Charles B. Felts DDS MSD in Chattanooga: Periodontal Specialist with Surgical Expertise

Charles B. Felts operates a periodontal practice focused on gum disease treatment, implant placement, and tissue grafting for patients referred from general dentists or seeking direct specialist care across the Chattanooga area.

What this practice actually is

Dr. Felts holds both a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and an MSD (Master of Science in Dentistry) with specialization in periodontology, a credential requiring three additional years of postgraduate training beyond dental school. The practice is a specialty-only office; it does not provide routine cleanings or exams for patients without an existing periodontal diagnosis. Most patients arrive via referral from their general dentist after scaling and root planing or a periodontal evaluation suggests specialist intervention. Direct-access appointments for patients without a general dentist are typically accepted, though confirming availability is necessary.

Gum treatments and implant services

Felts offers scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) for moderate periodontitis, surgical flap procedures to access deeper bone loss, and guided bone regeneration using membranes and grafting materials for patients with compromised ridge anatomy. Implant placement and augmentation represent a significant portion of the practice, accommodating patients who lose teeth to decay, trauma, or advanced periodontitis. Graft procedures for receding gums use soft-tissue autografts (tissue harvested from the patient's own palate) and, where appropriate, allograft materials. These procedures carry different cost profiles: scaling and root planing typically ranges from $150 to $300 per quadrant (four sections of the mouth); surgical flap procedures and bone grafting range from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on extent; and implant placement starts around $1,500 to $2,500 for the surgical portion, with final restoration costs handled by the patient's general dentist. Request a detailed treatment plan and fee breakdown during the consultation, as pricing varies with case complexity.

How Felts compares to other Chattanooga periodontists

Chattanooga periodontists include Dr. Joseph Bearden at Premier Periodontics and practices within larger dental groups such as those affiliated with the University of Tennessee dental schools' continuing education networks. Felts' primary distinction is his surgical emphasis and implant experience; practices with a heavier focus on non-surgical management or cosmetic gum contouring may offer shorter appointment wait times for straightforward cases. Bearden's practice, for comparison, markets a similar surgical scope but has maintained a longer-established referral network with local general dentists. Neither data on current wait times nor detailed fee transparency are publicly available for direct comparison, so requesting a call to confirm procedure-specific pricing and availability is the most practical approach.

Who this practice suits and does not suit

The practice works well for patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis requiring surgical intervention, those with implant needs after tooth loss, and patients seeking a specialist focused primarily on surgical outcomes rather than cosmetic gum work. It is not ideal for patients with mild gingivitis (reversible inflammation treatable by their general dentist), those seeking aggressive cosmetic gum contouring or smile-line adjustment as a primary goal, or patients who prefer non-invasive approaches; referral back to the general dentist or consultation with a periodontist offering more conservative protocols is appropriate in these cases.

What the first visit involves

New patients receive a comprehensive periodontal evaluation including a probe of pocket depths around each tooth, radiographic assessment of bone levels, and a discussion of risk factors (smoking, diabetes, genetics). Dr. Felts typically reviews the patient's medical and dental history, evaluates whether the condition is localized or generalized, and determines whether non-surgical or surgical management is the next step. The consultation appointment often results in a treatment plan and fee estimate but is separate from active treatment; patients are expected to return for procedures once they have agreed to the plan and arranged payment or insurance authorization.

Hours, location, and logistics

Confirm current hours and the practice's exact location in Chattanooga by calling ahead. Parking and accessibility information (ground-floor entry, wheelchair access) should be verified when scheduling. Insurance acceptance typically includes PPO and HMO plans, though some patients use out-of-pocket payment; pre-authorization for surgical procedures is common and the office usually handles submission.

Why this practice earns its place in Chattanooga

Felts' MSD credential and implant-surgical focus address a common referral need in the Chattanooga dental community. For patients facing bone loss or implant placement, a specialist with both training depth and surgical capability reduces the likelihood of needing a second referral elsewhere.