Periodontal Treatment

What is Periodontal Disease? 

Periodontal disease is an inflammation of the gums triggered by the buildup of bacteria. It is typically broken up into two stages: mild gingivitis and advanced periodontitis.

While bacteria are always present in the mouth, they are normally harmless. However, when they break down food that is trapped in the teeth, they produce acidic byproducts that irritate the gums. If left untreated, the gums may pull back from the teeth and leave the soft tissue and tooth roots below vulnerable to infection. In severe cases, periodontal disease can even lead to tooth loss and jawbone deterioration.

Understanding Causes 

While insufficient dental hygiene is one of the most common causes of periodontal disease, it is more often the result of a number of different factors. Some of the best known include: 

• Genetic predisposition 
• Diets high in sugars or refined starches
• Immunodeficiencies
• Advanced age
• Systemic health conditions, such as diabetes

Consequently, some people are more susceptible to developing gum disease than others. For these patients, attentive brushing and flossing and diet are essential to preventing inflammation. Regular cleanings at our Staten Island office can also help to keep bacteria from accumulating.

Recognizing Symptoms

Unfortunately, the early stages of gum disease are often asymptomatic. When symptoms do develop, they can range from mild to severe. Consequently, it is essential that you keep track of unusual changes in your oral health. Patients should keep an eye out for signs such as:

• Visible redness
• Inflamed, sensitive gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Gum recession
• Tooth sensitivity 
• Tooth loss 
• Jawbone recession

However, because these symptoms can overlap with many other oral health conditions, patients should keep in mind that none of these are a sure sign of periodontal disease. 

The Importance of Your Periodontal Health

Your periodontal health affects your oral health in many ways. Conditions such as advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Research also strongly suggests a link between gum disease and increased risk of developing several other serious health conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes. 

Importance of Regular Checkups

While brushing twice daily and flossing once per day are both important to maintaining periodontal health, six-month checkups and dental cleanings at our Staten Island office are equally necessary. During regular checkups, we can monitor for signs of gum disease. In doing so, we can typically catch the disease in its earliest stage—gingivitis—when it is most treatable and manageable. As gum disease advances, more intensive treatments are necessary to restore gum health. Attending your regular checkups can help avoid these lengthier and costlier procedures.

Neglecting your periodontal health can have serious consequences for your smile, as well as your overall health.

Treatments for Periodontal Disease

We offer comprehensive treatment options for gum disease to treat gum disease at every stage. With an eye for detail and special emphasis on preventive care, we can protect your smile.

Left untreated, periodontal disease can leave permanent marks on your smile.

In many cases, the very earliest stages of gum disease can be reversed simply by refining and maintaining a proper daily oral hygiene routine. However, if Dr. Mormino detects more advanced gum disease during an exam, he may recommend scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning. This treatment can eliminate large deposits of plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Afterward, we can smooth your tooth roots to prevent future accumulation of bacteria. In cases of advanced gum disease, patients experience gum recession, in which the tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the roots. Treating gum recession can require tissue grafting. During this procedure, soft tissue is harvested from one area (often the roof of the mouth) and grafted to the affected area to replace lost tissue.

Benefits of Restorative Periodontal Treatments

With advancements in dental technology, restorative periodontal treatments are comfortable, and often require only relatively short recovery periods. Healthy gums benefit virtually every aspect of your dental health by reducing your risk of tooth loss. Meanwhile, numerous studies indicate that you can experience far better overall health when your gums are healthy. Healthy gums also contribute to a beautiful smile, which can help you experience greater confidence and a better quality of life. Our Staten Island practice, serving patients throughout New York, is here to help you maintain a healthy smile.