Dr. Jessica Scully, DDS, MS

Dentist

1351 Jefferson St Suite 202 Washington MO, 63090 Show map

About
Contacts & Locations

About

Dr. Jessica Scully is a Periodontist practicing in Washington, MO. Dr. Scully specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, oral medicine, and dental implants. She trained in a multi-year specialty program for Periodontics, where she learned how to diagnose a variety of oral conditions, treatment plan complex cases for both saving teeth and replacing teeth with dental implants, and perform advanced periodontal plastic surgery. She works closely with many general dentists and dental specialists in the area. Dr. Scully loves working with patients to help find the solution that is right for them to return to oral health, which can improve overall health. She cannot wait to meet you and see how she can help you reach your health goals.

Education and Training

Rice University B.S. Bioengineering 2011

University of Missouri- KC D.D.S. 2015

University of Missouri- KC Certificate in Periodontics 2017

Provider Details

Female English

Dr. Jessica Scully, DDS, MS

Dr. Jessica Scully, DDS, MS's Expert Contributions

My Answers

What is the difference between root planing and scaling?
Great question! On a technical level, scaling is the removal of calculus (also known as tartar), plaque, and stain from your teeth. Root planing is the removal of the bacteria and their toxins that has attached to and embedded in the root surface. This leaves the root surface clean and ready for the gum tissue to heal back to it. In practice, if you have deep pockets, both scaling and root planing are needed to help your gum tissue heal to a level that you can keep them clean at home. READ MORE
How often should you get a deep cleaning?
Great question! The need for a deep cleaning (or 'scaling and root planing') will depend on how deep the gum tissue pockets are around your teeth. The gum tissue is almost like a turtleneck around your tooth that attaches further on the root of the tooth than what you see in your mouth. The pocket is measured from where you gum tissue attaches to the tooth to the top of the gum tissue you see. With pockets of 1-3 mm, you can typically be effective cleaning them with your toothbrush and floss at home and seeing your dentist regularly. Once the pocket gets deeper, it becomes very hard or impossible for your toothbrush and floss to physically reach down that far to clean the bacteria out of the pocket. As that bacteria sits, it is able to team up with other bacteria and worse bacteria can thrive, leading to gum and bone loss. Depending on where your pocket depths start, you may be able to have a deep cleaning/scaling and root planing to help heal those pockets to all 2-3 mm. Oftentimes, if pockets were deeper to start with, there will still be areas with pockets greater than 3 mm because some bacteria and calculus (tartar) may be left deeper than even the deep cleaning could reach. At this point, you may need to be referred to a periodontist to see what else can be done to help return those pockets to a healthier level. This could be moving forward to treatment where we can actually see the root surface and bone we are trying to clean, or additional deep cleanings. So, ideally, one deep cleaning (with possible further treatment) with regular follow up care will be able to get and keep you healthy. Periodontal disease is an ongoing disease, though, so some areas may need to have additional SRPs if the deep pockets recur. READ MORE
How long does it take to heal from dental implant surgery?
Healing will vary based on your overall health and the specifics of the implant surgery, so talking to your dental surgeon would be the best way to get a more precise answer. In general, you can expect to be sore for a few days, and start to feel better after that. Some patients report very little soreness at all even! Your bone will take longer to heal, anywhere from 3-6 months, or sometimes even longer depending on underlying conditions you may have. The good news, though, is that you will not notice all of this healing, and typically feel back to normal within a week or two (if not sooner)! READ MORE
What is the fastest way to heal a gum graft?
Congratulations on taking a step towards oral health with a gum graft! The most important thing to do is follow the post-operative instructions given by your surgeon because they know your case the best. In general, you want to let your body heal by staying away from the area, not pulling on your lip or cheek, not eating on that side, and taking any medication as prescribed by your surgeon. Gum grafts are typically very successful, and the body has great healing potential, so just let it heal! READ MORE
How do you prepare your teeth for braces?
Great question! Before you get braces is a wonderful time to start thinking about the health of your teeth. I would recommend going to a general dentist or a periodontist to make sure your teeth, gums, and bone are healthy enough for safe tooth movement. Any cavities or gum/bone problems can get worse while you are in braces if not addressed first. You can also get a professional cleaning to make sure everything is in top shape. Building good habits now is another great idea - make sure you are brushing at least 2 times per day for 2 minutes each time with a fluoride toothpaste (to help keep away cavities), and flossing regularly. Brushing and flossing can be harder once you have braces on, so having good practices beforehand can go a long way! You can also look into an electric toothbrush, Waterpik, or even proxabrushes/go-betweens that will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy while you have braces. Congratulations on deciding to get braces and good luck with your treatment! READ MORE
Can you brush your teeth after bone graft?
Hello! Typically, I recommend my patient brush and floss all teeth except for those directly in the surgical site until I see them for a follow-up visit. During this time, they use a prescription mouthwash to help keep the area clean. At the follow-up, we determine when they are ready to start brushing. If you want a more specific answer to your exact situation, I am sure the surgeon's office would be happy to answer if you called them. Good luck healing! READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

PeriodontologyImplant DentistryGum RecessionPeriodontal DiseaseGingival GraftingPeriodontal Plastic SurgeryEsthetic and Functional Crown LengtheningPeriodontitis/ GingivitisCanine ExposuresPeriodontal RegenerationSoft Tissue ProceduresOral MedicineBiopsy

Faculty Titles & Positions

Chief Resident University of Missouri-Kansas City 2017 - 2017
Adjunct Faculty St. Louis Community College Dental Hygiene Program 2018 - Present

Awards

Top Doctor 2020 Women in Medicine
UMKC Nifty-Nineties Award 2017 University of Missouri- Kansas City
Dr. Frank W. And Dr. John C. Windle Fund for Graduate Periodontics Scholarship 2017 University of Missouri- Kansas City
Academy of Dental Materials Annual Award 2015 Academy of Dental Materials
Outstanding Grand Rounds Presentation 2015 University of Missouri- Kansas City
Straumann New Dentist Scholarship 2019 Straumann
Nobel Resident Scholarship 2017 Nobel Biocare
ADA/Dentsply Student Research Program- 1st Place 2014 ADA/Dentsply
American Society of Mechanical Engineering Summer Bioengineering Conference- 1st Place 2011 American Society of Mechanical Engineering

Professional Memberships

Missouri Dental Association
American Dental Association
Greater St. Louis Dental Society
Southwest District of GSLDS
American Association of Women Dentists
American Academy of Periodontology

Professional Society Memberships

American Academy of Periodontology, Midwest Society of Periodontology, American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, Greater St. Louis Dental Society, Southwest District of GSLDS, American Association for Women Dentists

Articles and Publications

Scully, Jessica Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Mandibular Overdentures Supported by Mini-Implants." Theses (UMKC) (2017): 1-78, https://hdl.handle.net/10355/62417.Scully, Jessica, Xiaomei Yao, Ying Zhang, Yong Wang. Interfacial Chemistry of Self-etching Adhesive Bond after Prior Acid Etching, J Dent Res 92 (Spec Iss A): 1876, Kisling, Rebecca E., Danielle K. Leeper, Bo Zhang, Myles Davidson, Jessica A. Scully, and Lisa M. Alford. "Students' Impressions on the IADR Conference: Presenting Inspiration, Insight, and Opportunities." FORUM1.2 (2013): 8-10. FORUM Fall 2013: Students' Impressions on the IADR Conference: Presenting Inspiration, Insight, and Opportunities. Wireless electronic pegboard setup for quantification of dexterity. Patent US 20120283602 A1

Awards

Women in Medicine: Top Periodontist

Teaching and speaking

Dental Hygiene Program- STLCCLecture to Honors Periodontics Students, 2017 | Periodontics Surgical InstrumentsImplantology Class, 2017 | Simplified Guide to Implant PlacementPredoctoral Periodontics Study Club Meeting, 2017 | What, When, and How to Refer to Advanced PeriodonticsUMKC Health Sciences Student Research Summit: Poster Presentation, 2015 | Medical Professionals Knowledge of the Perio-Systemic ConnectionHinman Student Research Symposium: Poster Presentation, 2014 | Medical Professionals Knowledge of the Perio-Systemic ConnectionADA/Dentsply Student Clinician Research Program, UMKC: 1st place, 2014 | Medical Professionals Knowledge of the Perio-Systemic ConnectionIADR/AADR General Session: Poster Presentation, 2013 | Medical Professionals Knowledge of the Perio-Systemic ConnectionUMKC Health Sciences Student Research Summit: Poster Presentation, 2013 | Interfacial Chemistry of Self-Etching Adhesive Bond after Prior Acid EtchingUMKC Summer Scholars: Oral Presentation, 2012 | Interfacial Chemistry of Self-Etching Adhesive Bond after Prior Acid EtchingAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers Summer Bioengineering Conference, 2011 | Rehabilitation Design Competition: 1st place | Camera Free Tracking of Fine Motion in Children with Cerebral PalsyEngineering Design Showcase and Poster Session, 2011 | Camera Free Tracking of Fine Motion in Children with Cerebral Palsy