Dr. Thiago Morelli, DDS, MS — Board-Certified Periodontist

Meet Our Award-Winning Periodontist

Serving Raleigh, NC

Dr. Morelli earned his doctorate in dental surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry before completing his Certificate and Masters degree in Periodontics at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Dr. Morelli further distinguished himself from his peers by becoming a Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology and a Fellow of the International Team for Implantology.

In 2012, Dr. Morelli moved to North Carolina to serve as a full-time professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) School of Dentistry, teaching periodontics and serving as the Director of the Periodontology and Implantology program for five years. While at UNC Chapel Hill, he received several awards acknowledging his clinical skills and excellence in teaching.

Dr. Morelli continues to teach at UNC Chapel Hill as an adjunct professor in the Department of Periodontology. He has authored numerous articles and book chapters in the fields of regenerative medicine, implant dentistry, genetics, and tissue engineering. He is highly respected in the periodontal and implant field and has received multiple industry, foundation, and NIH research awards.

Raleigh, NC Periodontist & Dental Implant Specialist | Dr. Morelli | North Carolina Implants

Dr. Morelli Is a Diplomate & Fellow

Of Prestigious Organizations

American Academy
of Periodontology

Dr. Morelli proved his mastery as a periodontist by earning board certification from the American Academy of Periodontology. He achieved this distinction by accomplishing three crucial requirements. First, he completed an accredited periodontics educational program. Next, he passed the comprehensive periodontology Qualifying Examination. He then passed a three-hour oral examination covering five case protocols and three vignettes.

International Team
For Implantology

The International Team for Implantology (ITI) is a worldwide organization of leading dental implant experts. In addition to being a member, Dr. Morelli became an ITI Fellow. He earned this prestigious status by being nominated by an existing fellow with 4+ years of seniority, having his nomination supported by two additional fellows, and passing a review by the ITI Board of Directors. If you’re considering dental implants to restore your smile, he is an excellent choice.

He Has Won Many Awards

Such As:

The Educator Award – American Academy of Periodontology

The Entrepreneurial Mindset – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The Teaching Fellowship – American Academy of Periodontology Foundation

IBM Faculty Development Award – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

First prize for the Balint Orban Memorial Competition – American Academy of Periodontology

Distinguished Graduate Student Fellowship in Periodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan

The Abram and Sylvia Chasens Teaching and Research Fellowship American Academy of Periodontology

Honorable Mention in the Graduate Student Research Forum in the Midwestern Society of Periodontology, Chicago, IL

American Academy of Periodontology Foundation Fellowship to the ADEA/AAL Institute for Teaching & Learning in the Health Professions

A Widely Published Author

Dr. Morelli has co-authored 25 peer-reviewed articles published in highly regarded scientific journals. These include:

Journal of Endodontics | Periapical Microsurgery: A 4-dimensional Analysis of Healing Patterns.
Nature of Protocols | An experimental murine model to study periodontitis.
The Journal of Oral Implantology | Comparing initial wound healing and osteogenesis of porous tantalum trabecular metal and titanium alloy materials.
Journal of Dental Research | Interdental Cleaning Is Associated with Decreased Oral Disease Prevalence.

Dr. Morelli Maintains

Several Professional Affiliations

5-Star Reviews From Raleigh

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 72 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Meg Stepp 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had severe dental phobia and anxiety and after years of therapy to address it, I finally did something about it and looked for (and found!) the best team to handle my case. I walked into my consultation a ball of nerves and Annabel was extremely accommodating and sympathetic, and took her time to get to know me and my needs. After an exam with Dr Morelli, which I didn't even feel him probing around in my mouth because he was that gentle, I learned that my case was not nearly as bad as I thought. We booked some normal procedures, and I came back in for each one. Him and his team allowed me to manage my anxiety the best way that I saw fit. Procedures were painless except for some mild discomfort during the initial numbing. Recovery was also a pain-free experience. Thanks to Dr Morelli and his team, I am back on track with good oral health and my dental anxiety and phobia is non-existent with them.

Added bonus, they're super responsive to text messaging which is great because it's sometimes inconvenient to call, whether just bad timing or struggling to enunciate with swelling or temporary lisping.

Highly recommended for a highly skilled, highly professional, and highly compassionate team!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Betsy Mead 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Morelli is excellent.  He is well qualified, personable, and caring.  His staff is great.  Mary, who cleaned my teeth today is thorough and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend this practice.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Elmo Sebastian 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been a patient of Dr. Morelli for several years and I have always been pleased with the care I have received.  From extractions to cleaning my teeth to caring for my gums I have been more than satisfied.  I would highly recommend Dr. Morelli for excellent dental care.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sharon Masefield 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mary, my hygienist made a sometimes not so pleasant experience a pleasant and relaxing one.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   melvin tucker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Appointment went on schedule. Mary was greatest that anybody would want. Super job.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gary Fried 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mary a through professional in all regards has a great personality & genuinely appreciates my humor. I have been looking forward eagerly for my dental cleaning she’s the best
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sam Monsour 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I have been patients of Dr. Morrelli's for close to 4 years. He has taken good care of us and given us sound dental advice. Mary has been our hygentist for the time we have been patients. She is very through and has a deeper understanding than the hygentist at our regular dentist. We are both very happy with the devices at NC Implants and Periodontics.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrew Jen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was referred by Dr. Haddow from the University of Detroit Michigan School of Dentistry. I drive from Charlotte to see this team. I appreciate the them, because my experiences with every team member I interact with has been friendly. They focus on patient care. The doctor also teaches at the UNC dental school, so you know he is keeping up with the latest research. Mary does a thorough job with my perio cleanings and is very personable.

My impression is they focus on quality, not quantity here. You can normally tell by how many doctors are partners or joint owners in a practice, as well as the number of operatories. This practice recently made a move to purchase their real estate (indicating strong financial health), and they could have built more rooms or brought on more dentists, but they didn’t. That conscious decision results in maintaining the high quality experience for the patient and is an executive decision by the business owner. Some offices are like factories when the doctor does not take the time with the patient, so they can get to the next one. We’ve all experienced that. That’s not the case here.
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Dr. Morelli’s Comprehensive Services

Periodontics

Periodontics is a field of dentistry that specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases that affect the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Dr. Morelli can help you achieve and maintain a healthy foundation for your smile.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that support custom dentures, crowns, and bridges to completely replace missing teeth. Dental implants also provide the jawbone with the stimulation needed to prevent the bone deterioration that occurs after tooth loss.

Full Arch Dental Implants

If you are missing all of your natural teeth along a dental arch, full arch dental implants can restore your oral function and appearance. Dental implants offer maximum stability to your implant-supported denture while helping to retain bone tissue in the jaw.

All-on-4 Dental Implants

All-on-4 dental implants use four strategically placed dental implants to support a full denture. This approach allows some patients who have suffered bone recession after tooth loss to experience the benefits of dental implants without bone grafting.

Gum Disease

When left untreated, gum disease can lead to oral health complications such as infections, decay, and tooth loss. Gum disease can also raise your risk of developing health complications such as heart disease. Our skilled periodontist can treat gum disease and provide education on prevention.

Laser Therapy

Patient wearing protective laser glasses during LANAP laser gum treatment, with a dental laser fiber at the gumline

Our periodontist can use laser therapy to eliminate infected gum tissue. Laser therapy is unique because it targets diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue unharmed. We offer both LANAP® and LAPIP™.

Areas We Serve: Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Apex, Wake Forest, and the greater Triangle communities.

Why Raleigh Patients & Dentists Trust Dr. Thiago Morelli

🏆 Voted Best Periodontist in Raleigh (2025 & 2026 Midtown Magazine Diamond Awards)
📜 Board-Certified & National Examiner: 1 of only 52 Board Examiners serving the American Board of Periodontology
🎓 Academic Leader: Adjunct Professor (and former Director of Periodontology & Implantology) at UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry
🔬 Published Researcher: NIH-funded researcher and author on dental implants and regenerative medicine
🏅 Diplomate & ITI Fellow: American Academy of Periodontology & International Team for Implantology

“Dr. Morelli brings university-level precision, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate care to patients across Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and Chapel Hill.”

Learn More About Dr. Morelli

CONTACT US TODAY

Take the next steps to better oral health. Request a consultation by contacting us online or by calling our Raleigh, NC, practice today: