Gum (Periodontal) Disease Treatment
in NYC

Signs You Have Periodontal Disease

Usually, plaque buildup on the gums and teeth are the primary culprit for gum disease. While brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is your best bet for preventing gum infection, other factors such as genetics, tobacco use, malnutrition and misaligned teeth can play a role.  

Potential symptoms of gum disease include:

• Gums that are bright red or purple
• Sensitive gums and/or teeth
• Swollen gums
• Receding gums
• Permanently bad breath
• Gums that bleed most times you brush and floss
• Teeth that feel loose inside your mouth

The dentists at New York Smile Institute will look for all of these signs during your biannual examinations. In the event that you notice these symptoms between your planned visits, please schedule an appointment sooner so that we may check out your concerns. After all, the earlier periodontal disease is caught, the easier it should be to treat. 

Periodontal Disease Treatments

Scaling and root planing is the most common way to treat gum disease. This procedure is often referred to as a “deep cleaning” because it is designed to clean plaque and tartar deep beneath the gumline. Once the cleaning is complete, your dentist will smooth out the roots of your teeth so that the gums can reattach to the teeth and leave fewer, smaller pockets where plaque can amass. Depending on the severity of your periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend splitting scaling and root planing over multiple appointments. 

Flap Surgery

If gum disease has advanced past the point where scaling and root planing is effective, your dentist may suggest a surgical solution to improve the health of your gums. Flap surgery lifts the gums to pull out the existing plaque. Tissue graft is another way to replace vanishing gums so that the roots of your teeth remain protected. 

Make a Plan with a Dentist

Keep in mind that leaving gum disease untreated can put you at risk for not only tooth loss, but also other serious conditions like heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and several respiratory conditions. Fortunately, with treatment and a renewed commitment to brushing and flossing every day, gum disease is usually reversible. Given that the appropriate treatment plan for periodontal disease differs from patient to patient, it is important to choose a skilled dentist who has experience performing a variety of gum-related procedures. Let the dental team at New York Smile Institute help you improve the health of your gums; for an appointment, please call (212) 319-6363.