Periodontics – Prevention and Treatment of Gum Disease
Part of achieving the smile you desire is having strong, healthy gum tissue that is supporting and surrounding your teeth. Our New York Periodontists specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease which, if left untreated, can damage the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in place. In addition, gum disease can cause bad breath and change the appearance of your smile.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontics specializes in preventing and treating gum disease so that you do not lose your teeth. If you have already lost a tooth or teeth, you can have realistic teeth replacements with dental implants. Our New York Periodontist can help plan, place, and maintain your dental implants, working as part of a collaborative team of dental specialists including our Prosthodontist and Oral Surgeon to bring you this highly effective, aesthetically pleasing, low-maintenance alternative to dentures.
You might be referred to our New York Periodontist for periodontitis, gingivitis, gum recession, cosmetic services, or gum procedures. Our periodontist works closely with your existing dental hygienist and general dentist to maintain the health of your gum tissue.
Diagnosis and Stages of Periodontal Disease
Aggressive Periodontitis occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid tooth loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.
Chronic Periodontitis results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. It is most common in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of tooth loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.
Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases often begins at a young age. Systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of Periodontitis.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease is a gum infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppressant.