Have you experienced bleeding from the gums when brushing or flossing? Just like with any other part of the body, bleeding in the gums needs to be addressed right away. The Center for Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help with the top gum disease and periodontal treatment near Smithtown and Long Island, NY. Dr. Shapiro, Dr. Palmieri, and the rest of the team work hard to ensure each patient receives the periodontal treatment they need, as soon as possible.
Our dental cleanings and examinations include advanced preventive treatments and gum line maintenance to spot underlying gum issues early on. Our high-tech solutions are designed to keep inflammation at bay and preserve your healthy smile. Taking better care of your gums will not only preserve your teeth, but your overall health!
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a general term describing the build-up of bacteria and inflammation of the gum line. Often, gum disease can be caused by poor oral care, skipping dental appointments, genetics, advanced age, or chronic illness.
It is caused by an infection that begins at the gum line, where plaque and tartar buildup contribute to inflammation of the gum tissue. As plaque and tartar continue to build, pockets of bacteria begin to form between the teeth and gums can contribute to receding gums, tissue detachment, and bone loss.
If your gum disease is left untreated, you could be at a higher risk for developing the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Low-Weight or Premature Babies
Symptoms Of Gum Disease
In its earliest stages, gum disease isn't always obvious. That's why it's so important to attend your regularly scheduled dental checkups at the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry! If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, call us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shapiro or Dr. Palmieri right away:
- Loose teeth
- Tooth and mouth pain
- Receding, swollen, and painful gums
- Bleeding while brushing and flossing
- Discolored gums (bruised, red, or purple)
- Sensitive or painful gums
- Sore in the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pus between teeth
- Ill-fitting dentures
- A change in your bite
Patients may also notice heavy tartar buildup on the teeth and sensitivity to pressure. Your teeth may also begin to feel loose or no longer fit correctly when you close your mouth.
Bleeding from the gums is a top indicator of gum inflammation. Inflammation has been linked to almost every disease process, including cancer, heart disease, and more. The mouth is the number one source of inflammation in the body! Taking better care of your gums will not only preserve your teeth, but your total-body health.
Therapy for Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious condition that, when left untreated, can ultimately cause patients to lose their teeth. Fortunately, our team has the right tools, technologies, and expertise to restore your gums to a healthy condition. We offer the following periodontal treatments:
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is one of the most common procedures for treating gingivitis by deep cleaning below the gum line and smoothing the surface of the tooth. During these appointments, one of our dentists will perform a series of deep cleanings to remove disease-causing bacteria from the mouth. Each portion of the mouth is safely numbed to allow our hygienists to thoroughly clean the root surfaces of each tooth.
Deep cleaning appointments help to restore and promote healthier teeth, gums, and overall oral health while all stages of gum disease. Prevention is a key piece of periodontal disease treatment! Our team will provide home care tips and techniques to help you maintain optimal oral health between appointments.
Laser Gum Treatments
Dr. Shapiro and Dr. Palmieri use cutting-edge soft tissue lasers to help combat the signs of gum disease. This advanced technology is used in a wide range of gum treatments and offers exceptional precision and control.
Laser treatments are preferred by most patients because they are generally faster, more comfortable, and less invasive than conventional and surgical gum treatments.
Surgical Gum Treatments
At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, pocket reduction is the goal of our periodontal therapy. Our surgical gum disease treatments are designed to reduce the deep pockets around the teeth that can be nearly impossible to keep clean. Every treatment is performed with your comfort in mind, and we offer a selection of comfort dentistry options for patients who need extra help staying relaxed during their oral surgery appointment.
Is Gum Disease Reversible?
With proper care and periodontal treatment, gum tissue may be reattached and gum disease can be eliminated. Frequent periodontal maintenance appointments are necessary to keep inflammation at bay. As your oral health improves, your gum health appointments will be scheduled less frequently.
Advanced Periodontal Care For Healthier Smiles
If you have experienced any of the symptoms of gum infection or disease, call the periodontal specialists at the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry today. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help you prevent tooth loss and recover your smile!