Gum Disease & Periodontics

Periodontal or gum disease is currently the most common reason for tooth loss today. At DP5th, we offer specialized gum disease treatment in NYC for severe gum inflammation (pyorrhea or gingivitis) and for moderate to severe loss of bone and gum infection (periodontitis). Now scientifically linked to heart disease, osteoporosis and diabetes, treating gum disease not only creates a healthy mouth but may contribute to your general health.

Our approach to gum disease is conservative. We typically start with minimally invasive treatments like deep cleanings with anesthesia and locally applied medications. We also can treat gum disease using our dental laser before we turn to surgical procedures. Should you need surgery, our expert periodontist will be on hand to guide you through the process and restore the health of your gums. Whatever treatments you require, our focus is always to slow the disease before it worsens and prevent it from coming back.

Professional Cleaning

In the very early stages of gingivitis, a professional cleaning from our professional dental team can restore your oral health. We will also give you the best advice moving forward to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

During more advanced stages of gingivitis, a deep cleaning may be necessary that involves scaling and root planing. Scaling is when the dentist or dental hygienist removes tartar and plaque from each periodontal pocket. This is followed by root planing, where the root surfaces are smoothed for the gum tissue to heal and reattach itself to your teeth.

We may also recommend certain medications to help control any infection and discomfort in order to aid the healing process.

Dental Laser Therapy

More advanced periodontal disease can be treated using a dental laser. After administering local anesthesia a dental laser is gently used to clean out debris and damage gum tissue to promote gum tissue healing and the reduction of deep pocketing around the teeth.

Periodontal Surgery

Sometimes, however, laser therapy is not enough to treat severe gum disease on its own. If periodontal pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, or gum surgery, may be the next treatment option to take. Surgery allows the dentist to access hard-to-reach areas where there is plaque and tartar. After the procedure, your gums will be stitched tightly in place around your teeth to promote proper healing. Gum surgery can also help shrink the depth of pockets, thus making it easier to keep your teeth clean in the future.

Oral Care after Gum Disease Treatment in NYC

Once your gum disease treatment is completed, it is crucial to keep up with your professional dental care on a regular basis. This may even be more often than for most people, depending on your clinical evaluation. Disciplined maintenance gives you a significantly a better chance of keeping your teeth healthy and intact. That being said, our dentists with have an open conversation with you about a treatment and maintenance schedule that works best for you. As time progresses, fewer maintenance appointments will likely be necessary.

In addition to professional care following gum disease treatment, be sure to also keep up with your oral care at home. Brush twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss daily. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and flouride toothpaste to keep your teeth strong.

You should also avoid tobacco use, as it puts you at a much higher risk for life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Additionally, it can worsen gum disease, making it harder to treat, or reverse progress in your healing.