Periodontics in Yorktown Heights

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is the inflammation and infection of the gums and other soft tissues that surround and support the teeth. The first stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. During this early stage, your gums may appear swollen, red, and they may bleed while brushing or flossing. When gingivitis is diagnosed early, it can be treated and reversed before the condition progresses to an advanced stage.

If gum disease remains untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. This is a serious infection that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, destroying bone and the surrounding tissues. Over time, your teeth may become loose, which can lead to tooth loss. In fact, periodontal disease is a primary cause of tooth loss in adults.

What Is a Gum Disease Specialist?

A dental professional called a periodontist is a gum disease specialist. These professionals must complete two to three years of additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, and they also learn techniques such as lip repositioning, dental implants, and gum contouring. To schedule an appointment today for periodontics in Yorktown Heights, call our office today at (914) 357-8916 to speak to a member of our friendly team.

What Does a Gum Disease Expert Do?

A gum disease expert focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting gums and other structures that provide support for the teeth. Take a look at the periodontal services we offer:

Periodontal Disease Treatment

Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth every day, but it can be removed through daily brushing and flossing. If not removed, plaque can harden into a substance called tartar, which attacks the gums and other soft tissues. Over time, it can break down the jawbone and other ligaments that hold your teeth in place, leading to tooth loss.

Dental Implant Placement

Dental implants are a popular option for replacing a missing tooth. They function as artificial tooth roots and provide a permanent base for replacement teeth. The dental implant itself consists of a screw that’s surgically implanted into the jawbone. This acts as an artificial tooth root, ensuring a secure foundation for a natural-looking crown, bridge, or denture. Since dental implants help preserve bone density in the jaw, they can help maintain your natural facial proportions, especially around the jawline.

Crown Lengthening

The crown is the portion of the tooth that’s visible above the gum line. During the procedure to lengthen the crown, a part of the gum tissue surrounding the tooth is reduced, allowing more of the crown to show. This procedure is performed by our periodontist in Yorktown Heights for many reasons, such as lengthening a tooth to improve the fit for a dental crown or to reveal more tooth surface so a bracket for braces or a denture can be attached. Many people also choose the procedure for cosmetic reasons, including removing extra gum tissue around a tooth or evening out the gum line.

Gum Contouring

If you’re not happy with your smile because of excess gum tissue, it’s possible to create an aesthetically pleasing smile with gummy smile surgery. During the procedure, the gum tissue is reshaped at the base of each tooth by our periodontist in Yorktown Heights, which creates an even gum line.

Soft Tissue Graft/Gum Graft

If you’re experiencing receding gums to the extent where the tooth root is exposed, gum grafting is usually needed to replace lost gum tissue. When this procedure is performed, a small amount of tissue is removed from the roof of your mouth and transferred to the area where gum tissue has receded. The goal of this procedure is to prevent further gum recession and prevent additional bone loss.

Oral Pathology and Oral Cancer Diagnosis

Oral cancer is a serious disease that may not cause noticeable symptoms until it’s progressed to an advanced stage. Our periodontist can perform a thorough oral cancer screening, carefully checking for the signs of oral cancer. Tissue samples are taken if oral cancer is suspected, and they are sent to a lab for further testing. If necessary, we’ll meet with you to discuss the treatment options available to you.

If you’re showing the early signs of gingivitis or periodontitis, our periodontists can help you regain your oral health. For the best possible treatment for periodontics in Yorktown Heights, contact us today at (914) 357-8916.