on prevention. It is the periodontists responsibility to recognize disease, determine if it is advancing, and then stop its progression so you dont lose your teeth.
When you were a child, did you ever get a bad scrape that becamered and swollen? That was caused by bacteria that got under your skin. The area became infected and inflamed. It may have lasted for days or weeks, but eventually the inflammation went away. The inflammation disappeared when your immune system conquered the bacteria and the infection healed.
With an ongoing infection, your immune system never wins the battle; the infection keeps growing and the inflammation never goes away. Periodontal disease is an ongoing infection in the pockets around your teeth: Your immune system cannot conquer the bacteria, and without treatment, it will get worse.
People with periodontal disease have low resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes an ongoing gum infection that grows in 'bursts' of activity. Each time it grows, more support for your teeth is lost. Some factors that can cause a 'burst' of activity are:
When you have an periodontal infection bone is actively being destroyed, it is therefore very important that you contact us without delay to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. We will be able to determine the treatment necessary to control your periodontal infection and set you on a path toward excellent oral health.
Important Note: Your gums can look and feel quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can still be present. To be certain about any periodontal disease, have your periodontistexamine you for signs of infection.
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Many periodontists have also taken advanced training in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. Periodontics is one of theeight specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.