Periodontal Disease Specialist

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, known as gum disease, is a gum infection that damages the soft tissue surrounding your teeth. When left untreated, gum disease can cause receding gums, bone loss, and even tooth loss. Early detection and treatment is crucial to avoiding these complications.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

Common signs and symptoms associated with periodontal disease include:

• Puffy, swollen gums
• Bright red gums
• Bleeding gums
• Gums that are tender
• Bad breath
• Pus near your gum line
• Pain with chewing
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Tooth loss

Gum disease is also linked with rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory diseases, poor blood sugar control, and coronary artery disease. 

What are the risk factors for periodontal disease?

Anybody can develop gum disease, but some factors increase your risk of having it. Examples include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Chewing tobacco 
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Recreational drug use
• Hormone changes
• Poor nutrition
• Genetics
• Family history of gum disease
• Medical problems

Medical conditions that may boost your risk of periodontal disease include cancer treatment, leukemia, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. 

How does my dentist diagnose gum disease?

To diagnose periodontal disease and develop a treatment plan, the periodontist at Ardsley Dental Spa reviews your symptoms and oral health history. She measures the depth of your gum pockets, evaluates your teeth and gums, and takes digital X-rays using the Dexis system. 

What are common periodontal disease treatments?

Common gum disease treatments include:

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing are in-depth dental cleaning procedures that remove hard-to-reach tartar and bacteria from your teeth and beneath your gums. These procedures help prevent future gum disease. The team might use a laser or ultrasonic device during your treatment.

Antibiotics

Topical and oral antibiotics, as well as antibiotic mouthwash, help control bacteria buildup associated with gum disease.

Gum graft surgery

During gum graft surgery, the periodontist removes tissue from the roof of your mouth or a donor source to cover exposed tooth roots and reduce gum recession.

Bone grafting

Bone grafting allows the periodontist to restore and strengthen your jaw bone to reduce the risk of permanent tooth loss.

LANAP® surgery

State-of-the-art laser gum surgery (LANAP) can eliminate diseased tissue and regenerate bone and gum tissue to reduce your risk of permanent tooth loss. Ardsley Dental Spa offers revolutionary Biolase MD laser technology.

Don’t let periodontal disease progress to receding gums, jaw bone loss, and permanent tooth loss. Schedule an appointment with Ardsley Dental Spa by phone or online today.