Periodontics in Long Island,
If you want a healthy mouth, you must have both healthy teeth and healthy gums. However, most Americans over the age of 30 have problems with either their teeth or their gums. Consequently, both their oral and their physical health suffer.
Gingivitis is the most common periodontal problem dental professionals see, and when treated early, it can be cured and the damage can be reversed. However, if gingivitis remains untreated, which it often does, then it develops into periodontal disease and can cause you to lose all your teeth. It will distort your facial structure, and your face will look as though it has melted.
If you notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums when you floss or brush, you're probably in the early stages of gingivitis and should seek treatment immediately. It's not a disease that you can treat yourself, and ignoring it won't make it disappear. Seek professional treatment if you notice any of the above symptoms. Otherwise, your teeth will loosen and can fall out. Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults, and it's completely preventable. If you're having problems with your teeth or gums, call our Long Island office to schedule an appointment.
What Are Periodontists?
A periodontist is a general dentist who has completed several additional years of specialized treatment involving the teeth and gums.
What Treatments Do Periodontists Provide?
Although periodontists can perform all types of general dentistry treatments, most stick to their specialty field of periodontics. The word periodontics is a compound word that comes from the Greek language and means around the tooth, so periodontists are gum disease specialists. Typical treatments that a periodontist in Long Island can provide include:
Periodontal disease
After you eat or drink, a sticky substance called plaque forms on the teeth, and it's rife with bacteria. If not removed through brushing and flossing, then the bacteria begin to erode your tooth enamel, and decay will start. In the early stages, it's called gingivitis, but after, it becomes the first stage of periodontal disease. If not treated, it can start to destroy the gum tissues and break down your jaw bone and the ligaments that secure your teeth. This is the beginning of advanced periodontal disease. READ MORE
Dental implant placement
Dental implants are very popular, and they're a natural-looking replacement for missing teeth or for anchoring dentures and partials. Implants are surgically installed into your jawbone, and through a process known as osseointegration, they eventually become a structural part of your jaw. Implants are great for maintaining your facial structure and alignment, and they reduce premature wrinkling around the mouth. READ MORE
Crown lengthening
If you have too much tissue around your teeth and need to have a longer tooth crown, periodontists can expose more of the tooth. This procedure is sometimes necessary when a crown is installed, or a person needs a bracket for their braces. Sometimes, it's performed for cosmetic reasons, such as evening the gum line.
Gummy smile surgery
If you have more gum tissue than you'd like, it can make your teeth appear shorter than you'd like. If this is the case, a periodontist in our Long Island office can remove some of the excess gum tissue so that you're happy with your smile. If you have more questions about reducing your gum line, then call our Long Island office for help.
Soft tissue graft or Gum graft
If your gums have receded and you need additional gum tissue, our periodontists can do gum grafting so that your tooth root isn't exposed. This also reduces the risk of decay or bone loss in the future.
Oral pathology and oral cancer diagnosis
The incidence of oral cancer continues to rise due to the HPV infection. If you haven't been screened for oral cancer, this is an excellent time to call our Long Island office for an appointment.
What Sedation Options Are Available?
We make every effort to ensure our patients' comfort throughout their procedure in our periodontics office, so we provide a variety of sedation methods. Our periodontist is trained in many types of sedation, including nitrous oxide, so talk to your gum disease expert about your sedation options.
Do You Need a Gum Disease Specialist in Long Island?
If you're unhappy with your gums and you need a gum disease expert, then call Long Island Dental Specialty for more information or to make an appointment with a periodontist in our office. A gum disease specialist in our office can help you achieve the beautiful smile you want, whether you need more gum tissue or less. Our periodontal services are very highly regarded in the area, so we know you'll be happy with your smile. For high-quality, transparent periodontics in the Long Island area, call our office. We look forward to speaking with you.