Now Open! What We're Doing to Keep You Safe and Healthy During COVID-19.
Skip to main content

Gum Disease Treatment


 

Periodontal (gum) disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis is a silent disease that can lead to tooth loss, cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and the list goes on. It is estimated that about 85 percent of the population has some stage of the disease. Periodontal disease may start in your mouth, but can spread throughout your body and cause or increase the risk of many life-threatening illnesses. Some signs of periodontal disease are:

  • Swollen/Inflamed gums
  • Bright red or purple gums
  • Receding gums (causing your teeth to look longer than normal)
  • Gums pulling away from your teeth
  • Bad taste in your mouth
  • Chronic/ consistent bad breath
  • Mouth sores
  • Loose teeth
  • Tender gums
  • Pus between your teeth and along the gum line

Although bacteria are the main cause of periodontal disease, there are many other factors that can cause periodontitis such as:

  • Pregnancy
  • Genetics
  • Poor diet/nutrition
  • Certain medications
  • Stress
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking

Once diagnosed with periodontal disease, Dr. Doris Giraldo will create a treatment plan and hygiene program that would work best for you. Some treatments include:

  • Periodontal maintenance
  • Scaling and root planing
  • Osseous surgery
  • Laser treatment
  • Arestin application

Periodontal disease can be prevented with proper hygiene, proper diet and staying away from tobacco products. Visit our office at least once every six months for your oral hygiene care, unless otherwise directed. Some patients need to come in more frequently due to their overall health condition, etc.

There are many types of periodontal diseases and they can affect individuals of all ages from children to seniors.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red and swollen and to bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral care at home.

Chronic periodontitis is a form of periodontal disease that results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth. Patients experience progressive loss of tissue attachment and bone. Chronic periodontitis is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of gum tissue and is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.

Aggressive periodontitis is a highly destructive form of periodontal disease that occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid loss of tissue attachment and destruction of bone. This disease may occur in localized or generalized patterns.

Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases. This form of periodontitis is associated with one of several systemic diseases, such as diabetes. Patients who have rare but specified blood diseases or genetic disorders frequently show signs of periodontal diseases.

Necrotizing periodontal diseases are infections characterized by necrosis (death) of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly associated with pain, bleeding, and a foul odor. Contributing factors can include emotional stress, tobacco use, and HIV infection. Contact us to schedule an appointment or for more information.

REQUEST MY APPOINTMENT

Location

New Dimension Dentistry
133 East 58th Street, Suite 506
Midtown Manhattan

New York, NY 10022
Phone: 631-540-2311
Fax: 212-751-1752

Office Hours

Get in touch

631-540-2311