Periodontics

Keep your gums healthy!

Periodontists are dental specialists in the health of the gums and jawbone. At our Upper West Side dentist office, our periodontists prevent, diagnose, and treat gum disease. Healthy gum tissue is key to supporting the teeth and keeping your smile beautiful!

Reasons for periodontal treatment

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults living in the US, and should be taken very seriously.  Periodontal disease is typically indicated by red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums, but sometimes has no noticeable symptoms.

Periodontal disease generally begins when the bacteria living in plaque cause an infection in the surrounding tissues of the teeth, causing them to become irritated and painful.  Eventually, this infection can cause the jawbone to recede and the tooth to become loose.

There are several reasons why periodontal treatment may be necessary:

• Moderate/advanced gum disease – This occurs when the gums are bleeding, swollen or red around most teeth and the jawbone has begun to recede.


• Localized gum recession – The infection which propagates moderate or advanced gum disease often begins in one area.  Gum recession may also be caused due to over brushing with a hard bristle brush, or due to a tooth that is not positioned properly.  Immediate treatment is required to prevent further spreading.


• Before crown lengthening – The periodontist may lengthen the crown of the tooth by removing surrounding soft tissue to provide more tooth exposure.


• Ridge augmentation – This procedure is sometimes used to correct an uneven gum line, and is also referred to as "recontouring". The periodontist would start this treatment only after treating any infections or periodontitis. 

For most mild to moderate periodontal problems, our periodontist will first focus on curing any underlying bacterial infections. They will also give you advice about how to maintain healthy gums through good oral hygiene at home.

Sometimes a deep scaling is needed to remove the bacterial plaque and tartar from the teeth and tissues. More intensive cleaning may be recommended if the periodontal disease is advanced and the jawbone has regressed significantly, and our periodontist will discuss a personalized treatment plan with you.

It's important to keep your gums healthy! Because periodontal disease is progressive, it is essential to remove the bacteria and tartar build up early to halt the spread of the infection.  Call our Upper West Side dentist office to schedule an appointment today!