Periodontics in Hudson Valley

If you are one of the nearly half of Americans over the age of 30 who has chronic gum disease, then you know that the condition is painful. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults. This is due to the fact that the disease pulls the teeth away from the gums, in addition to tearing the ligaments and destroying the bones that keep your teeth in place within your mouth. The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. This condition can cause your gums to bleed when you brush or floss. It also causes your gums to be red and swollen. If you believe that you have gingivitis, you should have it treated immediately so that it doesn’t develop into advanced periodontal disease. Fortunately, the condition is easily reversed when caught in its earliest stages.

A periodontist is a gum disease expert. He or she has undergone two to three years of training after completing dental school. This training included gum disease management, cosmetic procedures and dental implant procedures.

Gum disease should be treated as soon as you suspect that you have it. Call us today to book a consultation with a skilled periodontist in Hudson Valley.

What Do Periodontists Do?

Also known as a periodontist, a gum disease specialist is a dental professional who has graduated from dental school and taken an extra two to three years of specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions impacting the soft gum tissue.

There are a number of periodontal services that periodontists provide to their patients. They include:

Periodontal Disease Treatment

The most common reason to see a gum disease expert is if you are experiencing signs of having periodontal disease. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria that is present within plaque. Plaque is the filmy substance the gathers on the surface of the teeth after eating and drinking. If left on the teeth, the bacteria begin to attack the enamel on the tooth, leading to cavities and eventually to periodontal disease. Advanced periodontal disease can cause significant damage to the ligaments and jawbone that keep your teeth in position. This is what causes tooth loss.

Dental Implant Placement

Dental implants are realistic looking replacements for teeth. They are placed deep inside of the jawbone and function just as a tooth’s roots would. Periodontists often place implants to provide stability for a bridge, crown or denture. In addition to offering a stable foundation for those devices, they also serve to keep your facial proportions intact.

Crown Lengthening

Did you know that the part of the tooth that is located above the gum line is called a crown? Periodontists can perform surgery to lengthen the appearance of the crown. This procedure involves eliminating some of the gum tissue that surrounds a tooth so that more of the crown is visible. Periodontists frequently perform this procedure in cases where they need to lengthen a tooth so that an artificial crown will fit tightly. They also do it in order to have more of the tooth available to place brackets for braces or to attach a partial denture. This procedure is also done for cosmetic reasons.

Gummy Smile Surgery

Our periodontics office offers gum contouring surgery for our patients who desire to have more of their teeth shown than their natural gum line allows them to show. The gum contouring procedures consists of one of our periodontists working to shape the gum tissue to make it more even in appearance.

Soft Tissue Graft/Gum Graft

Gum grafting surgery is another type of procedure performed by a gum disease specialist. This surgery is done when a patient has recessed gums or an exposed tooth root. During the procedure, gum tissue will be grafted onto the affected area. The surgery will prevent the gums from receding any further, as well as reduce your risk for decay or bone loss.

Oral Pathology and Oral Cancer Diagnosis

Did you know that periodontists can also help to diagnose and treat oral cancer? Oral cancer rates are on the rise. The most common reasons for oral cancer are HPV and smoking. Our team will take a tissue sample from your gums and send it off for diagnosis at a lab. If you have cancer, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan that works for you.

Many of our patients are concerned that their treatments will hurt. We are here to assure you that our periodontists always utilize nitrous oxide (laughing gas), as well as other forms of sedation. Our team will discuss sedation options with you after your first appointment.

Get in Touch Today to See a Periodontist in Hudson Valley

The sooner you get your gum disease treated, the better off you will be. To learn more about periodontics in Hudson Valley, call us as soon as possible.