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How Does Perio Protect Work?

young woman wearing glasses covers her mouth with both hands to hide her sore gums

Gum disease is very common. About 80 percent of Americans suffer from it. Thankfully, it’s treatable! Depending on the stage, it might be a matter of improving your oral hygiene at home and keeping up with regular professional cleanings. If it’s more serious, further treatment like Perio Protect might be necessary. How does it work?

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease occurs when bacteria irritate, inflame, and infect your gums. The first stage – gingivitis – is mild and can come with symptoms like tenderness, redness, and bleeding. If you don’t treat the condition, gingivitis becomes periodontitis. This severe stage of gum disease can lead to infections, tooth loss, and bone loss. Gum disease is also linked to other illnesses like heart disease.

What Is Perio Protect?

At our offices, we can treat gum disease with Perio Protect. This treatment consists of custom-fitted Perio Trays that deliver gum disease medication below your gum line. During your consultation, we take impressions of your teeth for an off-site lab. They make the custom trays and send them back to us. We’ll provide you with a prescription for the gum medication and detailed instructions on how to use Perio Protect.

What Are the Benefits of Perio Protect?

The Perio Protect treatment can reduce the need for scaling and root planing treatments, as well as surgery. If your case is advanced, we will likely still need to do surgery, but we can use Perio Protect alongside it! Why do we like Perio Protect so much? It’s comfortable, convenient, and easy for patients to use. With better gum health, you’ll enjoy better overall health, fresher breath, and whiter teeth.

Treating Gum Disease at CarolinasDentist in North Carolina

We’re proud to provide Perio Protect at our multiple locations in the state. Gum disease may be common, but it isn’t something you have to struggle through. At your consultation, we’ll walk you through your treatment options and costs. If you believe you have gum disease or are interested in our other services, please contact us today!

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.