expert type icon EXPERT

Thomas Aristides Copulos, D.D.S

Periodontist | Periodontics

Dr. Thomas A. Copulos D.D.S is a top Periodontist in Boca Raton, FL. With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Thomas A. Copulos D.D.S is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Thomas A. Copulos D.D.S is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Thomas A. Copulos D.D.S is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Boca Raton, FL, Dr. Thomas A. Copulos D.D.S is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
32 years Experience
Thomas Copulos, D.D.S
  • Boca Raton, FL
  • Case Western Reserve School of Dentistry
  • Accepting new patients

How can I get rid of my gum infection?

A gum infection should only be treated by a dentist or periodontist. They will do an evaluation including an X-ray to determine the cause of the infection. Then the appropriate READ MORE
A gum infection should only be treated by a dentist or periodontist. They will do an evaluation including an X-ray to determine the cause of the infection. Then the appropriate treatment will be rendered. Please contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Do they put you to sleep for gum graft surgery?

Yes you can be put to sleep for a gum graft surgery. Sedation comes in many forms. Nitrous oxide or more commonly known as laughing gas will reduce your anxiety. Oral sedation READ MORE
Yes you can be put to sleep for a gum graft surgery. Sedation comes in many forms. Nitrous oxide or more commonly known as laughing gas will reduce your anxiety. Oral sedation requires prescription sleeping medication to be taken the day of surgery. You are still awake but are sedated. IV sedation is the highest level. The level of sedation should be discussed with your surgeon before the scheduled surgery date.

Is pinhole gum surgery painful?

No. Pinhole is a minimally invasive procedure to correct receding gums. Most patients only take ibuprofen for a day or two and report soreness but not pain.

How long do stitches stay in after tooth extraction and bone graft?

Depends on the sutures used. Gut sutures, usually brown in color, will eventually dissolve after 5-7 days. All other types of sutures are not dissolvable and will be removed by READ MORE
Depends on the sutures used. Gut sutures, usually brown in color, will eventually dissolve after 5-7 days. All other types of sutures are not dissolvable and will be removed by your surgeon when he feels the soft tissue has healed enough for the sutures to be removed. This is usually after 14 days. Speak with your surgeon to discuss when he feels it is appropriate to remove your sutures.

Does gingivitis go away?

Gingivitis, or bleeding gums, must be treated by you and your dentist for it to go away. The treatment will include scaling and root planing performed by your dental hygienist, READ MORE
Gingivitis, or bleeding gums, must be treated by you and your dentist for it to go away. The treatment will include scaling and root planing performed by your dental hygienist, dentist or periodontist. It also requires the patient improve their home care with better brushing techniques, flossing and mouthwash. It is reversible and a warning sign of a more severe disease called periodontitis or bone loss which is not reversible and can lead to tooth loss. Please discuss your gum health with your dentist for the best treatment for you.

Is it safe to remove all 4 wisdom teeth at once?

Yea it is safe to remove the third molars commonly known as wisdom teeth all at once. Most patients prefer this because sedation may be involved and recovering from surgery only READ MORE
Yea it is safe to remove the third molars commonly known as wisdom teeth all at once. Most patients prefer this because sedation may be involved and recovering from surgery only is done once. Speak with your surgeon to determine which is best for you.

Is periodontitis reversible?

Unfortunately if you have lost bone from periodontitis this is not reversible. However the disease can be managed to prevent further bone loss and establish a healthier mouth through READ MORE
Unfortunately if you have lost bone from periodontitis this is not reversible. However the disease can be managed to prevent further bone loss and establish a healthier mouth through non surgical and surgical procedures. If untreated it can lead to tooth loss. Please speak with your dentist or periodontist for the best treatment for you.

Can dental implants cause neck pain?

Neck muscular pain is not directly attributed to your dental implants but could be attributed to having to open wider than normal during the procedure. If you clench or grind your READ MORE
Neck muscular pain is not directly attributed to your dental implants but could be attributed to having to open wider than normal during the procedure. If you clench or grind your teeth, your mouth is not comfortable opening very wide for an extended period of time. During the surgery your mouth was open and strained the neck muscles. This will take time to return to normal. If you are having jaw bone pain near the surgery this is related to the surgery. In either case, call your surgeon to evaluate your condition.

How long does it take gums to heal after deep cleaning?

Each patient is different and how advanced your disease has progressed determined how deep your dentist or hygienist had to clean can affect healing time. It is my experience that READ MORE
Each patient is different and how advanced your disease has progressed determined how deep your dentist or hygienist had to clean can affect healing time. It is my experience that within the first few hours after the procedure there is minimal to moderate pain. The few patients who do have pain take a Tylenol or Advil to control it. By nightfall or the next day, the gums throb but no pain. Prolonged discomfort could be caused by other conditions including grinding or clenching of teeth, receded gums, poor tissue condition. Please contact your dentist or periodontist to follow up with you and evaluate why you are in discomfort.

When can I brush my dental implant?

Typically a medicated mouthwash is prescribed to clean the surgical area for two weeks after surgery. The first two weeks are critical in the initial stages of healing. After the READ MORE
Typically a medicated mouthwash is prescribed to clean the surgical area for two weeks after surgery. The first two weeks are critical in the initial stages of healing. After the two weeks, an extra soft toothbrush can be used or a gauze wipe around the healing cap to keep the area clean. After a few weeks of more healing routine brushing and flossing can begin. Discuss this with your surgeon for more details.

Can an oral surgeon remove an infected tooth?

Yes that is their specialty.

What happens if you get decay under a crown?

If you have a cavity under an existing crown, it is typically a new cavity. The crown will need to be replaced. Sometimes the new cavity infects the pulp, and a root canal will READ MORE
If you have a cavity under an existing crown, it is typically a new cavity. The crown will need to be replaced. Sometimes the new cavity infects the pulp, and a root canal will need to be done as well. This cannot be seen on an X-ray and the dentist will not know until he takes off your crown. If you have further questions, please contact your general dentist.

What hurts more a tooth extraction or root canal?

A root canal removes the nerve from an infected tooth. The extraction removes a tooth from your mouth. Both can cause mild moderate discomfort which can be relieved with Motrin. READ MORE
A root canal removes the nerve from an infected tooth. The extraction removes a tooth from your mouth. Both can cause mild moderate discomfort which can be relieved with Motrin. Ask your dentist for more information.

Can I save my teeth with periodontal disease?

Yes you can save your teeth. At your age gum disease is in its earliest stage, gingivitis. This is reversible with deeper cleanings performed by your dentist, hygienist or periodontist. READ MORE
Yes you can save your teeth. At your age gum disease is in its earliest stage, gingivitis. This is reversible with deeper cleanings performed by your dentist, hygienist or periodontist. This disease can also cause bone loss which is not reversible. If you lose too much bone, you will lose teeth. Seek out treatment athe earlier stage to prevent tooth loss.

Does a tooth infection always require a root canal?

When the nerve of a tooth becomes infected there are two treatment options; root canal or extraction. Speak to your dentist for advice on which option is best for you.

How long does jaw pain last after dental implants?

If this is a delayed implant, placement discomfort after surgery usually lasts one to two days. If there’s additional treatment at the time of implant placement including extraction, READ MORE
If this is a delayed implant, placement discomfort after surgery usually lasts one to two days. If there’s additional treatment at the time of implant placement including extraction, a bone graft, or soft tissue surgery in the pink, it lasts 7 to 10 days. Please check with your surgeon to determine the cause of your prolonged discomfort.

At what point can a tooth not be saved?

There are many points at which a tooth is not salvageable. There could be a fracture in the tooth, there could be decay or cavity down to level the bone, there could be bone loss READ MORE
There are many points at which a tooth is not salvageable. There could be a fracture in the tooth, there could be decay or cavity down to level the bone, there could be bone loss from periodontal disease, the tooth could be extremely loose and no longer usable to support function, there could be pain with a tooth and a root canal may or may not save it. Please check with your dentist to determine if these are the factors that are causing you to lose a tooth.

How do you fix inflamed gums?

Inflamed gums is known as gingivitis. Depending on how severe it is will determine the best treatment. The more severe cases will require a procedure called scaling and root planing READ MORE
Inflamed gums is known as gingivitis. Depending on how severe it is will determine the best treatment. The more severe cases will require a procedure called scaling and root planing which is a nonsurgical therapy. More moderate cases can be treated with more professional cleaning during the year. All cases including milder ones require improved care at home which involves proper brushing techniques, flossing and an antibacterial rinse. For more information speak to your dentist or periodontist who specializes in diseases of the gums.

How long does it take for gums to heal after scaling?

It usually takes less than 24 hours to heal after scaling and root planing. You may feel tenderness, a throbbing sensation or just an overall feeling that you received a really READ MORE
It usually takes less than 24 hours to heal after scaling and root planing. You may feel tenderness, a throbbing sensation or just an overall feeling that you received a really great dental cleaning. Some do experience bleeding after the procedure but this should subside quickly. The teeth may also be sensitive to cold for a prolonged period of time which differs for each person but one day to three months is normal. If you are not experiencing anything other than this or have questions please contact your dentist or periodontist.

How do you know if your gum is infected after a tooth extraction?

Infection after an extraction is a known complication and should be evaluated by your surgeon as soon as possible. The classic signs of infection are redness, pain, swelling, fever READ MORE
Infection after an extraction is a known complication and should be evaluated by your surgeon as soon as possible. The classic signs of infection are redness, pain, swelling, fever and pus or suppuration. If you notice a yellow ooze draining from the extraction site or a bad taste or smell it could mean an infection. The best way to know for sure is to return to your dental surgeon for an evaluation.