Gum Disease Treatment in NYC
New York City Gum Disease Treatments: How to Save Your Smile
Are you worried about gum disease? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans have some form of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. But there’s good news! At NYC Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, Dr. Scott Kissel and his team offer the latest gum disease treatments to help you keep your smile healthy and strong.
Schedule your appointment with our NYC periodontist by calling 212-702-9088.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and bones that support your teeth. It’s caused by bacteria in plaque, a sticky film that builds up on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed regularly, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
There are two main types of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: This is the early stage of gum disease. It causes red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
- Periodontitis: This is the more advanced stage of gum disease. It can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria can grow. Over time, this can destroy the bones and tissues that support your teeth, leading to tooth loss. A periodontal probe is used to measure the depth of these pockets and assess the severity of the disease.
Gum Disease Treatment Options
At NYC Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we offer a range of gum disease treatments, including surgical treatments for advanced gum disease such as flap surgery, bone grafting, and soft tissue grafts, to help you get your smile back on track.
LANAP
LANAP, which stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a special laser to remove bacteria and infected tissue from the gums. It’s a gentle alternative to traditional gum surgery, with less pain and faster healing times.
Pinhole Surgery
Pinhole surgery is a new technique that can help treat receding gums without cutting or stitches. Using a small needle, Dr. Kissel can gently loosen the gum tissue and slide it back over the exposed tooth roots. This can help improve the appearance of your smile and protect your teeth from further damage.
Dental Microsurgery
Dental microsurgery uses special instruments and magnification to perform precise, minimally invasive procedures on the gums and teeth. This can help treat gum disease with less pain and faster healing times than traditional surgery.
Scaling and Root Planing for Gum Disease
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. A dental hygienist often performs scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar to help treat early-stage gum disease and prevent it from getting worse.
Bone and Gum Grafting
If gum disease has caused bone or gum loss, grafting can help restore these tissues and support your teeth.
- Bone grafting involves placing a small amount of bone material, which can include the patient’s bone, in the area of bone loss to encourage new bone growth.
- Gum grafting involves taking healthy gum tissue from another part of your mouth and attaching it to the receded area.
Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery, also called flap surgery, is a more extensive procedure that can help treat advanced gum disease. It involves lifting the gums back to remove bacteria and smoothing out the damaged bone. This can help reduce the depth of the pockets between the teeth and gums, making it easier to keep your teeth clean.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration is a technique that uses special membranes to help the body regenerate lost bone and tissue. It’s often used in combination with bone grafting to help support the teeth and improve the appearance of the smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gum disease reversible?
In its early stages, gum disease can often be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional cleanings. However, advanced gum disease may require more extensive treatments to repair damaged tissue and bone.
How long does gum disease treatment take?
The length of gum disease treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the specific treatments needed. Some treatments, like scaling and root planing, can be completed in one or two visits. Others, like bone grafting or osseous surgery, may require multiple visits over several months.
Is gum disease treatment painful?
Modern gum disease treatments are designed to be as comfortable as possible. Many procedures can be performed with local anesthesia to numb the area being treated. Some treatments, like LANAP and pinhole surgery, are minimally invasive and cause little to no discomfort.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Receding gums
- Painful chewing
Discover A Solution For Gum Disease in New York
Don’t let gum disease steal your smile. If you’re concerned about your gum health, call NYC Periodontics and Implant Dentistry today at 212-702-9088 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott Kissel. With the latest treatments and technologies, we can help you get your gums back in shape and keep your smile shining bright.
