Our New York Periodontist Can Reverse Your Gum Disease Symptoms
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects millions of people each year and, if left untreated, can lead to severe oral health problems, including tooth loss. Fortunately, advancements in periodontal treatment options offer non-invasive, effective ways to address gum disease without traditional surgery. Two of the most cutting-edge methods available are laser treatment and perioscopy.
If you’re seeking gum disease treatment in New York City, Dr. Scott Kissel, a board-certified periodontist, specializes in these advanced techniques and can help you regain a healthy smile. To schedule your appointment, contact our New York periodontist at 212-702-9088.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s primarily caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth. Without proper oral hygiene, this plaque can harden into tartar, leading to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe condition that can destroy the bone supporting your teeth.
The symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
What Is Laser Therapy for Gum Disease?
Laser therapy is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure that uses targeted light energy to treat gum disease. The laser can selectively remove infected tissue and bacteria while preserving healthy tissue, resulting in more precise treatment compared to traditional methods.
How Does Laser Gum Treatment Work?
- Assessment: Our New York City periodontist will first evaluate the severity of your gum disease and determine if you’re a good candidate for laser treatment.
- Laser Application: The laser is directed at the gum pockets, where it removes diseased tissue and bacteria.
- Scaling and Root Planing: After the laser removes the infected tissue, a procedure called scaling and root planing is performed to clean the root surfaces of your teeth and remove plaque and tartar.
- Healing: The laser also helps stimulate the reattachment of gum tissue and promotes faster healing.
Laser gum therapy offers several benefits, including:
- Precision: Lasers can target specific areas, ensuring minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Less Pain: Patients often report less discomfort compared to traditional surgical methods.
- Faster Recovery: The minimally invasive nature of laser therapy means less post-treatment swelling and faster healing.
- Reduced Bleeding: Lasers cauterize tissue as they work, resulting in minimal bleeding during and after the procedure.
What Is Perioscopy?
Perioscopy is another innovative, non-surgical treatment for gum disease that uses a tiny, high-powered camera (perioscope) to visually inspect and treat the roots of the teeth. This technology allows periodontists to magnify the infected area by up to 48 times, offering unparalleled visibility of the gum pockets and root surfaces.
How Does Perioscopy Work?
- Initial Assessment: Similar to laser therapy, your periodontist will assess your gum health to determine if perioscopy is right for you.
- Insertion of Perioscope: A small, fiber-optic camera is inserted into the gum pocket, allowing the periodontist to see a magnified view of the area.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Using the magnified images, your periodontist performs scaling and root planing to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria with precision.
- Follow-Up: Perioscopy allows for a more thorough cleaning, so patients often experience a better outcome without the need for further treatment.
Perioscopy provides unique advantages, such as:
- Enhanced Visibility: The perioscope offers an up-close view of the root surface, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Non-Invasive: Since no incisions are required, perioscopy is a gentle option for patients with gum disease.
- Deep Cleaning: Perioscopy enables periodontists to remove even the most hidden plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of future infections.
- Prevention of Surgery: In many cases, perioscopy can eliminate the need for more invasive periodontal surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Scott Kissel for Gum Disease Treatment?
Dr. Scott Kissel is a board-certified periodontist in New York City with extensive experience in laser gum therapy and perioscopy. He’s committed to providing his patients with the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments for gum disease. By offering personalized care and utilizing cutting-edge technology, Dr. Kissel ensures optimal results and a comfortable patient experience.
To schedule an appointment, contact our New York dental practice by calling 212-702-9088.
Laser vs. Perioscopy
Precision and Visualization
- Laser Therapy: While highly precise, laser treatment relies on the periodontist’s skill and training to target infected tissue accurately. It does not offer a real-time view of the area being treated.
- Perioscopy: Perioscopy excels in providing real-time, magnified images of the gum pockets and root surfaces, ensuring that no bacteria or plaque is missed. The detailed visualization allows for a thorough and targeted cleaning.
Tissue Preservation
- Laser Therapy: The laser selectively removes diseased tissue, preserving healthy tissue. This helps reduce the need for invasive surgical techniques, but there’s still some removal of tissue involved.
- Perioscopy: Since perioscopy is non-surgical, it focuses purely on cleaning and treating the roots without cutting into the gum tissue. This approach makes it the least invasive option for patients.
Recovery Time
- Laser Therapy: Patients often experience faster recovery times than traditional surgery due to the laser’s ability to cauterize tissue, which reduces bleeding and promotes faster healing.
- Perioscopy: Perioscopy involves no incisions, so patients experience little to no discomfort or downtime. Recovery is swift, and patients can typically return to their regular activities immediately after treatment.
Effectiveness in Treating Gum Disease
- Laser Therapy: Effective in removing diseased tissue and bacteria, laser therapy is particularly beneficial for moderate to advanced gum disease.
- Perioscopy: Perioscopy shines in the early to moderate stages of gum disease, offering a deep cleaning option that can prevent the progression of the disease and the need for surgical intervention.
Cost Considerations
- Laser Therapy: The cost of laser treatment can vary based on the severity of the gum disease and the extent of the treatment required. It may be more expensive than traditional treatments but often leads to better outcomes.
- Perioscopy: Perioscopy can also be more costly than traditional methods due to the advanced technology used. However, it offers long-term savings by potentially preventing the need for further treatment.
Schedule Your Appointment with Dr. Kissel Today
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or have been advised to seek treatment, don’t wait. Early intervention is key to preventing more serious oral health problems. To find out whether laser therapy or perioscopy is right for you, contact one of the best periodontists in New York City today at 212-702-9088 to schedule a consultation.
