Periodontal Disease Treatment in New York, NY

About Periodontal Disease Treatment at Rock Dental

Periodontal disease is a serious issue that affects many people’s lives. Luckily our experienced periodontist is capable of treating periodontal disease in our patients, a field in which they have rigorous training and education.

The cleaning of calculus, or tartar, is a major component of treating periodontal disease. However, changes in the patient’s behavior are just as important. Making sure your dental hygiene habits are up to par is critical in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, so it is critical to properly care for them. If you have periodontal disease, don’t feel hopeless. It is a treatable disease, but one that requires the patient to be aware and active with their dental care.

Who Should Be Checked for Gum Disease

Gum disease is common in adults and often quiet in its early stages. Signs to watch for include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, redness or puffiness, bad breath that does not go away, gums that seem to be pulling back, and teeth that feel loose or have shifted. Risk is higher if you smoke, have diabetes, are pregnant, take medications that dry the mouth, or have family members who lost teeth to gum problems.

The earliest stage, gingivitis, affects only the gums and can usually be reversed with professional cleaning and better home care. Once it progresses to periodontitis, the bone and fibers that hold the teeth are involved, and lost bone generally does not come back by itself. Treatment at that point aims to halt the damage and keep things stable. Researchers have also found links between gum disease and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, which is another reason to take it seriously.

What to Expect, From Evaluation to Maintenance

A periodontal evaluation typically includes a review of your health history, digital X-rays to check bone levels, and gentle measuring of the space between each tooth and the gum. Come prepared with a list of your medications and any questions. From those findings, our periodontist will outline a plan. For many patients that begins with scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning below the gum line. More advanced cases may need additional or surgical treatment.

After active treatment, your gums are rechecked to see how they have responded. From there, periodontal maintenance takes over. These cleanings are typically scheduled more often than standard ones, commonly every three to four months, though the interval varies by patient. At home, brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, and tell us if bleeding returns. If you smoke, stopping is one of the most helpful things you can do for your gums.