Dr. Thomas Hughes practices Periodontics in Delray Beach, FL. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Dr. Hughes has expertise in the treatment of oral inflammation and often treats problematic periodontal cases, such as those with severe gum disease or a complex medical history. Some treatments that Dr. Hughes provides are scaling and root planing and root surface debridement.